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There was no doubt in my mind that the Copenhagen Beer Celebration, hosted by renowned gypsy brewer and founder of Mikkeller, Mikkel Borg Bjergsø, would be a world-class event. But the quality of the 350+ unique and one-off beers served, hosted within the colorful setting of Denmark’s eclectic and culinary powerhouse capital city, more than exceeded my expectations; it sparked a newfound appreciation and an insatiable thirst for unexpected, unfamiliar, and travel-worthy brews from around the world.
It’s not often that I get to travel approximately 4,000 miles to attend a beer fest in another county. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend many of America’s world-class beer events – GABF, SAVOR, the Craft Brewers Conference, and Firestone Walker’s Invitational, to name a few. Thanks to the team at Mikkeller, AmericanCraftBeer.com was afforded a full, 2-day, 4-session media pass to this incredible event, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Here are some reasons why this international beer celebration should be on your calendar next year.
The City
Before heading to Copenhagen, I’ll be honest in saying I didn’t know much about this international destination. But once I began my research, I couldn’t believe it had never been on my travel wish list. The home of four Mikkeller bars (including WarPigs, a new BBQ and beer hall opened in collaboration with Three Floyds), this city is home to some of the world’s finest restaurants, cafes, and food markets. I’m not exaggerating – the number one restaurant in the world, Noma, calls Copenhagen home and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Where else can you find an experimental food destination called Paper Island, serving up street food and European treats from pop-up stands and stationary trucks, next to Christiania, a “free town” where residents build their own homes and smoke pot freely with no government oversight? Even the graffiti that colors the fences, sides of buildings, and train tracks is more like artwork than an embodiment of teen angst. Don’t shortchange this charming European city – rent a bike, grab some comfy walking shoes, and embed yourself in the culture here.
The Event
Held in an old athletics arena called Sparta Hallen, the Copenhagen Beer Celebration offered ample space for beer lovers to enjoy their libations. Around the sides of the hall and down the middle of the building, brewers’ tables were strategically placed for maximum walking and standing room. In between the brewers’ tables and walking spaces, the organizers created what was in essence a beer hall, 
complete with picnic tables and benches for people to bring their beer or jot down some notes in their journals. I was impressed by the dedication of those folks, many of them British, who would take the time to write notes about the brews they were drinking. It might sound nerdy, but this contributed to the environment of the festival – it wasn’t about getting drunk; it was about appreciating the complexity of the truly unique beers available. It was a welcome change from the desperation and beer extremism that’s starting to become the norm at some of America’s most popular beer fests.
Despite the large crowds and the sometimes tight maneuvering between brewer stations, there was hardly a wait for a beer. During the first Friday session, I was able to grab a beer and a quick conversation with many brewers without feeling rushed or pressed for time. And this is one of the most important points to make – EVERYONE that mattered was in attendance. Either a brewer or a founder of a brewery was there to represent, pour beer, shoot the shit with media or super fans, or just wander around and enjoy the spectacular selection. Our favorite rock star brewer Logan Plant was in attendance, BrewDog‘s James Watt was also running about – no doubt causing trouble, and Laura Bell was pouring some of Bell’s most coveted brews. We spent some time with Gigantic‘s Van Havig, talked DC beer with Baird Beer‘s John Chesen, reconnected with The Kernel‘s Evin O’Riordain, and caught up with Firestone Walker‘s brewer Matt Brynildson. Not only did these brewing legends make for a memorable experience, but drinkers could also leave with a more permanent commemorative keepsake – a tattoo of exclusive Mikkeller artwork. For those less brave souls, you could also hand dip your event tasting glass in purple or green wax, the same type used to seal bomber bottle tops. There was no end to the uniqueness or thoughtfulness put into this entire event.
The Beers
Though each brewery only poured two beers per session, it wasn’t usually until the last quarter of each 4.5-hour session that some of the more popular kegs were kicked. These were often American beers with high beer nerd appeal (read: Three Floyds Vanilla Bean Dark Lord, Cigar City Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout, or Westbrook BA Mexican Cake). I tried as best I could to hit the international brewers before checking in with some American breweries, which was difficult to do because the American whales were in full force here, including many I’d never tasted before. It was tough to choose some favorites, as there were so many unfamiliar brands and I was overwhelmed with a desire to try them all.
But there were some brews that stood out as I made my way around the hall. Founders Alessandro Oliveira and Alejandro Winocur of Way Beer in Brazil have something truly special brewing in a part of the world that remains untapped in terms of beer potential. They served some of the more refreshing beers at the event, including a Cider IPA and Eat My Berries, a juicy fruit sour with strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry.
London brewers were in full force, and outside of America, had the most presence at the fest. Some of my favorites were The Kernel’s London Sour Damson (a shockingly low 3.2% ABV Berliner Weisse with fruit), Magic Rock Brewing‘s Bourbon Barrel Bearded Lady Dessert Edition (a BA Imperial Stout with chocolate and cinnamon that was essentially a mouthful of deliciously rich gingerbread cake), and Beavertown Brewery‘s Heavy Water (an addictive Imperial Stout with sour cherries and sea salt).
Scandinavian brews were also a surprisingly welcome treat, and the heftier offerings were among my top brews of the sessions. Among my favorites were Sweden’s Omnipollo with its Yellow Belly Sundae (a decadent Bourbon BA Peanut Butter Biscuit Stout) and Norway’s Lervig Aktiebryggeri with its Once You Go Black 2013 vintage (a BA Bourbon Imperial Stout).
I could go on and on…and it wasn’t just the heavy hitters that impressed. One in particular that stood out was Baird Brewing’s Four Sisters Spring Maibock – a style that many overlook these days in favor of bolder flavors, and another reason why it’s a good idea to never underestimate any beer.
As international brewers continue to up their game, I know I’m excited to sample as much as I can get my hands on. For bringing together this variety of outstanding breweries under one roof, the Copenhagen Beer Celebration is truly something all real craft beer lovers should experience.
