Quilmes

Tasting Notes

Aroma is faint and neutral — light grain, a whisper of corn, not much else. The flavor follows suit: mild cereal sweetness, very low hop bitterness, and a clean, watery body with no rough edges. The finish is short and dry. This describes the style profile broadly, though Quilmes is a well-documented beer whose character aligns closely with these adjunct lager conventions.

About the Brewery

Quilmes is an Argentine brewing institution, founded in the Buenos Aires province city of Quilmes in 1890 by German immigrant Otto Bemberg. It became the dominant commercial beer brand in Argentina and remains so today, widely available across South America. The brand has passed through several ownership structures over the decades and is currently part of AB InBev's global portfolio.

Food Pairings

Grilled or roasted meats like asado work well here because the beer's neutral character doesn't compete with smoke or char. Empanadas pair naturally given the beer's local cultural roots, and the mild body handles savory fillings without clashing. Fried foods like milanesa benefit from the beer's light carbonation cutting through oil. Simple cheese and charcuterie boards are also a solid match, as the beer's lack of bitterness lets the food take center stage.

Style Guide

American adjunct lagers use a portion of non-malt fermentable adjuncts — typically corn or rice — alongside barley malt, which lightens body, reduces cost, and produces a very pale, neutral beer. The style originated in the United States in the late 19th century as industrial brewers adapted European lager traditions to local grain markets and broader consumer tastes. Hop presence is minimal, bitterness is low, and the overall profile prioritizes drinkability and consistency over complexity. It's distinct from a standard German-style pilsner, which carries more noticeable hop character and a crisper malt backbone.