When you are in the Caribbean, you should drink Caribbean beer -- it's that simple. These are beers brewed in and designed for the tropics -- typically light and smooth lagers, they go down easy on a hot sunny day. There are more than a dozen major Caribbean brews to choose from, including popular favorites like Red Stripe and Carib, the unique "Man's Beer" Stag from Trinidad, and the uniquely Bahamian Kalik. Try 'em all!
Balashi, Aruba
This all-malt pilsner is the national beer of Aruba. You can tour the Balashi brewery in Oranjestad when visiting the island.
Banks, Barbados
This pilsner-style lager is brewed by the Banks Barbados Brewery, which also makes amber, stout, and light versions of the brew. The brewery in Barbados' St. Michael parish offers tours to the public.
Biere Lorriane, Martinique
This American-style lager can be found in bars across Martinique, where it is locally brewed.
Bucanero, Cuba
Classic Cuban lager brewed in Holguin.
Carib, Trinidad and Tobago
One of the most popular beers in the Caribbean, and sold in many islands beyond its native Trinidad, Carib is an American Adjunct Lager.
Caybrew, Cayman Islands
Caybrew is a European Style Pale Lager produced by Cayman Islands Brewing, Ltd., which also makes a Caybrew Light, White Tip Lager, and a hearty Ironshore Bock. The Grand Cayman brewery was founded in 2007 and is open to the public for tours.
Kalik, Bahamas
Part of the Heineken family of beer brands, Kalik is brewed by Commonwealth Brewery in Nassau, Bahamas. The name for this mellow lager comes from the distinctive sound made by cowbells during the islands' annual Junkanoo celebration. Light and heavier "gold" versions of Kalik also are sold. With about 7 percent alcohol, the regular Kalik has a decent kick.
Kubuli, Dominica
This light, German style lager bears a shortened version of the Carib Indian name for this island of Dominica and is made with spring water from the "nature island" of the Caribbean.
Medalla Light, Puerto Rico
This popular pale lager is brewed in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and sold everywhere on the island.
Piton, St. Lucia
Named for St. Lucia's signature mountain peaks, Piton is a American Adjunct Lager produced on-island by the Windward & Leeward Brewing Company, which also brews Heineken, Guinness, and Strongbow cider under license.
Presidente, Dominican Republic
This American Adjunct Lager is the most popular beer in the Dominican Republic and, like Red Strip and Carib, can be found on U.S. store shelves, as well.
Prestige, Haiti
An American-style lager, Prestige has been brewed in Haiti for several decades and is now the most popular brand of beer on the island. The beer was honored with a gold medal in the World Beer Cup in 2000.
Red Stripe, Jamaica
A beer that's nearly synonymous with the Caribbean, Red Stripe is a world-famous export from Jamaica like reggae and rum. Unlike most Caribbean beers, it's a full-bodied lager with a uniquely sweet flavor, packaged in distinctive squat, dark-glass, 12-ounce bottles. There's also a Red Stripe Light version of the beer, and brewer Desnoes & Geddes of Kingston also makes Dragon Stout and the popular non-alcoholic Malta beverage.
Sands, Bahamas
Brewed on Grand Bahama Island, Sands is a pale lager from Bahamian Brewery and Beverage, which also makes a Sands Light, Strong Back Stout, and High Rock premium lager.
Stag, Trinidad and Tobago
Unabashedly billed as "A Man's Beer," Stag is a European Style Lager brewed by the same Trinidad and Tobago company that makes the lighter Carib. Despite its macho advertising, however, it's not especially strong -- just 5.5 percent alcohol by volume.
Wadadli, Antigua
Wadadli is a pale lager that reflects the original native name for Antigua.
By Robert Curley, About.com Guide
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