Jupiler Beer Review - Belgian Standard

February 18, 2023 Cameron Mackenzie

When travelling through Belgium, Jupiler is everywhere, in pubs, corner shops and even in McDonald’s. With the beer being so prevalent it is no surprise to learn that Jupiler is the most popular beer in Belgium. Although the Jupiler brewing company which was started by the Jupille based Piedbœuf family in 1853, has a long brewing history, Belgium’s number one beer is of relatively recent history. Launched in 1966 as the Jupiler 5 lager, named so after its alcohol percentage, it gained rapid popularity in Belgium due to what Jupiler claims is its ‘signature crisp taste and mellow flavours.

These ‘mellow flavours’ make Jupiler a pleasant beer that is very drinkable, but it also makes Jupiler a not particularly interesting or exciting beer to drink. Whilst Jupiler is Belgium’s number one beer, it is not the number one beer in Belgium.When thinking of Belgium and its beers, high percentages and intricate flavours found in beers such as Delerium and Tripel Karmeliet spring to mind. Jupiler while containing an alcohol percentage of 5.2%. which is generous for such a cheap beer, is relatively boring and simple in terms of flavours.

Jupiler is a crisp clear lager with a decent size head as expected of a lager. With its very light carbonation that comes through in the beer’s subtle tangy aftertaste, Jupiler goes down very smoothly. It is not a creamy beer but does have a slight thickness to it when compared to other cheap lagers. Jupiler is very pleasant to drink but compared to other cheap lagers found outside of Belgium, flavour wise Jupiler beer is nothing special. It appears then that Jupiler’s popularity is due to it being cheapand readily available. If Jupiler wasn’t a beer from Belgium it probably wouldn’t be so popular in Belgium compared to other similar beers on the market. In a way Jupiler acts as Belgium’s answer to Tennents or Carling.

Many people will also know the beer and branding from their sponsorship of the Belgian Pro League, aptly named the Jupiler Pro League. The Jupiler Pro League is Belgiums premier football division, hosting some of Europes oldest and best known clubs. Such names are familiar to football fans such as RSC Anderlecht (Belgiums most successful club), Club Brugge KV and R Union Saint-Gilloise. The latter famously defeating Rangers F.C in their UEFA Champions League qualifying round in 2022, leaving the Glasgow giants utterly stunned. Another interesting crossover between Scottish football and Jupiler was when Scottish side East Kilbride were sent 27 beer crates of Jupiler by Ajax legend Edwin Van Der Sar for breaking the Dutch clubs 26 Successive win record set in 1971-1972. He also recorded a personalised message for the Scottish team congratulating them for their incredible achievement.

Jupiler is by no means a bad beer, in fact it is very pleasant and easy to drink, however it does little to stand out compared to other lagers available in the UK market. If Jupiler was made more readily available in the UK perhaps it would gain popularity here also, however its limited availability is not a big loss for drinkers outside Belgium and the Netherlands where Jupiler is also very popular. Though not worth seeking out, if you’re travelling in Europe and looking for a beer that’s lightand refreshing, Jupiler is a solid option.

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