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Cristal

Backus & Johnston
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🌍 Peru · American Lager · One of 48 American Lagers in hopIQ

Peru's most-consumed beer, brewed by Backus & Johnston (AB InBev) since 1922 and known locally as "La Rubia". 100% malted barley, aromatic hops, 5% ABV — Pilsner-style but softer-bodied, with a clean drinkability and good white head. The beer of Lima cevicherías, Cusco markets and every Andes village bar.

ABV
5%
Bitterness
Mild
SRM
pale gold4
See all American Lager alternatives →
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Taste structure· The backbone of the beer, regardless of style.
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
hopIQ take

Crisp mouthfeel.

The texture leads here, with everything else held in gentle reserve.

Wider bands mean we're less certain about the exact position.
Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another American Lager.
Hop character
hoppy
Malt character
malty
bready
Fermentation & yeast
clean
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Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Cristal

Appearance

Pale golden yellow with bright clarity and excellent transparency. A white, creamy head forms readily and maintains good retention, leaving fine lacing on the glass as the beer is consumed. Carbonation is visible and active, creating a lively visual presence throughout.

pale goldenbright, clearwhite headfine lacing

Aroma

Clean and restrained on the nose, with light grain-forward notes from 100% malted barley. Aromatic hops contribute a subtle floral and herbal character without assertiveness. No significant yeast or adjunct aromas; the overall profile is straightforward and approachable.

grain-forwardsubtle floralcleanherbal hints

Taste

The palate opens soft and smooth, with gentle malty sweetness that evolves into a light, crisp body. Bitterness is restrained at 12 IBU, allowing the clean barley character to dominate through the mid-palate. The finish is dry and refreshing without harshness, emphasizing drinkability over complexity.

soft maltlight-bodiedcrisplow bitterness

Finish

The aftertaste is brief and clean, fading quickly into a dry, refreshing sensation. No lingering bitterness or sweetness—just a pleasant, thirst-quenching conclusion.

dry finishclean fade
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
75
Taste
78
Appearance
82
Finish
76
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Cristal

Serve at 4–7°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

Serve at 4–7°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Stein
Recommended for this style

The sturdy German stein maintains temperature and keeps carbonation intact. Built for long, convivial drinking.

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Cristal

About American Lager

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a American Lager?

American Lager is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar American Lager

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same clean, refreshing, crisp character as Cristal will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other American Lagers in hopIQ

Explore all American Lager beers in hopIQ →Browse Peru beers →

WHERE TO BUY

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