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.
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.
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 is the main ingredient in lager, it can make up an incredible 95% of the finished product.
It's about what you put in and what you leave out. No corn, no rice, no compromise.
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.
At the right temperature, our unique Heineken 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 Heineken A-Yeast® is happiest with a large surface area which is possible in our horizontal fermentation tanks.
We discovered the special Heineken A-Yeast® in the 19th century. Ever since, it has been the key to Heineken's® characteristic balanced taste. No plan B needed.
We take 28 days to brew Heineken®. To get the perfectly balanced taste, refreshing clarity and beautiful golden-yellow color. Quality takes time, it's worth it.
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 premium taste of our beer. The drive for quality and perfection still lives on in the Heineken® family.
Discover our history
