5 Undiscovered European Breweries You Should Know About

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!

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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!

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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!

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)