One of the most popular beers in Algeria is Beaufort Beer, a beer that sounds French and is sold in the Arab lands. Yet despite these facts the brew is actually from Cameroon.
Why on earth then, I hear you ask, are Algerians drinking it and is it any good, or just piss water? Well let’s get into it.
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Table of Contents
What the Beaufort Beer?
Beaufort Beer is a pale lager originally brewed in Cameroon. It is part of the Castel group of breweries and has been exported to various French-speaking countries in Africa. Despite its French-sounding name, the beer has no connection to France itself. Its style is light, easy-drinking, and designed for mass appeal. The alcohol content is modest at around 5 percent, which makes it a suitable drink for the Algerian market, where drinking is allowed but limited. Its branding is simple, widely recognizable, and the bottle is often green with a straightforward label. In Algeria it has become known as the go-to beer when you want something that is cold, cheap, and readily available.
Beaufort Beer in Algeria
Beaufort Beer has been sold in Algeria for several years and can be found in most supermarkets, small shops, and bars that serve alcohol. It is especially common in bars and hotels in Algiers, Oran, and other major cities. Despite the limited beer market, it holds a strong presence because it is imported in bulk and is cheaper than other European beers. Local distributors handle its sale, and it is popular among both locals who drink socially and foreigners who want something familiar. Sales are significant given the restrictive environment for alcohol, and it has become a staple for those who can legally purchase a beer. Its availability also makes it a default choice for travelers and locals who are not picky about craft beer or imported premium brands.
Is Beaufort Beer Any Good?
OK, so when it comes to judging if drinks in Algeria are “good” we have to deal with economies of scale. For instance, if you were to fly into Algeria from Paris after drinking fine wines and sipping the best Cognac, then no, it is not.
I had flown in from Tripoli. Tripoli is a dry city in a dry country, save for “Libyan Tequila” which tastes like MadDog 2020 from the 90s. Therefore, while I am not even all that into beer, I hit it like a dog eating beetroot. It is actually solid and has a decent flavour though and I have surely had worse.
You will though see from the video that it was like boning in a canoe in that it is fucking close to water. I am though quite the machine to once again play devil’s advocate.
Overall…..
So, yeah, Beaufort Beer is better than nothing, but only just. And it is also really quite cheap, so there is that…
Prices at Black Market Rate
- Beaufort 330ml bottle 450 DZD ≈ $1.91
- Beaufort 500ml can 650 DZD ≈ $2.77
- Beaufort 1 litre bottle 1200 DZD ≈ $5.11
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