Creating new Danish beer traditions For a century, Indslev Bryggeri (Indslev Brewery) was brewing traditional Danish ‘hvidtøl’ beer, until it closed in 1990. In 2006 it reopened with a new brand, taste and owner, creating a first in Denmark. By Josefine Older Steffensen | Photos: Indslev Bryggeri
Wheat beer is traditionally brewed in Germany or Belgium and had, until recently, yet to travel north of the border and into Denmark. When Anders Busse Rasmussen bought Indslev Bryggeri, he wanted to create something different. As the brewery’s master brewer was trained in the traditional production of wheat beer, their path was set.
ness can be found in all of our beers, but the different varieties have very individual tastes, so there’s usually something for everyone.” Denmark has recently experienced a beer revolution, with many micro-breweries opening up. This has led to a move away from the more traditional Danish beers and a taste for new and exciting flavours.
“It has a very soft, rounded taste compared to barley-based beers,” Rasmussen says about his wheat beer. “The soft-
Indslev Bryggeri currently makes eight different types of wheat beer available all year round, as well as two Christmas and
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two Easter brews. The beers range from the darkest of stouts to pale ales, but all have the twist of being brewed with wheat. The beers are unique as no other brewery in Denmark brews wheat beer. They are available at many restaurants, bars and supermarkets throughout Denmark.
Old and new traditions Although Indslev Bryggeri’s beers are different and new to Denmark, the brewery itself has a long-standing tradition of brewing beer. Rasmussen’s great-grandfather’s brother built the brewery in 1897 on the Danish island of Funen. Indslev Brewery was then producing the traditional hvidtøl, a low-alcohol beer, which has its roots in medieval beer.