Estrella Damm is the flagship beer of Barcelona, brewed by Damm since 1876 and marketed as a Mediterranean lager made with barley, rice and hops. It is crisp and clean like the other European lagers but with a slightly fuller, more balanced character, which has helped it build a strong following well beyond Spain. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and where it lands.
Estrella Damm at a glance
| Style | Spanish lager |
| ABV | 4.6% |
| Calories | Around 140 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 11g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Damm, Barcelona, Spain |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, rice, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Estrella Damm is a crisp, balanced Mediterranean lager, a little fuller and rounder than the lightest imports but still clean and refreshing.
The full review
It pours clear pale gold with a firm white head. The aroma is clean and grainy with a soft malt sweetness and a light hop note, a touch fuller and more balanced than the lightest lagers.
On the palate it is crisp and smooth with a light malt body, a soft sweetness from the rice and barley, and a clean, gently bitter finish. It has a little more roundness and balance than a Corona or a Sol, which gives it broader appeal and makes it satisfying rather than just thirst-quenching.
It is a genuinely likable everyday lager that suits sunshine and food alike, and it pairs naturally with the Mediterranean cooking it is built around, from tapas to seafood. Served cold it is crisp and easy, with just enough character to keep it interesting.
Value is fair for an import. It costs about the same as the other European lagers but offers a touch more balance and quality, which makes it an easy recommendation.
A balanced Mediterranean lager that punches a little above the light-import crowd.
- Crisp, balanced and smooth
- A touch fuller than the lightest lagers
- Great with Mediterranean food
- Widely liked and well made
- Still a fairly light lager
- Import pricing
- Not complex enough for slow sipping
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a crisp, balanced European lager with a little more body than the lightest imports. If you like this, a Peroni or a Heineken are natural comparisons.
Estrella Damm FAQs
What does Estrella Damm taste like?
Crisp and smooth with a light malt body, a soft rice-and-barley sweetness and a clean, gently bitter finish. Balanced and a touch fuller than the lightest lagers.
How strong is Estrella Damm?
It is 4.6% ABV, standard-strength for a lager.
How many calories are in Estrella Damm?
Around 140 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 11g of carbs.
What is a Mediterranean lager?
It is how Damm markets Estrella: a crisp, balanced lager made with barley, rice and hops, designed to pair with Mediterranean food and warm weather.
Is Estrella Damm vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, rice, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Estrella Damm gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten. Damm does make a separate gluten-free beer, Daura.
Where is Estrella Damm brewed?
In Barcelona, Spain, by Damm, where it has been made since 1876.
Is Estrella Damm a lager?
Yes, it is a Spanish pale lager.
Where to buy Estrella Damm
Estrella Damm is widely sold in the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Estrella Damm is a crisp, balanced Mediterranean lager with a touch more body and roundness than the lightest imports, which gives it broad appeal. It is still a light beer at heart, but it is well made, food-friendly and easy to like. A solid three point six out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
Estrella Damm is one of more than 50 we tasted. Browse the complete ranked list in our best lager beers guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Estrella Damm?
Estrella Damm is a Spanish lager, at 4.6% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Estrella Damm?
Estrella Damm has an ABV of 4.6%.
How many calories are in Estrella Damm?
Estrella Damm has Around 140 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Estrella Damm gluten free?
Estrella Damm: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Estrella Damm have carbs?
Yes, Estrella Damm has Around 11g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Estrella Damm taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
How much does Estrella Damm cost?
Estrella Damm typically runs Around $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Estrella Damm without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Estrella Damm?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Spanish lager like Estrella Damm. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
