Lesser Known (non-US) Beer Destinations

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by jophish17, Oct 8, 2023.

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  1. jophish17

    jophish17 Pooh-Bah (2,188) Jan 20, 2007 Georgia
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    What are some up and coming or lesser known beer destinations? Most BAs know Prague, Copenhagen, Munich, Brussels etc - what else is out there?

    Additional context: after coming back from
    Singapore and Malaysia, I’ve pencilled in Saigon as a city to visit. Vietnam was high on my list for other reasons, but I had beers from several Saigon brewers that were awesome, Heart of Darkness being my favorite.

    Where should I try to go next?
     
    #1 jophish17, Oct 8, 2023
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  2. BBThunderbolt

    BBThunderbolt Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,846) Sep 24, 2007 Kiribati
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Vancouver BC.
     
    #2 BBThunderbolt, Oct 8, 2023
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  3. EmperorBatman

    EmperorBatman Zealot (741) Mar 16, 2018 Tennessee

    I’m a sucker for British beer, but anywhere in the UK you’ll a lot of great local beers, many of which are ales, with labels you’ll never find anywhere else in the world. Plus, most of the local stuff isn’t lager, which is a nice change.

    Bamberg maybe, they get some hype if smoke beer is your niche. Nuremberg is also an overlooked beer city, with the unique style of Red Beer originating there.
     
    #3 EmperorBatman, Oct 8, 2023
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  4. unlikelyspiderperson

    unlikelyspiderperson Grand Pooh-Bah (3,966) Mar 12, 2013 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I want to check out the eastern Baltic region. Pohjala sparked my awareness, out of Estonia. They make some world class stouts and I've heard that they have some other good stuff as well.

    There are a couple other breweries I've heard referenced in passing as being quite good and they have a unique farmhouse brewing culture that is apparently still kicking around.

    Another odd ball that I haven't heard much detail about is Baja California. The only thing I read that piqued my interest was about a brew fest.they were having that had over a hundred breweries attending and most were from that state!
     
    #4 unlikelyspiderperson, Oct 8, 2023
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  5. AzfromOz

    AzfromOz Grand Pooh-Bah (3,225) Aug 22, 2020 Australia
    Mod Team BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I've been dodging Heart of Darkness beers the last few days in Singapore. They seem to be on the taplists of the few craft bars in the area but given the price I've been sticking with locally brewed stuff or beers I find from my wish list.

    But if you're looking for an untapped location, try Melbourne in Australia. Vibrant brewing scene, great beers, and you're surrounded by Aussies. Win win!

    Cheers!
     
    #5 AzfromOz, Oct 8, 2023
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  6. JamFuel

    JamFuel Grand High Pooh-Bah (9,284) Mar 26, 2009 Sweden
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah

    Stockholm and Gothenburg in Sweden are both great with several world-class beer places each. Also very easy to get around with subway, trams and buses. In the last couple of years I’ve also really enjoyed visiting Leeds in England and Lübeck in Germany. Leeds had a great mix of traditional pubs with cask ale and craft bars and breweries. Lübeck is a beautiful, very walkable city with great food and beer, both craft and more classic German stuff.
     
    #6 JamFuel, Oct 8, 2023
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  7. jophish17

    jophish17 Pooh-Bah (2,188) Jan 20, 2007 Georgia
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Agreed, they are $$$$. But I was a bit underwhelmed by the local beer in Singapore. Most was ok but few local beers truly impressed me. What have you liked?

    I went to the Heart of Darkness pub and ordered a sampler (about 30USD for 4 ~7oz pours, kill me) then re-ordered a couple I really liked. Beer in Singapore certainly empties the wallet.

    Noted! I travel a few times a year for f1 and Melbourne is one of the few treks I’ve yet to make. Can’t wait.
     
    #7 jophish17, Oct 8, 2023
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  8. jophish17

    jophish17 Pooh-Bah (2,188) Jan 20, 2007 Georgia
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I do like smoked beer and funny enough I was drinking a Tucher red when I posted this- bamberg might be the biggest missing tick in my beer cities visited list.
     
    #8 jophish17, Oct 8, 2023
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  9. hopfenunmaltz

    hopfenunmaltz Pooh-Bah (2,647) Jun 8, 2005 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah

    Rotbier is mostly lost on me. The was one place in Nuremberg where it was OK.

    In the Spirit of the thread I will say York.
     
    #9 hopfenunmaltz, Oct 8, 2023
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  10. AzfromOz

    AzfromOz Grand Pooh-Bah (3,225) Aug 22, 2020 Australia
    Mod Team BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I've had a handful of beers at Brewerkz, which has a location right where we're staying. Their double IPA was nice, and I would have liked to try a few others, but at $20AUD for a 12oz pour, I've limited myself to just those handful so far. Also had a few up at LeVel33 which were ok, and certainly paired a nice view to accompany my slow sipping.

    Re. the GP, our State government in Victoria has led us into a horrible debt spiral so I wouldn't be surprised if we sell our rights to the GP to the highest bidder in the next few years, so get here while you can!

    Cheers!
     
    #10 AzfromOz, Oct 9, 2023
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  11. WillemHC

    WillemHC Zealot (604) Jun 21, 2013 Utah

    Went to Estonia last year. Pohjala was awesome and there is a whole lot more. Little craft beer cafes and bottle shops all over Tallinn, as well as other great breweries. Went to a cool farmhouse brewery on the island Saaremaa. That island is also beautiful. Highly recommend Estonia as a destination. It's also super affordable.
     
    #11 WillemHC, Oct 9, 2023
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  12. donspublic

    donspublic Grand Pooh-Bah (3,552) Aug 4, 2014 Texas
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I would throw out there Wroclaw. Stayed there for work a few years ago and was amazed at how good the beer was selection and quality. If you stay downtown you are within walking distance of a slew of bars and a couple of breweries. Most of the bars stay open really late 12 to 2 on weekdays and up to 4am on weekends depending on bar. I don't think I ever used public transportation or uber except to get to and from the airport. The furthest brewery from town (2.5 miles) I walked to. I would definitely go back here again, hotel was reasonable, food cost were reasonable and the quality was very good and beer cost weren't too bad either. Plus side the town is beautiful and they have a very nice aquarium/zoo. It is on my list of places to go back to if I ever get a chance.
     
    #12 donspublic, Oct 9, 2023
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  13. HorseheadsHophead

    HorseheadsHophead Grand Pooh-Bah (3,732) Sep 15, 2014 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Uhhh....Germany and Belgium are not in the U.S. And I do believe they are known for beer.
     
    #13 HorseheadsHophead, Oct 10, 2023
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