When it comes to beer, Europe does it best.
Heineken, Peroni, Guinness, and Stella Artois are some of Europe’s classic brews; they’re centuries-old and known throughout the world. While those are some impressive accolades, those breweries are a thing of the past. They don’t define Europe’s modern beer culture anymore. Not even close.
Nowadays, dozens of new, undiscovered European breweries have popped up throughout the continent, and they’re ready to gain some international exposure.
Whether you’re into IPAs or Pilsners, you’re going to want to know about these undiscovered European breweries. Cheers!
The Top 5 Undiscovered European Breweries
Two Chefs Brewing
First up is Two Chefs Brewing, hailing from Amsterdam. Started in 2012, two friends set out to make some funky, yet delicious beers. In my opinion, they’ve accomplished their mission.
This brewery was first introduced to me by a Dutch friend of ours, Mark. While in Amsterdam, I entrusted Mark with my drink order, and he did not disappoint. The Funky Falcon Pale Ale, with hints of refreshing lemongrass, was a sure winner.
I have a feeling that Two Chefs Brewing won’t be listed among Europe’s undiscovered breweries for much longer; the whole world deserves to know about Two Chefs!
Mikkeller and Friends
Mikkeller and Friends has been covered by the media a time or two. But up until this point, only the foodiest of foodies and their beer-loving counterparts know about this Danish brewery. I’ve visited Copenhagen twice and I’ve made it a point to sample as many of Mikkeller’s beers as possible. They’re all delicious. But really, I can’t tell you what to order because Mikkeller’s beers change more often than I visit Copenhagen! Of all the undiscovered European breweries, Mikkeller and Friends may be the most innovative.
Eschenbräu
As many know, Munich is the unofficial beer capital of Germany, Europe, and maybe the world? Munich’s list of traditional beers is nearly endless, but of course, those beers set the standard for all German beers. One new brewery, however, can stand up to Munich’s heavyweights: Eschenbräu. In 2001, Eschenbräu emerged, ready to make some noise, yet, not where you’d expect; Berlin is the place Eschenbräu calls home! The German capital has never competed with Bavarian brewing practices, but beers like the Eschenbräu Dunkel and Maibock are why this place has won over so many people!
Pivovar Matuška
In 2003, Martin Matuška opened up Pivovar Matuška with the support of his family. With his 30-plus years of experience in the brewing business, Pivovar Matuška has become what is possibly the best microbrewery in the Czech Republic. Some of Matuška’s best creations are the Matuška Zlatá Raketa (Golden Rocket) 17°, Matuška Apollo Galaxy, and the Matuška Hellcat Imperial India Pale Ale. These beers have taken years to perfect and are still improving everyday. Make this undiscovered European brewery a priority!
Nørrebro Bryghus
In the cool Nørrebro neighborhood of Copenhagen lies a hipster-ish, artisan brewery called Nørrebro Bryghus combines. The atmosphere and presentation are world class, but the real story here is in the beer. Nørrebro Bryghus is excellent and ever-changing. You can expect to go back every single season and taste something different, complete with a unique Nordic flair!
Did you know…
When you book travel or purchase something through our links, we receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you? Your support enables Maddy’s Avenue to keep producing helpful travel content. Thank you!
Have you tried any of these legendary breweries’ beers? Which were your favorites? If not, which are your favorite craft beers from Europe and around the world?
Featured photo credit: Flickr, Divya Thakur, Beer Bistro Samplers, (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Great list Mauricio. I haven’t tried any of these nor have I heard of them until now. A friend of mine who frequently travels to Europe recommends spending a few days just going to a bar and drink all the beers in the region. I might do that. Do these breweries you mentioned have beer available around Europe or are they really local?
We’d recommend that too! You have a smart friend! ;)
Mikkeller is the only one I can say for sure that is in multiple countries. I’ve never seen any of these other beers in the USA so I’m not sure if the other ones have crossed the European borders!
I’ll have to try the Czech one when I’m in Prague next month! Sounds so good. I am a total beer fan… Okay also a wine fan and vodka fan. ;p
Basically you’re a fan of everything that’s good in life ;)
But yes, try it when you go to Prague!
One of the things we love to do when we visit other cities/countries is go to their wineries or breweries. These all seem like so much fun to visit and even more fun to try!
Totally agree! We’re going to Italy this summer and cannot wait to visit the Tuscan wineries! If you go to Europe, make sure to give some of these a try, because yes, they’re super fun and all great beers! :)
You are right. There are so many great breweries all over Europe.
True!
This is interesting that you introduce here some undiscovered breweries. As I don’t drink alcohol I’m not able to test them …
Greetings from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Oh well. Thanks for stopping by anyway!
Oh, how my husband would love this list. Too bad we’ve been to most of these cities and didn’t know about these breweries. We even spent an entire day in Coppenhagen’s Norrebro District – a really fun neighborhood. https://www.thisoffscriptlife.com/copenhagens-norrebro-district/
Jennifer
Well, if you go back, you’ll know for next time! Thanks for stopping by :)
I love trying different types of beers, the Pivovar one sounds nice! I’d like to try some of these someday. Thanks for sharing!
https://www.mintnotion.com
Thanks for stopping by!