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Cristal

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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
PaceSession
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
cleanhoppymalty
clean
hoppy
malty
bready
Aroma
Clean and restrained on the nose, with light grain-forward notes from 100% malted barley.
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

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
Serve at 4–7°C

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

Stein

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

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Cristal

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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.

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