What counts
as a country?
A worldwide challenge needs a consistent starting point. Here’s how the country list works — and what makes a beer count.
One shared reference.
The World Beer Challenge uses the U.S. Department of State’s Independent States in the World list as its reference for countries. This gives the challenge a defined starting point. For this challenge, England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Taiwan are also included as countries.
Read the country reference ↗Brewed there. Not just branded there.
For a country to count, the beer must have been brewed in that country. A familiar national brand brewed under licence somewhere else doesn’t qualify for its brand’s home country. The brewery’s location is what matters.
Territories have their own stories.
England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Taiwan are classified as countries for this challenge and count towards the country total. Other territories are recorded separately. Their distinct brewing traditions deserve a place in the journal.
One country. More than one beer.
The first qualifying beer completes a country. Further beers can still be added: to try another style, discover a different brewery, or give the country a second chance. Every tasting has its own photo and review.