Drinking Around Sweden
When traveling, it’s important to drink like a local. Not only will you get a more authentic experience, but you’ll also be able to interact with like-minded beer people and see neighborhoods that aren’t always featured in travel guides. All About Beer Magazine asked Swedish beer blogger Fredrik Broberg, the man behind the site Ölhunden, for his thoughts on where to get the best pints around Stockholm and the breweries that are producing inventive, flavorful beers.
Bars in Stockholm
Akkurat. Probably Sweden’s most famous bar. Along with Oliver Twist it’s the only bar in Sweden to receive the Cask Marque, proving it can handle real ale. They are good friends with Cantillon Brewery and one of the few places that serve their beers on tap in Sweden. And if you love sour beers, the cuvée list is to die for! Simply put, this is a damn good bar with very knowledgeable staff.
Oliver Twist. Akkurat’s older sister bar is just a short stroll away from Akkurat. Smaller and with a more Americana profile. For a long time this was the place to go to if you wanted to find exciting hoppy American beers.
Bishops Arms Folkungagatan. The Bishops Arms is a very popular bar chain in Sweden with at least eight in Stockholm. The quality varies, but this one on Folkungagatan has a relaxed atmosphere and nice people behind the bar with a good insight into the beer scene. Together with Akkurat and Oliver Twist, “Bishop Folkis” is part of what some people call “The Bermuda Triangle.”
Man In The Moon. A rustic but tidy bar in the northern part of central Stockholm. Might fall a bit in the shadow of pubs like Akkurat and Oliver Twist, but is actually a very good place with a big selection and nice ambience. It celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2014.
Breweries
Nynäshamns Ångbryggeri. One of Sweden’s oldest (founded in 1996) breweries and also one of the best. Classic beers, but very well made and balanced. The brewer is close with the staff of Akkurat and Oliver Twist and regularly makes specialty beers for them. In the past, the brewery has collaborated with Dogfish Head and Ska Brewing. Located about an hour outside Stockholm on the coast.
Omnipollo. Sweden’s roaming brewer superstars Henok Fentie (recipes/brewing) and Karl Grandin (artwork) have taken the Swede beer scene by storm, brewing their beers at places like De Proefbrouwerij, De Molen and Prairie Artisan Ales. They brew super smart and tasty beers.
Pang Pang Brewery. This small brewery is a good example of how brewing beer can be hard work, but that it can lead to success. It puts a lot of effort in making it all look good. Pang Pang made a bit of a ruckus recently when it released a 33cl imperial stout and wanted $60 for it. All the beers have a very personal touch.
Södra Maltfabriken. With a growing fan base, this brewery mostly makes American-style pale ales and IPAs.
John Holl
John is the editor of All About Beer Magazine and the author of three books, including The American Craft Beer Cookbook. Find him on Twitter @John_Holl.
