PretendPint

Which beers sold as foreign are brewed in Britain, and what to buy instead

Work in progress. We are still reading cans and settling where listings disagree. Seen a beer whose small print contradicts its label? Tell us.

What to buy at Sainsbury's, and what to check first

9 of the beers on this site have a Sainsbury's product page on record, read for the producer address and the strength on the pack. 2 are imported from the country on the label, 1 is British and says so and 5 are sold as foreign and brewed in Britain. The most searched-for names in the last group are Madrí Excepcional 0.0%, Cruzcampo Sevilla, Staropramen Premium Czech Lager and San Miguel Especial.

Read this first. A product page on record means the listing existed on the date shown; it does not mean the beer is in stock today. Prices are not recorded here, because they change weekly and differ by store and by pack: the link on each entry goes to Sainsbury's's own page, which shows the price on the day. Nothing on this page is chosen on taste, and no beer pays to appear. How to read the can itself.

Imported from the country on the label 2

The beer sold in Britain is brewed where the branding says. Where the version sold at home is stronger, the line under the card says so.

  1. Guinness Draught
    Imported from Ireland · 4.1% · sold as Irish
    Verified

    Brewed at St James's Gate, Dublin in Ireland. 4.1% here, against 4.2% at home.

  2. Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier
    Imported from Germany · 5.4% · sold as German
    Genuine import Verified

    Brewed at Freising, Bavaria in Germany. 5.4% here, the same as at home.

British, brewed in Britain, and says so 1

A British brand, brewed here and sold as British, whoever owns it.

  1. Korev
    St Austell · 4.8% · sold as British
    Honest British Verified

    British, brewed at St Austell, Cornwall. 4.8% here.

Split supply: check the can 1

Some packs are imported and some are brewed here. The producer address on the pack says which one you are holding.

  1. Mahou Cinco Estrellas
    Mixed supply · 4.8% · sold as Spanish
    Verified

    Some packs imported, some brewed here, 4.8% here. The pack says which.

Sold as foreign, brewed in Britain 5

The branding points at another country and the beer is brewed in Britain. Where the rules find enough beers that are what they say, there is a page of what to drink instead.

  1. Madrí Excepcional 0.0%
    Tadcaster · 0.0% · sold as Spanish
    Brewed here Verified

    Brewed at Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, 0.0% here.

  2. Cruzcampo Sevilla
    Manchester · 4.4% · sold as Spanish
    Brewed here Verified

    Brewed at Manchester, 4.4% here.

  3. Staropramen Premium Czech Lager
    Burton upon Trent · 5.0% · sold as Czech
    Brewed here Verified

    Brewed at Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire and Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, 5.0% here.

  4. San Miguel Especial
    Magor · 5.0% · sold as Spanish
    Brewed here Verified

    Brewed at Magor, Monmouthshire, South Wales and Samlesbury, Lancashire, 5.0% here.

  5. Coors Lager
    Burton upon Trent · 3.4% · sold as American
    Brewed here Verified

    Brewed at Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire and Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, 3.4% here.

Other supermarkets: Tesco · Ocado · Morrisons · Asda. What to look for on any shelf · The full list of what to buy instead

Spotted an error?Seen a listing or a pack that says something different? Send it and we will check. [email protected]