Among the finest premium malt used.

Brewing beer

Our Heineken® lager contains three main ingredients: malted barley, hop extract and water. When our Heineken A-Yeast® is added, this is when Heineken® magically transforms into the brew we all know and love.

Barley

It all starts with barley. A grain bursting with goodness, containing starch, protein and fiber. After soaking, the barley is gently heated to dry out over the course of a few days. This meticulous process is called malting.

Hops

A plant brimming with flavor. There are many varieties of hops, each with a distinctive flavor, from spicy aromas to mild herbal flavors. Selecting the right crop is an art form in itself.

Water

Water is the main ingredient in lager, it can make up an incredible 95% of the finished product.

Heineken® is brewed from premium malt.

It's about what you put in and what you leave out. No corn, no rice, no compromise.

Cooking and cooling

Water is mixed with the crushed, malted barley. This creates wort, a sweet sugary liquid, which is then boiled. Then hop extract is added to enhance the flavor.

Horizontal fermentation

At the right temperature, Heineken's® unique A-Yeast is added, thus starting the natural process of fermentation that converts sugar into alcohol and CO2. This process creates the characteristic balanced Heineken® taste. Our A-Yeast is happiest with a large surface area which is possible in our horizontal fermentation tanks.

Heineken® A-Yeast

We discovered the special A-Yeast in the 19th century. Ever since, it has been the key to Heineken's® characteristic balanced taste. No plan B needed.

28 days of patient lagering

We take 28 days to brew Heineken®. To get the perfectly balanced taste, refreshing clarity and beautiful golden-yellow colour. Quality takes time, it's worth it.

SINCE 1873

Star Quality

It’s been 140 years since Heineken® has been able to call itself a microbrewer. we’ve never forgotten that the quality is measured in the purity of our beer. The drive for quality and perfection still lives on in the Heineken® family.

Discover our history