Beer festival celebrates Copenhagen’s microbreweries

The established breweries of Denmark may lay claim to producing (probably) the best beers in the world, but in Copenhagen, the last decade has seen the rise of the microbrewery. For many, the rich, malty taste of a strong lager or stout brewed according to age-old, traditional techniques is more invigorating than even the most expensive of wines. In a country where the beer tradition is strong and vineyards on the sparse side, the last few years has meant an upsurge in beer tasters, beer connoisseurs and gastropubs.

This weekend, Copenhagen plays host to its annual beer festival, aptly set in an old tapping plant in the Carlsberg Brewery complex on the edge of Vesterbro and Valby. Entry costs either 100kr or 200kr; the latter includes ten sample drinks.

In addition to the festival, Mikkeller, a young and exciting microbrewery in Vesterbro, opened its own micropub on the premises of a former wine bar on Wednesday May 5. The pub, located on Viktoriagade in the heart of the city’s gritty Vesterbro district, promises 15 beers on tap, 10 of which are Mikkeller’s own – the other five being specially selected from around the world. There’s also a choice selection of bottled beers on offer, and the buzz around town is that for those who really appreciate the taste of a good brew, this hits the spot.

In celebration of these two events, here is the low down on five of Copenhagen’s best microbreweries and pubs, where it’s not only possible to sample some great beer but also to take a tour around the brewery – and even round off the afternoon with some great home-cooked pub food.

• Ølbar Mikkeller – The coolest and youngest addition to Copenhagen’s micropub family, this spot comes locally recommended. Viktoriagade 8, Vesterbro; www.mikkeller.dk
• Nørrebro Bryghus – one of the first microbreweries to set up a gastropub in the city, this well-established spot also prides itself on top notch food. Beer-tasting tours can be booked daily. Ryesgade 3, Nørrebro – www.noerrebrobryghus.dk
• Brewpub – located close to the Town Hall Square in an attractive 17th-century building, the 11 beers offered on tap here can be enjoyed in the lovely beer garden, along with a pub lunch or evening meal. Tours are also offered on Monday evenings. Vestergade 29, Copenhagen City; www.brewpub.dk
• Bryggeriet Apollo – located next door to Tivoli, this brewery also does great food. Vesterbrogade 3, Vesterbro: www.bryggeriet.dk
• Ølbaren - not actually a microbrewery, this pub offers one of the best selections of beer in the city, with German and Belgian lagers sharing the counter with American and British dark brews. Up until 8pm, there is a ‘hoppy hour ‘ on offer with large beers offered for the price of a small one. Elmegade 2, Nørrebro – www.oelbaren.dk

Image courtesy of Mikkeller brewery.