I wasn't there to review beers or even go hunting for them; but as a beer reviewer you can’t help noticing what beers are on the shelves, no matter where you are!
Every supermarket I walked into had a surprisingly decent range of lagers, and they were cheap compared to our UK prices.
And much of it was really nothing too fancy either.
Just simple, decent beer that does exactly what you want it to, cool you down, taste clean, and not break the bank.
Three names stuck with me: Voll-Damm, 1906 Red Vintage, and Ambar Especial.
All of them decent.
All of them cheap.
Exactly what you want from a Spanish lager.
And I’ll be honest, while this wasn't a mind-blowing lager, our fridge was always stocked with Heifer from Font Salem.
And at 79p for a litre, it somehow tasted even more refreshing.
What Makes Spanish Lagers Work
Spanish lagers aren't built to impress craft beer drinkers, they are built for heat, long afternoons, and easy drinking. They are light, crisp, and clean, that's the brief, and most do it very well.
Estrella Damm, San Miguel, and Mahou were everywhere (supermarkets and restaurants).
They’re not complex, but they’re dependable.
- Estrella Damm brings a soft, bready flavour.
- San Miguel is lighter and sweeter.
- Mahou Clasica finishes dry and balanced.
TOP TIP: If you find San Miguel Selecta, give it a go.
It's a stronger, maltier version of the original lager we know, with toasted notes and a bit of depth. It actually does feel like a premium beer.
The Beers That Surprised Me
Spain's supermarket shelves have a few gems hiding among the big names.
Estrella Galicia stands out. slightly bitter, nicely balanced, and brewed in the cooler north; it feels closer to a German or Czech style.
Alhambra Reserva 1925 is another level altogether.
You’ll spot it instantly, green embossed bottle, no label.
Richer, darker, and with a caramel edge that gives it some weight. It’s one of those beers that feels a bit more special, even if it’s still easy to drink.
Then there’s Voll-Damm Doble Malta.
It’s got backbone, strong (7.2% ABV), malty, and full-flavoured.
More like a Märzen than a standard lager. It’s one of the few Spanish beers that genuinely stands up well outside the holiday glow (yeah, I brought a few of these cans back to the UK with me!).
How They Compare
Compared to the heavy hitters from Germany or the Czech Republic, Spanish lagers are a tad sweeter, lighter and more relaxed.
Less bitterness, less malt depth, more focus on drinkability.
They're made for warm weather, seafood, and long afternoons, not tasting flights or beer debates.
That's what I like about them. They know what they are and don't try to be anything else.
Final Thoughts
Spanish lagers might not blow anyone’s mind, but they nail the basics.
They’re cold, crisp, and honest.
Perfect for when you want something simple and refreshing without overthinking it.
If you fancy bringing a bit of that Spanish simplicity home, grab a few bottles, some of these are available
So if you find yourself in Spain, take alook at the beers here and give them a try,
And don’t overlook the cheap stuff, because when it’s 30°C+, a 79p litre of Heifer might just be the best beer you’ll drink all week.
My Top 5 Spanish Lagers to Try
- Estrella Galicia – Balanced, slightly bitter, perfect for everyday drinking.
- Alhambra Reserva 1925 – Darker, richer, and surprisingly flavourful.
- Voll-Damm Doble Malta – Strong, malty, and full-bodied.
- Ambar Especial - A simple lager, but with a lovely bitterness on the back end
- San Miguel Selecta – Maltier than standard San Miguel, with toasted notes
- El Aguila Sin Filtrar - Unfiltered, smooth, flavourful and easy drinking.
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