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Tallinn Estonian Craft Beer Tasting and History
There’s nothing like exploring the culture and the flavors of a city through its local brews. In Tallinn, Estonia, craft beer is a quickly growing industry, offering an impressive array of tastes and textures that can’t be found anywhere else. From full-bodied imperial stouts to complex triple IPAs, this Tallinn specialty has everything that a beer lover could need. With that in mind, let’s dive into the history and craft beer tasting of this exciting European city.
A Brief History of Craft Beer in Tallinn
Craft beer in Tallinn has been around since the middle ages, when German brewers first brought their brewing techniques to the city. Since then, the brewing industry has been refined and developed, becoming a cornerstone of the city’s cultural identity; breweries are even part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tallinn Old Town.
From the early 20th century onwards, craft beer in Tallinn has grown significantly. The first microbrewery was opened in 1961 by Kalimein Schulozen, and other local producers started to appear shortly afterwards. The 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union then allowed for Tallinners to fully embrace their craft beer industry and the range of flavors it had to offer.
Today, craft beer in Tallinn is thriving and showing no signs of slowing down. As of 2021, there are over 80 craft breweries in and around the city, each with its own unique brand of intricate brewing techniques and renowned flavors. You can even find speciality beer tours around the city to explore these delicious drinks for yourself.
Craft Beer Tasting
When it comes to craft beer tasting in Tallinn, there truly is something for everyone. Whether you prefer light lagers or deep double IPAs, you’ll be able to find a brew specifically tailored to your palate. Let’s take a deep dive into these diverse styles:
Light Lagers
Light lagers are one of the most popular styles of craft beer in Tallinn, and for good reason – they offer a delicate balance between sweet and bitter flavors. These medium-bodied beers pair perfectly with seafood dishes and salads, making them ideal for light summer evenings or pre-dinner drinks. If you’re looking for some popular examples, try beers from Lehe Brewery, Põhjala Brewery, or Õllenaut Brewery.
IPAs
IPAs are a popular style of craft beer thanks to their light yet zesty bitterness and fruity aromas. In Tallinn, you’ll find an array of both single and double IPAs, each showcasing their own unique flavors and strength. Popular choices include Rehe Brewing’s India Pale Ale, Põhjala’s Upbrew Long IPA, or the more experimental Imperial White IPA by Pohjala Mynmoe Brewpub.
Stouts
For those looking for something a bit stronger, stouts are a must-try option in Tallinn. Pouring dark brown to black, these full-bodied beers have intense coffee-like smells and heavy roasted taste – ideal for post-dinner drinks or nightcaps. Must-try examples include Põhjala’s new Black Edition Milk Stout or Krampe Pretzels Take Off Imperial Oatmeal Stout from Lehe Brewery.
Booking a Craft Beer Tour of Tallinn
If you want to fully experience all the craft of beer Tallinn has to offer, then booking a beer tour is definitely a must! Most of these tours involve taking you to several local breweries in one afternoon or evening, tasting a selection of their beers while learning about their history and craft brewing methods. It’s a great way to really get to know the flavors and nuances of the city’s best craft beers.
If you’d like to go on one of these amazing beer tours during your stay in Tallinn, then Viator offers great options for both single-day and multi-day tours. Not only will you get an insider look into the world of craft beer in Tallinn, but you can also visit multiple taprooms and learn more about the city’s brewing industry from experienced guides. So if you’re looking for an amazing way to really get to know this Baltic city and its classic brews, then this is definitely the tour for you!
All in all, craft beer in Tallinn is an ever-growing industry boasting an amazing selection of diverse flavors. From light lagers to full-bodied stouts, it has something for every palate – whether you’re a newcomer just trying out the local tastes or an experienced brew connoisseur. If you’d like to explore the world of craft beer in Tallinn further, then why not book one of the amazing beer tours offered by Viator? Whether it’s a single day experience or a longer tour over multiple days, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience – so why not go experience it for yourself?
