In part one of “Beers Around the World,” D.J. Jones and his team of experts examined the various beers available in Epcot’s World Showcase. Here is part two of their global journey.
Kirin Beer Tap
After several hours of tedious research, the combination of the Florida sun and beer had begun to take its toll. So the research team and I decided to head back to our hotel where we would take in a much needed nap. Feeling refreshed and ready to complete our “Around the World” journey, we returned to Epcot and picked up where we had left off, which was halfway around the “World” in…..well, America.
America
We entered the American pavilion’s Liberty Inn, where Bud Light and Samuel Adams Boston Lager were both available on draft. While either of those would have been an acceptable choice, I decided to wait on ordering as my gut told me something better lay on the horizon.
My patience soon paid off, as I was astonished to find Sam Adams “Boston Brick Red” on draft at a nearby ice cream cart. The beautiful amber color of this beer was only surpassed by its incredible body of flavor. I later was told that this beer has been limited in distribution to only Boston area bars, which makes finding it in the World Showcase that much more impressive.
The Samuel Adams Boston Brick Red
Japan
Next we journeyed back across the Pacific to the Japanese pavilion. There we found on draft Kirin Ichiban and Kirin Light, available at both the Yakitori House counter service, as well as a beverage stand outside the pavilion.
In contrast to the Tsing Tao we found at the Chinese pavilion, Kirin Ichiban features a smooth and crisp flavor, which to many, myself included, would be hard to identify as Asian.
Kirin Ichiban meditating next to Japan’s Koi pond
Morocco
Resisting the intense urge to have dinner at Japan’s Teppan Edo, our research team stayed focused to the cause by moving on to Africa and the Morocco pavilion.
Given I had never heard of a Moroccan beer, it did not surprise me to find Casablanca (Casa) as the only option available, as well as the old standbys of Bud, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra. I found the Casa to be rather dry in flavor, and it was the first time all day I wished I had ordered something different.
“We’ll always have Paris…”
France
Following Morocco, the team and I made the short journey across the Mediterranean to France. Ordering a beer in this pavilion would be a first for me, as I’m usually drawn to the irresistible Grey Goose Slushie.
Sticking to the task at hand, I ordered the Kronenbourg 1664 and found it light and refreshing. Like Morocco, this was the only option for beer, but this is forgivable, as limiting their selection leaves more room for bottles of Grey Goose.
With everything listed above it, it’s no wonder this was my first Kronenbourg.
United Kingdom
Next we traveled across the English Channel to beer lover’s Utopia, the United Kingdom. We paid a visit to the beer stand outside Rose & Crown, which featured Stella Artois and Bass on draft, as well as Guinness by the can.
I ordered a pint of Bass, which in full disclosure has always been my favorite beer (ale). Its familiar taste always brings a smile to my face, especially when I hear The British Invasion (now known as The English Channel) playing in the background.
Two of my favorite things...A Bass and the Rose & Crown
In addition to the Rose and Crown beverage stand, there are a few other outlets for beer in the U.K. Those stopping at the Fish and Chips stand for a snack will find pints of Bass and Harp available on draft.
Inside the Rose and Crown bar, one will find a lively atmosphere, and several other excellent brews on draft such as Boddingtons and Guinness. Needless to say, with so many great options for beer, the research team was delayed in the U.K. for quite some time, but I was determined to complete our journey.
Menu at Rose and Crown Beer Stand
Canada
Finally, we reached the final destination on our “Beers Around the World” tour, and visited our friendly neighbors to the North: Canada. Outside the Le Cellier Steakhouse we found the pavilion’s beverage stand, where Moosehead, Moosehead Light, and Labatt Blue are carried on draft.
I enjoyed a Moosehead, which features a mild and straightforward taste that I might have appreciated more had it not been preceded by my beloved Bass. For those visiting during the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, I find that a Moosehead and the Maple Glazed Salmon make a perfect pairing.
The beer offerings in Canada
After a full day of painstaking research, I’m confident that my team and I left no tap unpulled in our quest to examine the beers of Epcot’s World Showcase. Whether you visit all 11 countries like us, or just a few here and there, it certainly is hard to beat the combination of Disney, friends, and beer. And so with the journey now complete, I ask….
Do you agree with our assessment? What’s your favorite brew in the World Showcase? Let us know in the comments section below!
D.J. is a lifelong Disney fan from Ocala, Florida. You can follow all of his adventures at The World of Deej.
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YOU CAN’T BEAT A COLD HARP ON A HOT DAY!
If you’re heading to the Rose & Crown Pub, I’d recommend going inside and ordering one of their unique pub blends such as the Bumblebee (Boddingtons and Guinness) or the Golden Fox (Boddingtons and Bass). Or, simply a nice, smooth Boddingtons. While Boddington’s can these days be found more regularly in grocery stores, etc., especially in larger cities, it’s still a bit more difficult to find that Bass or Harp, so may offer a more unique experience. But then again, if you know what you like, and are looking for that particular taste to cool you down, there’s no harm in sticking with it! Along those lines, while commonplace and easy to find, I am always surprised that the Rose & Crown does not carry my go-to beer, Newcastle. I’d also like to see them carry some of the more hard-to-find English beers, such as Tetley’s or Fuller’s.
I can’t believe you finished this before dark AND took a nap. That’s some impressive work right there! I hope you turned right back around after Canada and finished the day in Rose & Crown!
Deej – really enjoyed the trip around the world. I have a 3 part series on my site this week about Disney “crawls.” Part 1 went up yesterday and parts 2 and 3 will go up Wednesday and Thursday.
Ben – love me some newcastle.
I like the fact that the American Pavilion offers a limited edition Sam Adams beer. It’s a special location and deserves a special beer. It is disappointing that the Japanese choice is a mass produced beer that is actually brewed at the Anheuser Busch Brewery in L.A. There are now many microbreweries in Japan and perhaps they could bring in some of those.
It’s nice that Morocco serves the Casa(blanca) beer but unless it is fresh and stored correctly it can go bad very quickly.
I wish the Canadian area would serve some beers from Unibroue (Fin du Monde, Maudite, Trois Pistole etc.)
Discovered Moretti La Rossa at Via Napoli and we now serve it at the Italian Restaurant where I work in SC – I am turning on tons of people to this beer and letting them all know where I first enjoyed it. Also found joy in a Golden Pub Blend at the Rose & Crown (1/2 Bass, 1/2 Harp). Great Report!!
The best beers in the Canada pavilion are found in Le Cellier; Unibroue’s La Fin du Monde and Maudite can be found there.
One side note about America in the World Pavilion is if you attend during the Food and Wine Festival, you will find one of the booths dedicated to Sam Adam’s and all of their flavors either on draft or in the bottle. This is a great place to check out the flavors you’ve been tempted to buy but were unsure about.
NO WAY!!! Boston Brick Red at Disney?! Soooo happy to hear that! I’ve only ever seen it in Boston, and since I live in NJ, I don’t get to have it often. It’s a wonderful beer. Thanks for this info!
Overall, I think the beer selection in the World Showcase is incredibly underwhelming. I agree with Ben about trying some blends in R&C, but my biggest suggestion would be to try some of the Unibroue beers served in Le Cellier. I have no clue why these beers aren’t served at the beer stand in Canada, but they are far superior to what’s served out there.
@Tom and Scott….Just what I need…another reason to visit Le Cellier:)
@Gigi…I was surprised also. This research was conducted last month, but I can confirm that as of Saturday it was still there.
@Mark…I actually read and commented on your post yesterday!
@NT3…What can I say…we were dedicated to the cause…
This two-part series has been awesome! I’m heading there next week for a few days and plan to do an “around-the-world” tour. I usually drink the Sam Adams Boston Lager at any place that only carries big-brewery domestics, but I’m thrilled to see the Brick Red available!! I’ve heard so much about it and cant wait to try it (and missed out on doing this during my most recent trip to Boston), so that will be great. I hope they still have it when I’m there, and havent replaced it with the summer selections. I find it a little strange that the US selections are pretty limited when compared to the Rose and Crown, especially with the growing microbrew craze. Like Alan, I wish the Canada station would have some Unibroue beers, Maudite on tap is fantastic (one of my favorite belgian strong ales). Also, something other than kirin ichiban would be nice, but I’m still thrilled to have this selection all in one place. Thanks for the recommendations!
My wife’s words… “Beer is so nasty, bring on the Ice Wine!” HA!
Just echoing the comments above regarding Moretti La Rossa at Via Napoli. If you’re like me and enjoy big-flavored, malty beers with a potent alcohol kick then go in and order yourself a pitcher, you won’t be disappointed.
While they are available in Le Cellier missing from the outside popcorn stand in Canada are the bottles of craft style Canadian Beers and Ales. Probably they have been gone from the outside for at least 7 or 8 years. The ales were as good as any American craft brew. Which leads to my motto why drin beer when you can have an ale.
I have some frustration regarding beer in world showcase. Being a home brewer and completely obsessed with beer and WDW, there is much left to be desired with the selection. Some observations (maybe someone from disney is reading).
1. Germany has so many more beer styles than pils and oktoberfest (which has morphed into strong pils.) Bring back the Spaten Optimator, a Hefeweizen (even Sierra Nevada Kellerweis), or the Altbier from F&W festival.
2. There is not one authentic english ale at the Rose & Crown. You can buy any of that beer at any gas station in america. Where is the Fuller’s, Whitbread, Blacksheep, Samuel Smiths, Thornbridge? At least one proper bitter?
3. La Rossa is a great new selection in Italy. It is a pretty good example of a doppelbock. DONT SERVE IT IN A FROSTED MUG. The colder the beer, the less you taste.
4. America is the greatest beer country in the world. There are more beer styles available here than any other country. While I respect the brewery, limiting the selection to Sam Adams is just sad. Especially during Food & Wine.
5. Everyone should check out the Big River Brewery at the boardwalk. Its a nice break from Epcot in the afternoon. While the beer is not perfect, it is as fresh as it gets. They make a great Czech Pilsner that will suit even the most unexpirienced beer drinker’s palate. And it is even served in proper glassware. The red ale is a nice fresh and hoppy american amber.
6. I am happy to see Abita beers being served at the Port Orleans Resorts. Nicely Done.
The food & wine options at Walt Disney World are world class at times. That can’t be said for beer. Its time that changes.
Prost!