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Murcia beer named best in its class at World Beer Awards
The Murcia-brewed lager was created to mark the company's 60th anniversary
A beer brewed in Murcia has been named the best in the world in its category, after Estrella de Levante's Reserva 60 picked up the title of best Dortmunder-style beer at the 2026 World Beer Awards.
Reserva 60 was created to mark Estrella de Levante's 60th anniversary and is described by the company as a special and more intense interpretation of the lager character that defines the brand.
It's a 6.2% ABV lager with 24 IBUs, designed to offer more structure and aromatic complexity while keeping the freshness lagers are known for. In the glass, it has a bright amber colour with a creamy white head, and on the nose it offers plenty of aromatic intensity, with lightly toasted malt notes alongside fruity touches. On the palate it's balanced, creamy and full bodied, with more personality than a typical lager but still very refreshing.
Ana Belén López, master brewer at Estrella de Levante, said the recognition reflects both the character of Reserva 60 and the work that went into creating it.
"Reserva 60 was born with the intention of offering a special, sophisticated beer with a lot of personality, but maintaining something that is fundamental for us: that it remains a fresh and very enjoyable beer. This recognition as World's Best Dortmunder makes us especially happy because it elevates a beer brewed here in Murcia and recognizes the work of the entire team behind it."
She explained that finding the right balance was central to the beer's development.
"In Reserva 60 we sought precisely that balance: a beer with body and structure, malty and slightly toasted, but in which freshness remains very present. On the palate it is creamy and balanced, and its refreshing profile makes it especially suitable for our Mediterranean climate."
Ms López added that this combination is what sets the beer apart.
"The combination of intensity, balance and freshness is one of the keys to Reserva 60," she said, noting that it's best enjoyed at between 6 and 8°C, the temperature at which its full character comes through.
The beer is brewed using hops grown in Caravaca de la Cruz and builds on Estrella de Levante's long brewing tradition while pushing it in a more sophisticated direction.
Yayo Delgado, Head of Communication and External Relations at Estrella de Levante, said innovation remains important to the brand without losing sight of where it comes from.
"For Estrella de Levante, it is very important that our products evolve and that we can explore new profiles without losing our essence. Reserva 60 is a good example of this: a beer with more body and complexity, but which retains the freshness we expect from a beer made for Murcia and the Mediterranean, which can be found in supermarkets and hypermarkets, and bars and restaurants in southeastern Spain, the Region of Murcia, Alicante, Albacete and Almería."
The World Beer Awards is a British competition first established in 2007, judged through blind tastings and multiple rounds of style based competition. This year's edition featured more than 20 categories and around 90 styles across its Taste and Design sections.
Image: Estrella de Levante
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