Top 10 Best Microbrewery Companies in Europe 2023

Microbreweries have taken the beer world by storm in recent years, offering beer enthusiasts a diverse and high-quality selection of beers. In Europe, the microbrewery scene has exploded, with a wide range of craft breweries popping up across the continent. Here’s a closer look at the microbrewery industry in Europe, including its history, growth, and impact on the beer industry.

History of Microbreweries in Europe:

Microbreweries have a long history in Europe, dating back to the Middle Ages when beer was brewed on a small scale in monasteries and taverns. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the brewing industry became dominated by large commercial breweries, and the popularity of microbreweries declined. However, in the 1970s and 80s, a new wave of microbreweries emerged, particularly in the UK and Belgium, sparking a renewed interest in craft beer.

In the early days, microbreweries were often seen as a niche market, catering to a small but dedicated group of beer enthusiasts. However, as the popularity of craft beer grew, so did the number of microbreweries. Today, microbreweries are a significant player in the beer industry, with a market share that continues to grow year after year.

Growth of Microbreweries in Europe:

The growth of microbreweries in Europe has been driven by a number of factors, including changing consumer tastes, a desire for more variety, and a growing interest in craft beer. As consumers have become more discerning, they have sought out high-quality beers with unique flavors and ingredients, leading to a rise in demand for craft beers.

Additionally, the rise of social media has made it easier for microbreweries to connect with consumers and promote their products. Many microbreweries have built strong communities around their brand, with loyal customers eager to try new releases and attend brewery events.

The growth of microbreweries has also been facilitated by changes in the regulatory environment. In many countries, regulations have been relaxed, making it easier for small breweries to operate and sell their products. This has led to a surge in the number of new breweries opening up, particularly in countries like the UK, Germany, and Belgium.

Impact of Microbreweries on the Beer Industry:

The rise of microbreweries has had a significant impact on the beer industry in Europe, challenging the dominance of large commercial breweries and offering consumers a wider range of beers to choose from. Microbreweries have helped to revitalize the beer industry, introducing new styles and flavors that appeal to a broader range of consumers.

Microbreweries have also helped to create a more competitive market, driving innovation and encouraging larger breweries to invest in their own craft beer offerings. In some cases, larger breweries have even acquired microbreweries, recognizing the value of their brands and products.

The success of microbreweries has also had an economic impact, with many breweries creating jobs and generating revenue for local communities. In addition, microbreweries often use locally-sourced ingredients, supporting local farmers and businesses.

The Future of Microbreweries in Europe:

The future of microbreweries in Europe looks bright, with the industry set to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years. As consumers become increasingly interested in unique and high-quality beers, microbreweries are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

However, the industry also faces challenges, particularly in terms of competition and regulation. With so many new breweries opening up, it can be difficult for microbreweries to stand out and attract customers. In addition, regulatory environments can be complex and difficult to navigate, particularly for smaller breweries.

Despite these challenges, the future of microbreweries in Europe looks promising, with a growing number of consumers embracing craft beer and seeking out new and interesting brews. As the industry continues

here’s a brief elaboration on each of the top 10 best microbrewery companies in Europe:

1. BrewDog – Scotland: Founded in 2007, BrewDog is one of the most popular and fastest-growing craft beer companies in the world. They offer a range of beers, including IPA, sour beers, and stouts. BrewDog is also known for its innovative marketing campaigns and bold brand messaging.
2. Mikkeller – Denmark: Mikkeller was founded in 2006 and has gained a reputation for its experimental approach to brewing. They offer a range of beers, including pale ales, sour beers, and barrel-aged beers. Mikkeller is also known for collaborating with other breweries to create unique and interesting beers.
3. The Kernel Brewery – England: The Kernel Brewery was founded in 2009 and is known for its focus on quality and consistency. They offer a range of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and porters. The Kernel Brewery is also known for its minimalist branding and packaging.
4. De Molen – Netherlands: De Molen was founded in 2004 and is known for its unique and experimental approach to brewing. They offer a range of beers, including IPAs, porters, and barrel-aged beers. De Molen is also known for its distinctive bottle designs and branding.
5. Brouwerij Alvinne – Belgium: Brouwerij Alvinne was founded in 2004 and is known for its traditional Belgian brewing techniques and use of local ingredients. They offer a range of beers, including sour beers and barrel-aged beers. Brouwerij Alvinne is also known for its commitment to sustainability and using renewable energy sources.
6. Oedipus Brewing – Netherlands: Oedipus Brewing was founded in 2011 and is known for its unique and playful approach to brewing. They offer a range of beers, including IPAs, sour beers, and lagers. Oedipus Brewing is also known for its colorful and eye-catching branding and packaging.Oedipus Brewing is a craft brewery based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Founded in 2011, the brewery has quickly gained a reputation for producing innovative, high-quality beers that combine traditional brewing techniques with bold, modern flavors.

   The founders of Oedipus Brewing, four friends with a shared passion for brewing and creativity, set out to create beers that were not only delicious but also visually striking and thought-provoking. The name “Oedipus” was chosen to reflect this ethos, inspired by the Greek myth of Oedipus, who famously solved the riddle of the Sphinx through a combination of intelligence and creativity.

   One of the defining characteristics of Oedipus Brewing is its commitment to experimentation and innovation. The brewery produces a range of different beer styles, from classic Belgian ales to hoppy American-style IPAs, but always with a unique twist. For example, the brewery’s flagship beer, the Mannenliefde, is a Belgian-style saison infused with lemongrass and Szechuan pepper, giving it a refreshing, citrusy flavor with a spicy kick.

   Oedipus Brewing is also known for its striking branding and packaging, which features bold, colorful designs inspired by art and pop culture. The brewery has collaborated with a range of artists and designers to create unique, limited-edition labels for its beers, further enhancing the visual appeal of its products.

   Another key aspect of Oedipus Brewing’s philosophy is sustainability and community engagement. The brewery is committed to reducing its environmental impact through a range of measures, such as using locally sourced ingredients and investing in energy-efficient equipment. Oedipus also hosts regular events and collaborates with local businesses and artists, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive cultural scene in Amsterdam.

   In recent years, Oedipus Brewing has expanded its operations, opening a new brewery and taproom in Amsterdam in 2015. The brewery has also received numerous awards and accolades, including being named the best brewery in the Netherlands by RateBeer in 2015 and 2016.

   Overall, Oedipus Brewing is a prime example of the exciting, creative microbrewery culture that has emerged in Europe in recent years. With its commitment to experimentation, innovation, and sustainability, as well as its unique branding and community engagement, Oedipus has established itself as one of the most distinctive and highly-regarded breweries in Europe today.

7. To Øl – Denmark: To Øl was founded in 2010 and is known for its experimental and innovative approach to brewing. They offer a range of beers, including IPAs, sour beers, and stouts. To Øl is also known for its collaborations with other breweries and for its distinctive and quirky branding.
8. Siren Craft Brew – England: Siren Craft Brew was founded in 2013 and is known for its bold and creative approach to brewing. They offer a range of beers, including IPAs, sour beers, and barrel-aged beers. Siren Craft Brew is also known for its collaborations with other breweries and for its distinctive bottle designs and branding.Siren Craft Brew is a British microbrewery based in Finchampstead, Berkshire. Founded in 2012 by a group of beer enthusiasts, the brewery has quickly gained a reputation for producing innovative, high-quality beers that draw inspiration from a range of international brewing traditions.

   One of the defining features of Siren Craft Brew is its commitment to experimentation and collaboration. The brewery has worked with a range of international breweries and businesses to create unique, limited-edition beers that showcase the diversity of the brewing world. For example, the brewery’s “Barrel-aged Caribbean Chocolate Cake” was created in collaboration with Cigar City Brewing from Tampa, Florida, and features flavors of chocolate, coconut, and vanilla.

   Siren Craft Brew is also known for its use of unusual and often experimental ingredients in its beers. For example, the brewery’s “Suspended in Cans” series features beers that have been dry-hopped with different types of tea, such as green tea or earl grey, resulting in complex and unexpected flavor profiles.

   In addition to its innovative approach to brewing, Siren Craft Brew is committed to sustainability and community engagement. The brewery uses locally sourced ingredients where possible and has implemented a range of environmental measures, such as using solar panels to power its taproom. Siren Craft Brew also hosts regular events, including brewery tours, tap takeovers, and music festivals, and has a strong presence on social media, where it engages with customers and shares updates on its latest releases.

   In recent years, Siren Craft Brew has expanded its operations, opening a new brewery and taproom in Wokingham, Berkshire, in 2018. The brewery has also received numerous awards and accolades, including being named the best brewery in the UK by RateBeer in 2015.

   Overall, Siren Craft Brew is a prime example of the vibrant and innovative microbrewery culture that has emerged in Europe in recent years. With its commitment to experimentation, collaboration, sustainability, and community engagement, as well as its use of unusual and unexpected ingredients, Siren Craft Brew has established itself as one of the most exciting and highly-regarded breweries in the UK today.

9. Cloudwater Brew Co. – England: Cloudwater Brew Co. was founded in 2014 and is known for its commitment to quality and innovation. They offer a range of beers, including IPAs, sour beers, and stouts. Cloudwater Brew Co. is also known for its collaborations with other breweries and for its distinctive and minimalist branding.Cloudwater Brew Co. is a UK-based microbrewery that has quickly established itself as one of the leading craft beer producers in Europe. Founded in 2014 by Paul Jones, Cloudwater has gained a reputation for producing high-quality, innovative beers that push the boundaries of traditional brewing styles.

   Cloudwater’s beers are known for their bold flavors and use of experimental ingredients, such as unusual hops and fruits. The brewery is particularly renowned for its hazy, New England-style IPAs, which have become a signature style for the company.

   One of the key factors driving Cloudwater’s success has been its commitment to collaboration and experimentation. The brewery has worked with a range of international brewers and businesses to create unique beers and has also launched a number of experimental projects, such as its seasonal “Friends & Family” series.

   Cloudwater has also been proactive in engaging with its customers and building a strong community around its brand. The brewery hosts regular events, including beer festivals and tap takeovers, and has a strong presence on social media, where it shares updates on new releases and brewery news.

   In recent years, Cloudwater has expanded its operations, opening a new brewery and taproom in Manchester in 2018. The company has also received numerous awards and accolades, including being named the best brewery in the UK by RateBeer in 2016 and 2017.

   Overall, Cloudwater Brew Co. is a shining example of the innovative, community-driven microbrewery culture that has emerged in Europe in recent years. With its commitment to experimentation and collaboration, and its dedication to producing high-quality, flavorful beers, Cloudwater has established itself as one of the most exciting breweries in Europe today.

10. La Pirata – Spain: La Pirata was founded in 2012 and is known for its traditional and authentic approach to brewing. They offer a range of beers, including IPAs, pale ales, and stouts. La Pirata is also known for its commitment to using local ingredients and for its distinctive bottle designs and branding.