Who cares if we get zero points (again), embarrass ourselves on an international scale or put on unapologetic displays of unrivalled campery; nil pour us a beer and let’s sing along like we know what language we’re slurring. The Eurovision Song Contest returns to our screens on May 14, and for all the glitter balls, brightly coloured flags and sequinned boleros, we’re excited. What better way to get into the festivities, and rile us up to shout about ‘political voting’, than by throwing back a selection of snifters from across Europe. To celebrate 60 years of the contest, the experts at There’s A Beer For That, Britain’s industry alliance with over 90 members, have selected the top 10 beers to enjoy during the event based on the bookies’ favourites to scoop crown. Despite a sterling track record, the UK’s entry only made it to number 24. Nonetheless There’s A Beer For That took pity on us hopeful countrymen and included a recommendation anyway.
#24 – United Kingdom 101/1
Recommendation: Meantime IPA
Available From: Ocado and Waitrose RRP: £5.35 ABV: 6.9% “While our nominated act might not be a top 10 contender, Meantime IPA is certainly an excellent consolation prize. Meantime has a slightly roasted malt profile with plenty of sweetness and lots of citrusy hops, which lighten the beer and create a lingering bitter finish.”
#1 Russia 3/1
Recommendation: Baltika
Available From: Tesco, Sainsbury’s and ASDA RRP: £3.00 (x6) ABV: 0% “Baltika is the only one for you if you’re supporting Russia during Eurovision. This light, alcohol-free, aromatic beer has a refined flavour and is served in the finest restaurants and bars of St. Petersburg, Moscow. The beer possesses a unique taste and a subtle aroma.”
#2 – France 4/1
Recommendation: Bellerose Biere Blonde
Available From: Beers of Europe RRP: £2.19 ABV: 6.5% “[France’s entry] Amir is looking strong in second place for the running at this year’s contest. Why not accompany his performance with something a little bit different from France? Bellerose Biere Blonde contains three different hops collected from three continents, making it a mix between the French ‘Biere de Garde’ style and an IPA.”
#3 – Australia 13/1
Recommendation: Foster’s
Available From: Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons RRP: £3.50 (x4) ABV: 5.0% “Eurovision has officially welcomed Australia for the second time! First brewed in Melborne by William and Ralph Foster, this Aussie lager is light-coloured, presenting full malt character with balanced clean hop bitterness. Combined with a slightly hoppy, but yeasty/malty nose, Foster’s is the ultimate ice-cold refreshment.”
#4 – Sweden 15:1
Recommendation: Pistonhead
Available From: Beers of Europe RRP: £1.79 ABV: 4.60% “Crafted in a self-proclaimed ‘brutal brewing workshop’, Sweden’s Pistonhead beer – AKA the ‘kustom lager’ – is a smooth, no-nonsense brew. It’s a dry beer with cascade and amarillo hops to offer a spicy citrus edge. Plus, the beer is organic, and glows in the dark!”
#5 – Bulgaria 17/1
Recommendation: Zagorka
Available From: Beer Here RRP: £1.99 ABV: 5.5% “Easily recognised for its rich flavour, pleasantly bitter taste, and 5% alcoholic content. Thanks to its quality ingredients, Zagorka is a true innovator of the beer market.”
#6 – Malta 17/1
Recommendation: Cisk
Available From: Beers of Europe RRP: £1.59 ABV: 5.0% “Cisk was launched in Malta in 1928. It is a golden-coloured lager with a distinctive and well-balanced character. Its rich hop aroma and pleasant bitterness, combined with a mild astringency, make it an outstanding thirst-quencher.”
#7 – Ukraine 21/1
Recommendation: Obolon Lager
Available From: Beers of Europe RRP: £1.89 ABV: 5.0% “Celebrate Ukraine with its famous Obolon Lager. It’s a deeply fermented beer with hoppy bitterness and flavour. Expect grassy aromas and a bittersweet finish, pure gold in colour and has a strong foamy head.”
#8 – Latvia 23/1
Recommendation: Aldaris Porteris
Available From: Beers of Europe RRP: £2.89 ABV: 6.8% “Aldaris Porteris is a strong beer so perfectly matches Latvia’s Eurovision entry [Justs – Heartbeat]. It contains a hint of caramel and wine which may also be detected in the aroma.”
#9 – Armenia 23/1
Recommendation: Ararat
Available From: Beer Here RRP: £2.19 ABV: 4.5% “This Armenian beer is light in colour, while providing waves of apple, floral notes and a cookie dough aroma. Its grainy sweetness overpowers the bitter notes while pouring clear and crisp with a bouncy head.”
#10 – Serbia 26/1
Recommendation: Jelen Pivo
Available From: Jelen Pivo RRP: £1.49 ABV: 5.0% “Jelen Pivo is the leading core lager brand in Serbia-Montenegro. This golden bitter beer will provide fresh grassy notes combined with warm honey tones. A bright and light hoppy lager makes for an easy drinking beer.”
