Taste of Finnish craft Beer history, charm & innovative brews. Nokian Panimo, Narvankylän Panimo & Olarin Panimo.
"malty travels" with
finnish beer society.
I had the amazing opportunity to be part of three brewery visits with the Finnish Beer Society at the end of this year. This group is a mix of beer enthusiasts from all around Finland—some brew their own small batches at home, while others enjoy trying all the great craft beers at their local brewpubs. In November, we visited Nokian Panimo and Narvankylän Panimo, and in December, we celebrated our Christmas party at Olarin Panimo. Now, I’m going to sum up our visits to these incredible breweries!
nokian brewery
Nestled in the town of Nokia, Finland (about a 2-hour drive from Helsinki) lies Nokian Panimo, a true pioneer in the Finnish craft beer scene. Established in 1991, this brewery has been crafting high-quality beers for over three decades. With Riitta Sulkama, the head brewer for the last 25 years, Nokian Panimo has earned the affectionate title of "the mother of the Keisari family."
The brewery remains deeply connected to its roots, using traditional brewing methods while embracing innovation. This commitment to quality and authenticity is evident in every sip of their expertly crafted beers.
Nokian Panimo offers a diverse range of beers to satisfy every taste. From crisp and refreshing lagers to full-bodied, flavorful ales, there's something for everyone. Their flagship Keisari line has built a loyal following, known for its rich flavors and smooth finish. Visitors can explore the brewery, learn about the brewing process, and sample their delicious creations at the on-site factory shop.
NARVANKYLÄN BREWERY
In the peaceful village of Narva, Vesilahti, lies a hidden gem for beer lovers: Narvan Kyläpanimo. Established in 2017, this charming craft brewery has quickly gained a loyal following thanks to its dedication to producing high-quality, flavorful beers using a lot of Finnish and locally sourced ingredients.
The brewery’s idyllic setting amidst the Finnish countryside offers a unique and relaxing atmosphere. You can almost feel the connection to the land in every sip of their expertly crafted beers.
The founders and brewers, Sara and Maija, a couple of women passionate about craft beer, meticulously select high-quality ingredients, often sourced locally, to create unique and flavorful brews.
Their commitment to traditional brewing methods shines through in every bottle. From crisp and refreshing lagers to robust and flavorful ales, Narvan Kyläpanimo offers a diverse selection to satisfy every palate. The on-site Kyläbistro serves delicious food that perfectly complements the brewery's offerings. It’s the ideal spot to enjoy a meal, relax with friends, and soak in the charming rural atmosphere.
olarin brewery
In the heart of Finland, Helsinki, lies Olarin Panimo, a Finnish brewery that has been making waves with its creative, high-quality brews. Whether you're a beer connoisseur or someone who simply enjoys trying new flavors, Olarin Panimo offers something truly special.
Founded in 2014 in the town of Espoo, just outside Finland’s capital, Helsinki, Olarin Panimo takes its name from the Olarinlahti area where it’s located.
The brewery was born out of the passion of its founders, who aimed to create beers that celebrated both local Finnish ingredients and international brewing techniques.
Olarin Panimo is best known for its hoppy West Coast IPAs, but it also experiments with a wide range of beer styles, so there's always something new to try. From bold IPAs to rich stouts, their diverse range caters to a variety of tastes.
The brewery has since relocated to a new space in the heart of Helsinki, offering an amazing atmosphere where locals and visitors can gather to enjoy a pint, savor some food, and immerse themselves in the spirit of Finnish craft brewing.
To sum up, it's been an awesome two months visiting these breweries! The experience really highlights how rich and diverse the brewery scene is in Finland. Next year, I’m planning to visit even more—it's definitely on my to-do list!
This blog post is for informational purposes only. Please drink responsibly.
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