Scandinavia’s finest breweries will share their suds in Boston’s South End this weekend when the Copenhagen Beer & Music Festival takes over the SoWa Power Station.
The event brings together brewers from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, England and across the U.S. for an international celebration of the best in beer. The brewers themselves, rather than volunteers, will pour their brews in an effort to “create the feeling that we are all having a family get-together,” says Mikkeller Brewing co-founder Mikkel Borg Bjergsø.
Bjergsø began the festival in his home city of Copenhagen to have a party with friends from the business. Now he’s helping to bring the festival back to Boston for its second year.
Since there are more than 50 beers available at this weekend’s fest, we enlisted Bjergsø to help us find the five brews you definitely have to try.
Stigbergets’ Stiggy Puddin: You won’t find this one in Boston on a regular day. The Swedish brewery made a name for itself when they released a highly acclaimed, limited edition IPA at last year’s Gothenburg Beer Week, but its beers are still only found in Sweden. Stiggy Pudding is a fruity, hoppy IPA that is sure to please.
Superstition Meadery’s Chocolate Strawberry Sunrise: The barrel aged mead from the Arizona-based meadery, cider house and winery is as potent as it’s flavorful. Strawberries, vanilla and chocolate coexist in this dark concoction. And it’s 13% alcohol, so indulge wisely. “These guys make the most awesome meads,” says Bjergsø. (Only available during the Saturday evening session.)
Lervig’s Hop Drop Sour: The sour beer is tart with flavors of lemon and tropical fruits. It’s a perfect end-of-summer beer for those who like to test their taste buds. Norway brewery Lervig, often named one of the best breweries in Scandinavia, makes the aptly named brew.
3 Floyds’ Zombie Dust: An extremely hoppy American pale ale from the Munster, Indiana brewery. Bitter with a smooth finish, it’s been a highly hyped beer in recent years. Bjergsø believes it’s not just hype. “Best APA in the world,” he says.
Omnipollo’s Lorelei: This imperial porter is one of Scandinavia’s highest rated beers, according to RateBeer. And, actually, the recipe comes from Dave Strachan, who won a home brewing competition held by UK’s Siren and Swedish brewery Omnipollo last year. Heavy, with hints of maple and coconut, it’s best saved for last. (Only available during the Friday evening session.)
If you go:
Sept. 22-23, SoWa Power Station, 540 Harrison Ave., Boston, $65+, copenhagenbeerfest.com
