Portugal boasts sunshine, stunning scenery, and of course, delicious beer. But venturing into a bar and simply saying “cerveja” (beer) might not get you exactly what you desire. Fear not, fellow beer enthusiast! This guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the world of Portuguese beer with confidence, from understanding sizes to exploring local favorites.
COMMON BEER TYPES: UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS
Portugal boasts a variety of beer styles, ranging from light lagers to robust craft brews. Common types include:
‘Cerveja’ (lager beer)
‘Cerveja preta’ (stout beer)
‘Cerveja de pressão’ (draft beer)
‘Cerveja artesanal’ (craft beer)
‘Cerveja sem álcool’ (beer without alcohol)
‘Radler’ or ‘Green’ (beer with lemon juice)
‘Panaché’ (beer with 7Up or Sprite)
‘Tango’ (beer with red currant juice – ‘groselha’)
‘Diesel’ (beer with Coca-Cola)
Size Matters: Choosing Your Perfect Pour
Unlike some countries with a standard beer size, Portugal offers a delightful variety. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:
Lambreta (15cl): The smallest of all sizes. Not very common these days though.
Fino (20cl): Venture north and you’ll encounter the ‘fino’, a smaller glass ideal for those who prefer a quick beer or want to sample different options.
Imperial (20cl): The reigning champion in central and southern Portugal. This medium-sized glass is perfect for quenching your thirst without overwhelming your taste buds.
Mini (25cl): A tiny bottle for a tiny thirst, the ‘mini’ is a convenient grab-and-go option.
Príncipe (30cl): Similar to a ‘imperial’ or ‘fino’ but taller.
Garrafa (33cl): Craving a classic bottled beer? Ask for “uma garrafa de…” followed by the brand name.
Tulipa (40cl): This tulip-shaped glass, though less common than others, is gaining popularity.
Caneca (50cl): Feeling parched? The ‘caneca’ is your answer. This mug holds a hefty 50cl, perfect for a long, leisurely drink.
Brand Breakdown: Charting the Portuguese Beer Landscape
Portugal’s beer scene is dominated by two titans: ‘Super Bock’ and ‘Sagres’.
‘Super Bock’, brewed in the north, boasts a slightly stronger flavor profile, while ‘Sagres’, hailing from the south, offers a crisp, refreshing taste. Both are excellent choices, readily available throughout the country.
However, Portugal’s craft beer scene is flourishing. Keep an eye out for regional gems like ‘Sovina’, ‘Letra’, and ‘Musa’. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask your server for a recommendation – they’ll be happy to introduce you to local favorites.
Island Brews: A Taste of Paradise
The Azores and Madeira, Portugal’s stunning archipelagos, boast their own unique brews.
On the Azores, quench your thirst with a refreshing ‘Especial’.
Madeira offers ‘Coral’, a crisp lager brewed with locally sourced ingredients.
Beyond the Beer: Essential Portuguese Phrases
Now that you’ve mastered the art of ordering, here are some handy phrases to order beer in Portugal:
“Um fino, por favor.”
“Uma imperial, por favor.”
“Duas minis, por favor.”
“Uma garrafa de Super Bock/Sagres, por favor.”
“O que recomenda?” (What do you recommend?)
“Saúde!” (Cheers!) – the most common toast
“À nossa!” (To us!) – a more intimate toast
“Tchim tchim!” (Cheers!) – a fun, informal toast mimicking glasses clinking
“Mais uma, por favor.” (One more, please.)
“Traga-me outro/a, por favor.” (Bring me another one, please.)
With this newfound knowledge, you’re well on your way to navigating the exciting world of Portuguese beer. So, raise a glass, say “Saúde!”, and get ready to experience the unique flavors and culture that Portugal has to offer!
