Three Anglers drinking Panama Beer on a boat in the Gulf of Chiriqui

On our increasing number of trips to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge, we celebrate the first tuna of the day, however early, with a cold beer – either Panama or Panama Light. While the purists may scoff, wherever we go I tend to focus on that country’s simple, light, cheap beer. They tend to be inexpensive and easy to drink a bunch without getting too full or too drunk.

Cans of Panama Lager and Panama Light Beer

On our last trip, one guest told us in advance that he preferred Balboa, one of the country’s other most popular beers. Given the high level of customer service that Shane Jarvis promises, true to form he had plenty of Balboa on the island, along with the others. They’re all lagers. I don’t have a strong preference, but I always tend to dance with the one who brung me.

I subsequently learned that there are some other common beers like Atlas and Soberana.

There are also some craft beers. You might not be able to get them on a remote fishing trip (but don’t doubt SFPIL), but check ‘em out during a stopover in Panama City or Chiriqui.