Few beers become as closely tied to a country's identity as Tusker has in Kenya.

First brewed in 1922 by what became East African Breweries, Tusker grew into the best-known beer brand in East Africa and remains one of the most recognisable products associated with Kenya itself. The name comes from an elephant, reportedly inspired by an incident involving one of the brewery's founders during a hunting expedition.

The flagship lager is crisp, light-bodied and designed for warm weather. Soft grain character, gentle bitterness and straightforward refreshment remain central to the style. It is very much a beer built for social drinking, food and long afternoons rather than detailed analysis.

Over time the range expanded into Tusker Malt, Tusker Lite and cider, but the original lager remains the heart of the brand. Across Kenya it appears everywhere from city bars to roadside restaurants and beachside drinking spots.

What makes Tusker particularly interesting is how strongly it reflects place. Many global lagers could come from almost anywhere. Tusker feels unmistakably East African, which is probably a large part of why it remains so popular.