Sagres or Super Bock?

An introduction to Portugal’s two beer tribes

Summary

Portugal has two dominant beer brands — Sagres and Super Bock — and choosing between them is more cultural than practical. Here’s a light, relaxed guide to understanding the difference.

Sagres vs. Super Bock — more than taste

Portugal is, in many ways, a two-beer country. Walk into almost any café, beach bar or small village restaurant, and you will meet one of the two giants:

• Sagres – crisp, refreshing, easy-drinking

• Super Bock – slightly fuller, rounder, with a touch more flavour

People here don’t just drink beer.

They identify with it.

And most have a favourite long before you ever meet them.

Football matters — a lot

Beer and football sponsorships run deep in Portugal.

For many fans, the connection between club and beer is obvious:

• Sagres → strongly associated with Benfica

• Super Bock → closely tied to FC Porto

• Sporting CP → historically leaning Sagres, depending on sponsorship cycles

You don’t need to follow these unwritten rules.

But ordering the “wrong” beer in the “wrong” bar may earn you a few friendly smiles.

A personal lesson I learned the fun way

When I joined Benfica Golf Club, I didn’t know the “beer code” yet.

After a round, I asked the bar what they had — completely innocent, completely neutral.

I didn’t even get the answer!

The bartender and a few members gave me the same look and the same small smile:

“Here, you order Sagres.”

Not hostile.

Just friendly, very Portuguese guidance — the kind that makes you feel part of the group once you understand it.

So which one should you choose?

It’s simpler than you think:

• If you prefer light, classic lager → Sagres

• If you want a bit more flavour and smoothness → Super Bock

• If you’re in a football bar → look around before choosing

• If in doubt → order what the locals are drinking

And if you pick the “wrong” one?

Don’t worry — it’s always taken with humour.

Why we think you should try both

Because beer in Portugal is not just a drink.

It’s a small gateway into everyday culture — football, identity, local habits, and the relaxed social rhythm that defines life here.

Trying both gives you a small taste of Portugal’s personality.

And the best one?

It’s the one you enjoy in good company.

Jorgen/Living on the West Coast of Portugal

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