[Note: I wrote this review at the time not knowing about the recent controversy regarding…read moreallegations of a toxic work environment stemming from gender-based harassment to indifference to quality control and safety protocols. I apologize for my ignorance and oversight. While I had a great time at this bar and I like Mikkeller's beers in general, I cannot in good conscience go to any Mikkeller bar until I read reports that working environment have significantly improved. The review and rating will still remain because I don't want to discredit the bartenders who still need to make a living].
While everyone knows me nowadays as a wino, I still appreciate beer in that beer will be my go-to alcoholic beverage in countries that have a strong beer culture. In Copenhagen the beer culture can be summed up by two beer brands, each with a different philosophy.
- Carlsberg, one of the Big 4 beer production companies. They revolutionized the beer production scene by 1) isolating and marketing the yeast that is specific to lager fermentation and 2) creation and standardization of the pH scale. In the case of beer brewing it is used to measure the acidity of the water (remember, water is normally neutral pH).
- Mikkeller, one of the pioneers of the "contract brewing" concept - collaborate with other breweries to produce your beer. What started out as a passion project collaboration between a schoolteacher and his friend ended up becoming the face of the craft beer movement in Copenhagen. What catapulted Mikkeller to international fame was their Beer Geek Breakfast, which took top rating at ratebeer and currently has a 4+ average on beeradvocate. Eventually the original partner left to pursue other projects, the sole owner's passion now became his full time job and he finally had to create his own brewery (with the first one being in SD, CA, USA of all places for American-style IPAs). Although it is signature Mikkeller to collaborate with other businesses for food/beer pairings (Ramen to Biiru, Warpigs), there are only a few outposts of Mikkeller bars. The OG Mikkeller bar is this one located in Vesterbro.
Vesterbro has had a bad rap in the past but now has evolved into one of the more hip neighborhoods of Copenhagen. Its close proximity to the train station (and additionally, my hotel) meant that this ended up being a perfect bar for a nightcap drink. I ended up liking it so much that I came back again on my last night in the city.
The Danish ethos of "hygge" is in full force here - it's as hyggelig as it gets. Entrance is kinda tucked away somewhere between the train station and the Meatpacking District. From the down-to-earth staff to the patrons I talked to it was the perfect place to just wind down and relax over a glass of beer. Special mention to Hannah, Becs and Christian for being awesome. As a contrast I haven't seen an equivalent feeling in any beer bar back home - and this is considering SD is one of the craft beer meccas in the US!
As a rule, 20 brews on tap. 19 are beer and there's always a non-beer option. There's always Mikkeller brews plus a few non-Mikkeller options. Beer styles are primarily IPAs, lambics/sours (focus on spontaneous fermentation) and porters/stouts. Two sizes available for most beers, the more rare options only have a small size.
Here are the beers I had over the course of 2 days. Most important to note that a small 20cl glass is around ~30-35DKK/~$5USD and a standard beer pint is double that price. Sticker shock isn't so bad here because SD prices are just about equal. For current beers on tap check out their untapped page (https://untappd.com/v/mikkeller-viktoriagade/3124)
- Scour Scandinavia Spontanseabuckthorn (Mikkeller) - typical sour
- Crackle (Gamma Brewing Company) - strong smoky notes here; thinking bacon.
- Kaffestout (Mikkeller)
- Export India Porter (The Kernel) - excellent nightcap
