Germany

In the mid-20th century, the Dominican Republic experienced a peculiar battle—not over territory, but over bottles. For years, the local market depended on imports, especially German beers, which shaped Dominican tastes with fuller, more bitter flavors. Several attempts to produce a national beer failed until, in 1929, Charles H. Wans and his team founded the Cervecería Nacional Dominicana (CND). After several trials—including Colón and Reina—Presidente beer ultimately established itself by combining European techniques with adjustments designed for the local climate and tastes. Several…