Like a normal brewery… but pint-sized 🍺

Batches are kept small, ingredients sourced locally, and you’ll be on first-name terms with the owner by your third bev. Microbreweries are pocket rockets 🚀 You’ll find them in warehouses alongside criss-cross canals and behind unmarked doors on leafy streets.

We’re heading to the beer capital of Sweden to try three of Gothenburg’s best microbreweries…

Stigbergets Bryggeri, Ringön

What started as a humble mission to keep their restaurant Kino stocked with house-made brews quickly turned into a success story for the ages. Just three years in, their IPA 'Gbg Beer Week 2016' was crowned one of the best in the world. Casual flex.

These days, a big chunk of Stigbergets Bryggeri's beer is brewed right on-site in Ringön, where the magic happens. You can even book a tasting and pretend you understand all the flavor notes.

And then there’s Bryggan, a venue on the island of Hisingen. Sea breeze, cold pints, and live music from celebrated artists all summer long. They even throw a beer festival in May.

Barlind Beer Taproom, Björkö

If there were a quit your job and chase the dream hall of fame, BarlindBeer would have a shiny plaque.

Jonas started out brewing at home for fun… then only went and snatched first place at an IPA Homebrew Competition judged by heavy hitters like BrewDog. At that point, what do you even do? You quit your job and open a brewery on an island in the Gothenburg archipelago. Obviously.

Now Barlind Beer Taproom lives on Björkö, where they brew everything from light beer and folköl to strong beer, all with a big focus on sustainability. The leftover malt is fed to the island’s pigs and local deliveries are done fossil-free on an electric flat moped.

Their pale ale Fyren och Båken (“The Lighthouse and the Beacon”) is a light beer with a nice bitterness, and a love letter to Vinga and its iconic landmarks. Sly brag: it’s currently the only light beer brewed regularly in Gothenburg.

Qvänum Mat & Malt, Kvänum

Claes and Annica Wernerson’s microbrewery is more wholesome than an apple crumble at your nan’s house.

The pair run their brewery and distillery out of some isolated barley fields in Varaslätten. Try saying that after a beer... or seven. The water comes from the farm’s own well, brewing happens without additives, and spirits are distilled in copper stills that look like antiques.

The beers are as natural as it gets, and the spirits are laced with malted grains, cocoa, cumin and fennel. YUM.

Psst! it's an hour and a half drive from the centre of Gothenburg. But what's a car journey between friends? Plus this place deserves an honourable mention.