Beers of Belize: A Guide to Belikin, Two-5, Hobbs, 501 & More
- Craig Densham
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
When the Caribbean sun is hot and the breeze rolls off the sea, there’s nothing better than cracking open a cold Belizean beer.
Belize’s beer scene has grown from one dominant brand — Belikin — to a mix of local craft brewers and imported favorites that add their own tropical twist. Whether you’re a traveler, expat, or local, here’s your guide to the best brews you’ll find from Placencia to San Pedro.
Belikin: The Beer of Belize
Belikin is to Belize what Guinness is to Ireland — a national icon. Brewed by the Belize Brewing Company since 1969, Belikin dominates the market and carries deep cultural roots.
Belikin Beer (Original)
Smooth, malty, and easy to drink — this is Belize’s flagship lager. Served ice cold in a thick glass bottle, it’s the beer you’ll see at every bar, beach shack, and barbecue.
Belikin Stout
Rich, dark, and surprisingly creamy. Locals often call it a “breakfast beer” (half-jokingly), and it’s great over ice in the tropical heat.
Belikin Light
A crisp, refreshing option for hot afternoons — light on calories but still full of Belikin character.
Belikin Sorrel Stout (Seasonal)
Brewed with hibiscus (known locally as “sorrel”), this festive beer appears around Christmas and is slightly tart, floral, and unique.
Belikin Chocolate Stout (Seasonal)
A limited-edition treat made with Belizean cocoa — think dessert in a bottle.
Two-5 Beer: The New Generation of Belizean Brewing
Named after Belize’s international country code (+501) and ABV (2.5%), Two-5 is a light, easy-drinking beer that’s become wildly popular with younger crowds.
Brewed by the same folks behind Belikin, it’s crafted to compete with lighter, beach-friendly imports like Landshark and Corona.
Flavor: clean, crisp, and slightly citrusy — perfect for days on the water or poolside.
Where to find: everywhere — from Placencia beach bars to San Pedro resorts.
501 Beer: The Bold Belizean
If you want something with a bit more punch, 501 Beer delivers. This one’s also locally brewed but has a more robust, American-style taste — crisp malt and slightly stronger ABV (around 5%).
It’s become a favorite among locals who want something different from the classic Belikin, and it’s gaining traction across Belize’s bars and resorts.
Try it at: Toucan Jacks, Tipsy Tuna, Barefoot Bar, and other beachside hangouts in Placencia.
Mine Beer: The Newcomer
Mine Beer is another Belizean label you’ll come across — an easy, golden lager brewed locally for casual drinkers. It’s positioned as a value beer, straightforward and smooth, with no pretense — just cold refreshment.
You’ll often see it at local grocery stores and neighborhood bars alongside Belikin.
Hobbs Brewing Company: Belize’s Craft Beer Pioneer
Located in Placencia, Hobbs Brewing Company is Belize’s first modern craft brewery. It’s small-batch, independent, and pushing the boundaries of local beer with creative styles and premium ingredients.
Popular brews include:
Hobbs Hummingbird Ale – light and citrusy
Hobbs Island IPA – tropical hops with Belizean attitude
Hobbs Amber – rich and malty, perfect for cooler evenings
Hobbs is the go-to for anyone craving something beyond lagers — and they’re expanding distribution across the country.
🌴 Imported Beers Popular in Belize
While Belizeans are loyal to Belikin, several imported brands have earned their spot on local shelves and bar menus — especially in tourist towns like Placencia, San Pedro, and Caye Caulker.
Red Stripe (Jamaica)
A Caribbean classic — light, smooth, and with that iconic short stubby bottle. Widely available in expat bars and resorts.
Landshark (USA)
A Jimmy Buffett-inspired lager that fits the beach vibe perfectly. Light, tropical, and popular among visiting Americans.
Corona (Mexico)
Belize’s next-door neighbor provides this global favorite — crisp and refreshing, especially with a lime wedge.
Heineken (Netherlands)
You’ll find Heineken on tap or in bottles in more upscale bars and hotels — the go-to “premium import” in Belize.
Where to Enjoy Belize’s Best Beers
Whether you’re in Placencia, Hopkins, or San Pedro, great beer and ocean views go hand in hand.
Top beer spots include:
Barefoot Bar (Placencia) – Belikin on tap and 501 in bottles
Toucan Jacks (Placencia) - Belikin and mine beer with the best views
Crazy Canuck’s (San Pedro) – local favorite with live music
Beer Culture in Belize
Beer in Belize is more than a drink — it’s a ritual. It’s shared at cookouts, fishing trips, Sunday hangouts, and celebrations big and small.
Locals often mix Belikin Stout and Belikin Beer (half-and-half) for a custom “Belikin Black & Tan.” Others pour Stout over ice — Caribbean style.
And because Belize is small, every cold beer feels like home — whether you’re sipping a Belikin in Placencia or a Two-5 on Caye Caulker.
Final Sip
Belize’s beer culture blends local heritage, tropical lifestyle, and international influences.
From Belikin’s legacy brews to craft pioneers like Hobbs, and from 501 Beer’s bold new flavor to Two-5’s beach-friendly lightness, there’s a beer for every taste and moment.
So next time you’re in Belize, raise your bottle to the breeze — you’re not just drinking a beer, you’re tasting the spirit of Belize itself.
About the Author
Craig Densham is the owner of Ocean Breeze Beach Resort, a boutique seaside resort in Placencia, Belize. With years of local experience and a passion for hospitality, Craig loves helping guests discover the best of Belize — from hidden beaches to authentic local cuisine. Follow Ocean Breeze Beach Resort on Facebook and Instagram for travel inspiration.
