Mikkeller
- 🏭 Founded in 2006 in Copenhagen by Mikkel Borg Bjergsø and Kristian Keller, the brewery established itself as a pioneer of the gypsy brewing model (brewer without a brewery), before opening its own bars and breweries around the world.
- 🍺 Nearly 2,000 recipes created: intensely hopped IPAs, indulgent imperial stouts (Beer Geek Breakfast, Brunch Weasel), fruity lambics from the Spontan series, barrel-aged barleywines, and high-quality non-alcoholic beers.
- 🎨 Unique visual identity since 2010, designed by illustrator Keith Shore: colorful characters (Henry & Sally), a playful and instantly recognizable graphic style, extended into bars and merchandising.
- 🌍 International presence: exports to more than 50 countries, a network of 35+ bars and restaurants (Copenhagen, Tokyo, Seoul, Paris, San Francisco…), MBCC festival in Copenhagen, and Mikkeller Running Club active in over 250 cities.
- 🏅 Prestigious awards: Beer Geek Brunch Weasel ranked among the 20 best beers in the world (RateBeer), The American Dream named best pale lager every year since 2012, Mikkeller consistently in the Top 5 breweries worldwide.
- 🚀 Ongoing growth and innovation: collaborations with iconic breweries (BrewDog, 3 Floyds, Lindemans), opening of the WarPigs brewpub, and a strategic partnership with Carlsberg in 2024 to scale distribution while preserving creative independence.
- 🍻 A few gems praised on Untappd:
- #1 (4,5/5) Beer Geek Vanilla Shake Barrel Aged Bourbon (Stout - Imperial / Double Oatmeal) -> here
- #2 (4,33/5) SpontanCherry Frederiksdal Barrel Aged Chardonnay (2014) (Lambic - Kriek) -> here
- #3 (4,33/5) Beer Geek Fudgesicle BA Rye Whiskey (Stout - Imperial / Double Oatmeal) -> here
- #4 (4,3/5) George! Barrel Aged Bourbon (Stout - Imperial / Double Oatmeal) -> here
- #5 (4,29/5) Brian (Porter - Imperial / Double) -> here
Mikkeller: The Danish Brewery Shaking Up the Craft Beer Scene
Introduction
Launched in 2006 in Copenhagen by a young passionate teacher, Mikkeller quickly became a global phenomenon in craft beer. More than just a brewery, Mikkeller embodies a bold adventure that has won over hop lovers across the globe. This article retraces its inspiring history, explores its innovative brewing creations, and analyzes the strategy that elevated the brand to an icon of craft beer. Get ready to dive into the effervescent world of Mikkeller, where every sip tells a story of dreams and passion.
History of Mikkeller: From School Benches to Breweries Around the World
The Mikkeller epic began in the mid-2000s in the cramped kitchen of a Copenhagen apartment. Mikkel Borg Bjergsø, then a mathematics and physics teacher, was brewing his first homemade beers with his childhood friend Kristian Keller. Inspired by the dynamism of American microbreweries, they experimented with radical recipes, aiming to “shake up beer lovers with new intense flavors.” Their boldness paid off: in 2006, one of their creations – Beer Geek Breakfast, an oatmeal stout infused with coffee – was named the best stout in the world on the international forum RateBeer. This resounding triumph immediately propelled the small Danish brewery into the spotlight.
Building on this success, Mikkeller made its first official appearances at festivals, presenting no fewer than eight different beers at the 2006 Copenhagen Beer Festival. Foreign distributors soon took an interest in these innovative brews: as early as that time, American importers courted Mikkeller, leading to an export agreement to the United States. Unable to meet the growing demand from their small kitchen, Mikkel and Kristian adopted the “gypsy brewing” model: instead of investing in their own facility, they brewed their recipes in collaboration with established breweries, notably De Proef in Belgium. This status as an itinerant brewer – a “brewer without a brewery” – would become Mikkeller’s trademark and the springboard for its international rise.
The following years were marked by key milestones. Mikkeller multiplied collaborations with other visionary brewers, took part in international festivals, and continually expanded its range. In 2012, Bjergsø launched his own annual festival, the Mikkeller Beer Celebration Copenhagen (MBCC), bringing together each spring the most cutting-edge craft breweries in the world. In 2015, the brand partnered with the American brewery 3 Floyds to open WarPigs, an iconic brewpub in Copenhagen combining Texas barbecue with exceptional beers. That same year, Mikkeller surprised again by announcing the opening of its first permanent brewery in San Diego, USA, through a partnership with AleSmith Brewing Company. For a brand long defined by brewing nomadism, finally owning brewing tanks abroad was a symbolic turning point. Other ambitious projects followed: the opening of a brewpub at the Mets stadium in New York in 2018, franchised bars in Asia and Europe… In less than two decades, Mikkeller grew from a niche microbrewery to a global craft beer player. And despite challenges—the San Diego brewery was sold in 2022 after the COVID-19 crisis—the adventure continues with the same effervescence. Proof of this came in 2024, when Danish giant Carlsberg entered into a strategic capital and commercial partnership with Mikkeller, acquiring 20% of the group to help distribute its beers more widely while respecting its independent identity. A new chapter is opening, still written by Mikkel Bjergsø, who remains CEO and majority shareholder of his brewery.
Flagship Products: Avant-Garde Beers with Boundless Flavors
Mikkeller built its reputation by constantly pushing the boundaries of taste. True to its motto “Beer is art,” the brewery has already created nearly 2,000 different beers since its beginnings, exploring an incredible variety of styles and aromas. From the explosive hoppiness of IPAs to the roasted notes of imperial stouts, the finely balanced acidity of sour ales, and the refined twist on pilsners, nothing escapes Mikkeller’s brewing curiosity. Most of these brews are ephemeral or produced in small batches, making each tasting a unique experience. This overflowing creativity is paired with a constant pursuit of quality and flavor originality: any recipe may feature an unusual ingredient or an innovative technique, as long as it sparks the imagination of the in-house brewers.
Beer Geek Breakfast, an oatmeal stout infused with coffee, is one of Mikkeller’s flagship beers. Voted the best stout in the world in 2006 on RateBeer, it propelled the brewery onto the international stage and remains a must for aficionados (pictured here, a bottle and glass of Beer Geek Breakfast). Later variations, such as Beer Geek Brunch Weasel brewed with a rare civet-harvested coffee, confirmed Mikkeller’s expertise in crafting indulgent and complex stouts.
Among Mikkeller’s other notable creations are:
- 1000 IBU: A legendary Imperial IPA with 1,000 theoretical bitterness units, an absolute record. Challenging the palate with its extreme bitterness (while remaining surprisingly balanced), it was rated 99/100 on RateBeer and symbolizes the experimental spirit of the brewery.
- SpontanBasil: Created in collaboration with Belgian brewery Lindemans, this sour ale from the “Spontan” series blends a young Belgian lambic with real fresh basil leaves. The result is a uniquely tart-herbal beer, crowned with a Gold Medal at the 2015 Brussels Beer Challenge. More broadly, the Spontan range explores spontaneous fermentations with fruit (cherry, blackcurrant, etc.), showcasing Mikkeller’s mastery of the delicate art of wild ales.
- The American Dream: Behind this playful name lies a pale lager intensely hopped in the American style, which has distinguished itself by winning the gold medal in its category on RateBeer every year since 2012. Proof that a light and refreshing beer can also captivate connoisseurs thanks to generous aromatic hopping.
- “Single Hop” Series: Mikkeller also educated beer lovers’ palates with a series of single-varietal IPAs. Each beer in this collection is brewed with only one type of hop (Citra, Simcoe, Mosaic, etc.), allowing drinkers to taste and compare the specific contribution of each variety. A true educational set for hop heads, praised for its didactic relevance.
Beyond these examples, Mikkeller never stops innovating and explores every avenue: rich barrel-aged barleywines, porters and imperial stouts pushing 20% ABV, surprisingly flavorful non-alcoholic beers, and even hybrid recipes blending brewing and winemaking techniques. The brewery also enjoys crafting “house beers” for gastronomic restaurants (including Michelin-starred ones) or prestigious bars, tailoring its creations to food-and-beer pairings. This creative effervescence is fueled by numerous international collaborations. Indeed, Mikkeller loves to combine malt and hops with other leading names in the industry: it has brewed with Scotland’s BrewDog, America’s Three Floyds (co-creators of the WarPigs brewpub), Norway’s Lervig, and Japan’s Nøgne Ø. Each collaboration provides an opportunity for knowledge exchange and gives rise to exclusive cuvées highly sought after by collectors. In short, Mikkeller’s range mirrors its creator: eclectic, daring, and in constant evolution, to the delight of adventurous palates.
Distribution and Presence: Global Reach with Local Roots
From Copenhagen to Tokyo, via San Francisco and Paris, Mikkeller has spread to every corner of the world. Thanks to its flexible gypsy brewery model and smart partnerships, the brand now exports its beers to around fifty countries. Very early on, Mikkeller bet on export: as early as 2006, its bottles were crossing the Atlantic via American importer Shelton Brothers, paving the way for a presence in the U.S. and Asian markets. Over the years, the network expanded, and Mikkeller references became a familiar sight in the specialty beer shops of New York, London, Paris, and Sydney.
To strengthen its direct connection with consumers, Mikkeller also developed a vast network of bars and dedicated venues, becoming one of the few craft breweries to operate its own chain of establishments. There are at least 35 to 50 Mikkeller-branded bars and restaurants worldwide. Denmark naturally hosts the historic Mikkeller Bars in Copenhagen, but the brand also shines internationally, with bars in London, Berlin, Stockholm, Seoul, Tokyo, San Francisco, Bangkok, and many other major cities. France is no exception, with the 2019 opening of Mikkeller Bar Paris (located on Rue de Rochechouart in the 9th arrondissement), offering 20 rotating taps featuring both in-house creations and gems from other craft breweries. Each venue showcases a design that is both warm and modern, blending Scandinavian minimalism with local conviviality, echoing the brand’s offbeat aesthetic.
Mikkeller has established a physical presence on several continents through its bars, taprooms, and restaurants. These venues allow fans to enjoy the beers in a refined setting and serve as living showcases for the brand internationally. The Mikkeller name is now present from Copenhagen to Tokyo, via San Francisco, London, Paris, and Bangkok.
Beyond its own establishments, Mikkeller distributes its products through a variety of channels. Historically, the brand has focused on specialty beer shops, bottle shops, and craft bars that flourished during the craft beer revolution. Its bottles with colorful labels have lined the shelves of thousands of dedicated stores, catching the eye of the curious. Online sales also play an important role: Mikkeller runs its official web shop, shipping beers and merchandise to many countries, and even offers subscription-style beer clubs to regularly receive a selection of new releases. At the same time, its beers are distributed by local importers, making them available through multiple e-commerce sites and renowned multi-tap bars.
Presence in large-scale retail remained marginal for a long time, reflecting the rarity of certain cuvées and the brewery’s desire to maintain a sharp, niche image. However, the recent partnership with Carlsberg could change this, at least in the Danish market: the industrial brewer plans to leverage its powerful network to expand the availability of Mikkeller beers throughout Denmark. This is a major strategic development: seeing Mikkeller IPAs alongside industrial pilsners on Scandinavian supermarket shelves would have seemed utopian just a few years ago. Mikkel Bjergsø sees it as an opportunity to “introduce quality beer to many more people” and to put Denmark on the global beer map.
Finally, Mikkeller does not just sell beer: it sells an experience. Its MBCC festival in Copenhagen has become a must-attend event for beer geeks from around the world, who flock there each year to taste exclusive brews in a friendly atmosphere. The brewery also founded the Mikkeller Running Club (MRC), an international running club where every training session ends… with a good beer shared among runners! With more than 250 chapters worldwide, the MRC has become the largest running community in the world in just five years. Initiatives like these illustrate how Mikkeller weaves a close bond with its audience, skillfully blending leisure, sport, and beer culture. Wherever it goes, the brand strives to create a living, engaging presence—far more than just a logo on a bottle.
Brand Strategy and Positioning: Creative Boldness at the Core of the Model
From the very beginning, Mikkeller defined itself by a nonconformist and passionate philosophy. “Mikkeller is not just a brewery, it is a company driven by passion and ambition,” the brand proudly proclaims. For Mikkel Bjergsø, every beer is a field of experimentation and every project an opportunity to push established boundaries, as long as creativity and quality are present. This vision is reflected both in its innovative recipes and in its unconventional commercial approach.
The initial choice of the “gypsy brewer” model is a striking example. By brewing its beers at other breweries, Mikkeller was able to grow quickly without massive investments, while maintaining great creative freedom. This agile model allowed it to multiply collaborations and adapt to international demand much faster than a traditional microbrewery. Mikkeller thus proved that it was possible to become a global reference without owning heavy production facilities. It was only after nearly 10 years of existence, once its reputation was firmly established, that the brand began opening its own infrastructures (bars, brewpubs, breweries). And once again, it did so in its own way: through strategic partnerships. For example, the choice of San Diego for its first permanent brewery was no coincidence: the city is a stronghold of American craft beer. By partnering with AleSmith locally, Mikkeller entered a market already won over by craft beer, thereby strengthening its credibility with the local public. Likewise, the temporary brewpub at New York’s Citi Field was launched in collaboration with the stadium authorities, demonstrating its ability to invest in atypical venues to reach new audiences.
On the financial side, Mikkeller managed to reconcile independence with external growth. In 2016, it became the first European craft brewery to welcome a private investment fund into its capital: American firm Orkila Capital injected funds to support international expansion. Then in 2024, Carlsberg joined the table (with a 20% stake) to bring its distribution power. These operations, carried out without Bjergsø losing majority control, illustrate a smart strategy: partnering with the right allies to grow while preserving the brand’s craft DNA. Carlsberg even emphasizes that Mikkeller will retain “its unique and independent character,” with the multinational merely providing its logistical “muscle” to support Mikkeller’s growth. The Danish brewery thus intends to keep its soul while scaling up.
Visual identity plays a central role in Mikkeller’s positioning. It is impossible to mistake its bottles on a shelf: since 2010, the brand has built a distinctive graphic universe created by American illustrator Keith Shore. His signature characters, the inseparable Henry & Sally, with simple shapes and bright colors, populate the labels and the walls of Mikkeller bars worldwide. This playful, slightly surreal, hand-drawn style contrasts with traditional beer imagery and has played a key role in the brewery’s international success. It conveys values of conviviality, creativity, and a touch of rebellious spirit, perfectly aligned with Bjergsø’s vision. After producing more than 1,000 illustrations for Mikkeller, Keith Shore passed the torch in 2023 to his assistant Luke Cloran to carry on this unique visual universe. Beyond the bottles, attention to design extends to the bars (furnished with sleek Scandinavian décor accented by whimsical touches) and even to merchandise. Mikkeller has developed its own line of clothing and accessories, including the Final Gravity range dedicated to running, born from a collaboration with Danish designers to outfit members of the Running Club. All of this helps shape Mikkeller as a complete “lifestyle” brand, at the crossroads of beer, art, and sport.
In terms of communication, Mikkeller favors a direct, passionate, and often humorous tone, much like its playfully named beers (Stick a Finger in the Soil IPA, Burger & Fries Ale, or Bloody Mary Berliner, to name a few). The brewery relies heavily on word-of-mouth among enthusiasts and on its community. The Mikkeller Running Club, mentioned earlier, is a stroke of marketing genius: it spreads the brand’s values to a broader audience of athletes while uniting a loyal tribe that proudly wears Mikkeller colors during races. On social media, the brand regularly shares its new releases, events, and collaborations, cultivating an image that is accessible and close to its fans. It is not uncommon for Mikkel Bjergsø himself to speak directly to present a new beer or announce the opening of a bar, strengthening the emotional bond with the craft community.
In summary, Mikkeller’s strategy rests on a careful balance: constantly innovating while telling a coherent story—that of a Danish craft brewery that started from nothing, driven by passion, and became a global symbol of brewing creativity. Its high-end positioning, experimental yet convivial, has allowed it to establish itself as a benchmark, both among beer purists and the general public seeking new taste experiences.
Reviews, Awards and Reputation: Mikkeller Put to the Test of the Palate
Beyond storytelling, Mikkeller enjoys a firmly established reputation for excellence among beer lovers and brewing experts. From its earliest days, the brewery accumulated distinctions: it was named “Danish Brewery of the Year” in 2006 (the year of its founding) and again in 2008, a rare feat that immediately placed it at the forefront of the Nordic brewing scene. In the following years, Mikkeller continued to shine in international rankings. On RateBeer, the reference site for beer geeks, it twice appeared in the Top 5 best breweries in the world, alongside long-established American and Belgian heavyweights. Its creations have also regularly earned rave reviews: for example, Beer Geek Brunch Weasel appeared six years in a row in the global Top 20 best beers (even reaching 6th place in 2009) according to RateBeer users. Even seemingly “simpler” styles have been acclaimed: the pale lager The American Dream, mentioned earlier, has scooped the gold medal in its category every year since 2012 on the same site. These recognitions from consumers and specialized judges highlight the consistent quality of Mikkeller’s work despite its profusion of different recipes.
Critics particularly value the aromatic boldness and technical mastery demonstrated by the brewery. Whether incorporating coffee, spices, exotic fruits, or experimenting with new hop varieties, Mikkeller often manages to surprise without slipping into caricature. Many praise Bjergsø’s ability to “reimagine what a brewery can be, what beer can be,” as one journalist put it: he proved that a brewery without a fixed base could rival the inventiveness of the industry’s biggest names. This image of a rule-breaking entrepreneur has earned Mikkel Bjergsø a special aura: he is regarded as one of the most innovative brewers of his generation, inspiring many other gypsy brewers around the world (including his own twin brother Jeppe, founder of Evil Twin Brewing).
On the public side, Mikkeller has managed to win the hearts of beer geeks while also introducing a broader audience to the joys of craft beer. Its bars, particularly in Copenhagen and Tokyo, are often cited among the best beer geek experiences, thanks to a consistently sharp beer selection served in a welcoming atmosphere. Newcomers are guided by passionate staff, and many recount how Mikkeller was their gateway into the world of craft beer. In France, the arrival of the Mikkeller Bar in Paris was warmly welcomed by the brewing community, seen as a sign that the capital was opening further to craft culture. Likewise, Mikkeller’s regular presence at specialized festivals (Mondial de la Bière, Paris Beer Week, etc.) has helped cement its reputation among French connoisseurs.
Of course, such a success story is not without challenges. Some observers have feared that increasing volumes and partnerships with industry giants could undermine Mikkeller’s craft spirit. The COVID-19 crisis also put the company to the test: bar closures during lockdowns, withdrawal from the U.S. market with the sale of the San Diego brewery between 2020 and 2022… Nevertheless, Mikkeller demonstrated resilience. In 2023, Bjergsø stated that he had turned things around and returned to profitability after those difficult times. The agreement with Carlsberg, far from being a sign of weakness, is presented as a new chapter aimed at “boosting distribution […] while staying the course on quality.” Indeed, so far, Mikkeller’s creativity does not appear to have waned, and the brand retains strong popular appeal.
Ultimately, Mikkeller has built a reputation as a brilliant disruptor in the beer world. Adored by some, sometimes envied by others, the Danish brewery has undeniably left a deep mark on the history of modern craft beer. Its model proved that with boldness and talent, it was possible to start from a simple homebrewer’s passion and, within a few years, create a global brand recognized for its excellence. Mikkeller paved the way for a new generation of borderless breweries and continues today to write its story while inspiring the global brewing community.
Conclusion: The Mikkeller Legacy, a Hoppy Inspiration
Mikkeller’s odyssey shows that with imagination and determination, a microbrewery can reach heights once reserved for industrial players. From a modest Copenhagen apartment, Mikkel Borg Bjergsø’s “phantom brewery” brought his malty fantasies to life and grew into a key player on the international craft scene. History, products, distribution, strategy, reputation—on all these fronts, Mikkeller has played its part brilliantly, challenging conventions and broadening the taste horizons of thousands of beer lovers.
Today, as the brand enters a new phase of development alongside major partners, its original enthusiasm remains intact. Every new beer, every new event under the Mikkeller name continues to spark curiosity and passion. In this sense, Mikkeller embodies more than an entrepreneurial success: it is a state of mind, made of boundless creativity, sharing, and love for craft. Its legacy can be read in the vibrancy of today’s brewing scene, where boldness has become the norm and international collaborations abound—trends to which the Danish brewery has greatly contributed.
Whether savoring a juicy IPA from the brand in a Paris bar or discovering a barrel-aged imperial stout at MBCC in Copenhagen, one feels the same flame that has driven Mikkeller since day one. A flame that, hopefully, will continue to burn for a long time and light the way for craft brewers around the world. Skål!
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