The Top 10 Beers of 2021
It's the list we've all been waiting for -- the Top 10 Beers of 2021 based on check-ins from around the world. For our third post in our series of Untappd Year in Beer for 2021, we're taking a look at the top ten beers of the year based on the total number of check-ins globally. But first, don't forget to check out the top ten breweries of 2021 and the top ten styles of 2021!
Check out what beers you checked into most this past year.
Looking for the best places to buy these beers? Our friends at Hop Culture rounded up the Best Sites to Buy Beer Online.
10. Traditional Lager - Yuengling Brewery
A newcomer to the top beers list in 2021, Yuengling's Traditional Lager overtakes last year's tenth-spot winner, Sierra Nevada's Hazy Little Thing. At over 78k check-ins, the beer famous for its rich amber color and subtly sweet, roasted caramel notes proves that an OG lager deserves to be a top checked-in beer.
4.5% ABV
12 IBU
462,446 Ratings
9. Stella Artois - Stella Artois
The old classic Stella Artois comes in at number nine for the second year in a row. A staple on draft in bars around the globe, Stella Artois was first brewed as a Christmas beer in Leuven. Named after the star of Christmas ("Stella") and founder Sebastian Artois, this pilsner proves that people do love lagers.
5% ABV
24 IBU
656,955 Ratings
8. Tripel Karmeliet - Brouwerij Bosteels
Although Tripel Karmeliet from Brouwerij Bosteels slipped back one spot to number eight, this is actually the second year in a row this beer cracked the top ten. The third highest-rated Belgian tripel on Untappd in 2021, Tripel Karmeliet comes from a beer recipe originating from the former Carmeliet monastery in Dendermonde in 1679. It's incredible that this historic beer continues to still excite beer fans today.
8.4% ABV
16 IBU
473,433 Ratings
7. Birra Moretti L'Autentica / Ricetta Originale - Birra Moretti
Another first-timer to the list, Birra Moretti L'Autentica / Ricetta Originale crashes the party in seventh place with almost 82k check-ins. This pale lager brewed in Italy comes from Birra Moretti, who hasn't changed its production process on this beer since 1859. The classic lager features a special blend of high-quality hops and lager yeast for a rich golden beer that clocks in at only 4.6% ABV.
4.6% ABV
12 IBU
429,009 Ratings
6. Miller Lite - Miller Brewing Co.
With just shy of 90k check-ins, Miller Lite jumps up two places from eighth to sixth in 2021. There's really not too much to say about this premium American light lager except that for the second year in a row it has continued to be the go-to macro beer of choice on Untappd. Will Bud Light or Coors Light unseat Miller Lite next year? Hasn't happened yet!
4.2% ABV
10 IBU
395,469 Ratings
5. IPA - Lagunitas Brewing Co.
For the second year in a row, Lagunitas' IPA is the second-highest rated IPA on Untappd's top beers of the year. Posting over 92k check-ins, this IPA kicks off our top five ratings. Although it should be noted that the beer has continually moved backwards each year, from three in 2019 to four in 2020 and now to five in 2021. Lagunitas' first seasonal back in 1995 continues to dominate the market. As the brewery likes to say, the hops and malt in this beer marry together to "balance it all out on your 'buds so you can knock back more than one without wearing yourself out." Lagunitas even brews a non-alcoholic version nowadays!
6.2% ABV
51 IBU
776,226 Ratings
4. Corona Extra - Groupo Modelo
Corona Extra from Grupo Modelo made a huge leap last year from eighth place all the way to third. While the beer that shares the same name with a global pandemic took one step back to fourth in 2021, it's still plain to see that this beer is a trendy one, especially over the summer. Maybe it's those Snoop Dogg commercials where the iconic rapper hands out bottle after bottle to folks on the beach. Because as Snoop proclaims, "Ain't nothing better than sharing a beer with your friends." We couldn't agree more. And at 92.7 million check-ins, Corona Extra seems to be the beer to enjoy with friends this year. Even if its from six feet apart.
4.6% ABV
18 IBU
650,066 Ratings
3. Punk IPA - BrewDog
The brewery that ranked third on Untappd's top breweries of the year also made Untappd's third most checked-in beer of the year with a crushing 98k check-ins. Punk IPA drops a spot from second last year, but it's still apparent this beer has benefitted from a robust e-commerce approach from the Scotland-based brewery during the pandemic. The beer that kick-started it all from BrewDog pushes the boundaries with tropical new-world hops. BrewDog calls Punk IPA an "all-out riot of grapefruit, pineapple, and lychee, followed by a spiky, bitter finish." We can't see the empire of Punk IPA falling down anytime soon.
5.2% ABV
35 IBU
543,621 Ratings
2. Heineken - Heineken
Last year Lagunitas IPA actually ranked higher than Heineken. But it seems the parent company has overtaken it's brand child, jumping an incredible three spots up to the number two position in 2021. This is actually the only beer on the list to make any leap in 2021. It's another classic European pale lager with a storied history. Brewed by Heineken International since 1873, Heineken's conspicuous green bottle can be found around the globe. Yet the revered Dutch brewery does continue to innovate. Following the release of a non-alcoholic version called Heineken 0.0 in 2019, the international brewery also launched its first seltzer called Pure Piraña this past spring. What will we see next from this monumental brewery in 2022? And can Heineken unseat the four-time winner below? Only time will tell.
5% ABV
23 IBU
675,024 Ratings
1. Guinness Draught - Guinness
Incredibly, Guinness Draught notched first place on Untappd's top beers list for a whopping fourth year in a row! And it wasn't even close. At over 188 thousand check-ins, Guinness Draught blew the competition out of the proverbial pub. As the next closest competitor, Heineken hit just under 107 thousand check-ins. While it's undeniable that Guinness Draught is best enjoyed in a pub in Dublin close to the source, you can find this Irish dry stout almost anywhere. We love how Guinness describes this beer on Untappd: "Swirling clouds tumble as the storm begins to calm. Settle. Breathe in the moment, then break through the smooth, light head to the bittersweet reward. Unmistakable GUINNESS, from the first velvet sip to the last, lingering drop. And every deep-dark satisfying mouthful in between. Pure beauty. Pure GUINNESS." Excuse us while we go enjoy a pint of Guinness Draught and toast to this four-time champion.
4.2% ABV
45 IBU
897,219 Ratings
What was your most checked-in beer of the year? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for even more? Our friends at Hop Culture rounded up their picks for the 12 Best New Breweries of the Year.
Interested in seeing these stats all year round? Becoming an Untappd Insider gets you access to personalized data whenever you want! Learn more about your habits with in-depth analytics. Easily see activity trends, your favorite locations, your top beer styles, and much more.
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