Brahma was founded in Rio de Janeiro in 1888 by Swiss immigrant Joseph Villiger, making it one of the oldest breweries in Brazil. It later became the founding brand of AmBev after a 1999 merger, and that company eventually became part of AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer. Brahma is Brazil’s best-selling beer brand, a fixture at every churrasco, beach bar and Carnival celebration across the country, and its slogan Numero 1 is not an exaggeration of its market position.
Brahma Beer Review at a Glance
| Style | American-style pale lager |
| ABV | 4.3% |
| Brewery | AmBev (AB InBev) |
| Country | Brazil |
| Serving temp | 2 to 4 C (35 to 39 F), very cold |
| US availability | Total Wine and select specialty retailers |
How It Tastes
Brahma pours a clear pale gold with a creamy, moderately persistent head, better than most beers at this price point. The aroma is grainy with a light sweetness. On the palate it feels crisp and clean with a touch more malt body than a typical macro lager, and the finish is light and refreshing rather than watery. It is not complex, but it holds together better than a lot of mass-market lagers, especially served ice cold the way it is meant to be enjoyed.
It is the beer of Brazilian beach culture, built to survive the heat and disappear by the six-pack.
- Cleaner, more balanced than many macro lagers in its class
- Long, genuine brewing history in Brazil
- Very refreshing served cold
- Widely available at Total Wine and specialty stores in the US
- Not stocked on Saucey at the time of writing
- Light body may feel thin for craft beer drinkers
- Best fresh and very cold, loses appeal at room temperature
Brahma is Brazil’s best-selling beer but is not sold through US delivery apps. Presidente is a comparable US-available Latin American pilsner.
FAQs
Is Brahma a Brazilian beer?
Yes. Brahma was founded in Rio de Janeiro in 1888 and is Brazil’s best-selling beer, now owned by AB InBev.
How strong is Brahma beer?
Brahma Chopp is 4.3% ABV, in line with standard American-style pale lagers.
Who owns Brahma?
Brahma is owned by AmBev, part of AB InBev, the world’s largest brewing company.
Can you buy Brahma in the US?
Yes. Brahma is available at Total Wine and other specialty retailers, though it is not currently listed on Saucey.
