The Swiss beer scene has been evolving rapidly since the days of the beer cartel. Nowadays, there are many beers to try, but if you want to get an overview of what the Swiss beer landscape looks like, you should check out these 10 essential beers. Be aware that some of them will be hard, if not impossible, to find, but we like to give you a challenge. These beers are essential because they represent the diversity, creativity, and quality of Swiss brewing.
1. Amor Fati - WhiteFrontier
Amor Fati is a lively, powerful IPA with distinct grapefruit notes. With an ABV of 6.5% and an IBU of 21, this golden blonde brew features fruity and floral notes that make it stand out. One of the top-rated American IPAs in Switzerland, Amor Fati is easy to find and has been a staple in the Swiss craft beer scene. It's part of the core range of WhiteFrontier Brewery, and it's crafted using a blend of Centennial, Comet, Mosaic, and Idaho 7 hops. Amor Fati represents the Swiss beer industry’s ability to produce high-quality IPAs that can compete on an international level.
2. Bright Eyes - Welcome Stranger
Bright Eyes is a modern, crisp pale ale with an ABV of 5.2%. It’s brewed by Dave, a brewmaster who gained his brewing experience at SweetWater in the US and BFM in Switzerland. This extra pale ale is dry-hopped for subtle notes of citrus, berry, and pine, making it a balanced and flavorful brew. Dave's focus on creating low-ABV beers with lots of flavor is important for the Swiss beer scene, offering a refreshing and flavorful option that’s perfect for session drinking. Bright Eyes highlights the creativity and skill of Swiss brewers in brewing complex beers with lower alcohol content.
3. Hop Squeezer Series - St. Laurentius
Hop Squeezer is a series of hazy DDH IPAs released every couple of months with new hops, yeast, or other variations. Currently, on its 14th iteration, it’s brewed with Mega Motueka from Freestyle Hops, a unique blend combining Motueka and Phantasm. Packed with thiols, this beer delivers intense passion fruit and lime aromas, complemented by vibrant layers of grapefruit and guava thanks to the Omega yeast. The series is unique in Switzerland for its focus on exploring different hop combinations, making each release a new and exciting experience. You can definitely feel that John and his team of hop-heads at St. Laurentius know what they're doing.
4. Zirma - Arbànt
Zirma is a classic Saison from the small brewery Arbànt in Ticino, brewed with local organic ingredients. With an ABV of 7.2% and 28 IBUs, this beer is complex and lively, featuring a rustic character with a hoppy, dry finish. Fabio, the mastermind behind this blendery, uses Swiss Cascade and Spalter hops, as well as malt from Malteria Ticinese and Swiss raw wheat. Zirma’s use of local and organic ingredients showcases the dedication to quality and sustainability in Swiss brewing. This beer is versatile in food pairings and excellent on its own, making it a standout in the Swiss craft beer scene.
5. Salsa Verde - À Tue-Tête
Salsa Verde is a golden sour ale with tomatillos, jalapeño peppers, lime, and cilantro, clocking in at 6.5% ABV. À Tue-Tête, led by Julien, is already one of the most sought-after sour beer producers in the world. Known for creating outstanding beers, this brewery has garnered a cult following. Salsa Verde’s unique combination of ingredients and flavors makes it a standout in the Swiss beer scene. Julien’s expertise and dedication to crafting exceptional sours have placed À Tue-Tête at the forefront of the global sour beer movement. For more insights into Julien’s brewing philosophy, check out our interview with him here.
6. Prunus Persica - L'Apaisée
Prunus Persica is part of a series of barrel-aged sour beers macerated with different varieties of Demeter-certified peaches. This beer is a testament to Xavier’s genius. Operating in Geneva, Xavier Righetti, co-founder of l'Apaisse, also runs La Jonquille, a bar with 36 taps of local beers. Prunus Persica, with its complex and delightful peach flavors, shows how different types of peaches influence the beer. The barrel aging adds depth and complexity, making this beer a true masterpiece. Xavier’s ability to blend fruit and beer in such a harmonious way is a testament to his skill and creativity.
7. L’Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien - BFM
Of course, we can't forget about Switzerland's most famous beer, L'Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien. The name itself is a winner – it translates to "Abbey of the Good Dog," and "Good Dog" was the name of one of the brewery's cats (who sadly is no longer with us, but still immortalized in the beer’s name!). But don’t let the heartwarming backstory fool you; this barrel-aged strong sour ale brewed by BFM from the canton of Jura is no pushover. With an ABV of 11%, it's aged in wine barrels for a year, resulting in a beer that's as sophisticated as it is complex. In fact, The New York Times once called it the best barrel-aged sour in the world. Talk about a pedigree! With its fruity balsamic acidity and the depth of fine wine, L'Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien is a staple of the Swiss craft beer scene. It pairs beautifully with rich dishes like lamb confit and Belgian carbonnade, making it the perfect companion for a cozy meal. Its legacy and acclaim have cemented its place as one of Switzerland’s most iconic brews, and it's famous around the world.
8. Swiss Federal Stout - Hoppy People
The 2023 edition of the Barrel Aged Swiss Federal Stout was aged for 24 months in Heaven Hill bourbon barrels, resulting in a rich, matured imperial stout with an ABV of 15%. Known for its bold interplay of bourbon and malt, this beer is a must-try. Located in Sierre, Valais, Hoppy People was founded in 2016 by Olivier Brighenti and David Bonjour. Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in their solar-powered brewery. The Swiss Federal Stout is known for its creamy mouthfeel and complex flavor profile, making it one of the best imperial stouts in Switzerland. Each annual release is highly anticipated, showcasing the best of Swiss barrel-aged stouts.
9. La Fraîcheur - Trois Dames
La Fraîcheur is a classic Belgian Wheat beer with an ABV of 5%. Composed of 50% wheat and 50% barley, it features citrus notes from bitter oranges and refreshing coriander. Although Trois Dames no longer exists, this beer was one of their flagships. Trois Dames was known for its innovative approach to brewing, particularly with their sours, leaving a significant mark on the Swiss craft beer scene. Founded by Raphael Mettler in 2003, the brewery never aimed for rapid growth; instead, it focused on quality and creativity. Their beers were distinguished by unique flavor profiles, including a jalapeño beer that delivered jalapeño flavor without the heat, and their superb espresso stout. Finding a Trois Dames beer is now a challenge, making it a coveted item for Swiss beer enthusiasts. La Fraîcheur, or any other Trois Dames beer, represents the brewery’s legacy and its significant impact on the Swiss craft beer scene.
10. Samichlaus - Hürlimann
Originally brewed by Hürlimann in Zurich, Samichlaus is a legendary strong lager with a 14% ABV, brewed once a year on Nikolaustag. It was once the strongest beer in the world and represents the only beer style ever invented in Switzerland. What makes it even more special is the unique Hürlimann yeast strain used in its brewing process, which imparts a distinctive character to the beer, especially as it has a significantly higher resistance to alcohol than other brewing yeasts. Production by Hürlimann stopped in 1997 after being taken over by Feldschlösschen, but Schloss Eggenberg in Austria has continued brewing it since 2000. The original Hürlimann version, with its iconic yeast, is a rare gem for Swiss beer enthusiasts, often found only on auction sites like Ricardo. We were able to get our hands on some bottles ourselves recently. Samichlaus is a true piece of Swiss brewing history, making it a must-try for any serious beer lover.
These ten beers showcase the diversity and innovation of the Swiss craft beer scene, offering something for every palate and illustrating why Swiss brewers are gaining international recognition. Happy hunting and enjoy the challenge of finding these exceptional brews!
Which is your favorite Swiss beer? Let us know in the comments below! Cheers,
Your Zurich Beer Tour Guides
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