Overview “Franziskaner” is the German name for a Franciscan monk, but unlike the monastic Paulaner brewery, this brewery was named for its location across the street from a Franciscan abbey. Operations were merged with Spaten in 1922.

Overview Heineken is the Budweiser of Europe, a megabrand on whom every possible opinion has been levied—it’s weak, it’s flavorful, it’s the best of its kind, it’s the worst of its kind. It’s highly unlikely that you do not already have your own strong opinion about this beer, but here’s ours: it’s so frequently skunked that it’s never worth ordering in the bottle. On tap, it’s a different matter entirely.

Overview Spiced with coriander and bitter orange peel, Hoegaarden—produced in the city of the same name—is generally regarded as the standard measure for the Belgian witbier style (“white beer,” a category of wheat beer). The brewery makes several beers, but this is the best-known and most widely available.