Mikkeller
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Brewing |
| Founded | 2006 in Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Founders | Mikkel Bjergsø, Kristian Klarup Keller |
| Headquarters | Copenhagen , Denmark |
Area served | Worldwide (50 countries) |
Key people | Mikkel Bjergsø (sole leader since 2007) |
| Products | Craft beer, experimental beer styles |
| Website | mikkeller |
Mikkeller is a craft brewery established in 2006 in Copenhagen, Denmark. It began as a "gypsy" or "cuckoo" brewer, outsourcing its brewing operations to a Belgian facility. Since then, the company has grown to manage multiple brewpubs, such as Warpigs in Copenhagen and Mikkeller Brewpub London. Founded by homebrewers Mikkel Bjergsø, formerly a high school teacher, and journalist Kristian Klarup Keller, Mikkeller set out to craft innovative beers inspired by American breweries known for experimental approaches and bold flavor profiles.
Origins and early growth: 2005–2007
Prior to launching Mikkeller, Bjergsø and Keller, both self-taught brewers, focused on replicating existing beers and developing original recipes, earning several awards in Danish homebrewing contests. Their brewing initially took place in a domestic kitchen and was shared only within small local bars and beer enthusiast gatherings. In 2005, Bjergsø’s brother opened a beer shop that helped distribute their brews internationally. Motivated by increasing interest, Bjergsø and Keller officially established Mikkeller in 2006.
Towards the end of 2006, Mikkeller gained international recognition when its Beer Geek Breakfast stout won a global beer voting competition. The brewery introduced eight beers at the Copenhagen Beer Festival that year, receiving positive reviews and securing an international distribution agreement. To satisfy demand without investing in their own brewing equipment, Mikkeller began leasing capacity at established breweries.
In 2007, Keller departed to return to journalism due to his lesser interest in scaling production, leaving Bjergsø as the sole leader of the enterprise.
Growth and establishment: 2008 onwards
Currently, Mikkeller’s beers are available in 50 countries worldwide. Renowned for its experimental and innovative beer styles, the brewery has produced approximately 2,000 unique brews, including many versions aged in barrels made from various woods or infused with spirits. While some products remain permanent fixtures, the majority are limited releases or small-scale batches, generating demand that often surpasses production capabilities.
Maintaining its original approach, Mikkeller continues to brew exclusively at partner facilities—mainly de Proefbrouwerij in Belgium along with others located in Denmark, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Recipe development now incorporates AI technology. The company’s annual output is roughly 17,000 hectolitres (1.7 million liters).
In April 2016, Mikkeller inaugurated its first American brewery in San Diego by taking over a former AleSmith site—representing a strategic move into the U.S. market. This collaboration originated when AleSmith’s owner provided advice to Bjergsø on enhancing his coffee stout.
In 2017, Mikkeller opened a second U.S. brewery featuring a bar and restaurant inside New York City’s Citi Field stadium; this venue ceased operations permanently in 2020.
Also during 2017, Mikkeller teamed up with singer Rick Astley to launch two pubs situated in London’s Islington and Shoreditch districts.
Retail
Mikkeller inaugurated its initial brick-and-mortar brewery in San Diego, California. In March 2013, the company collaborated with Danish craft brewery To Øl to launch Mikkeller & Friends in Copenhagen, accompanied by a Bottle Shop that offers Mikkeller beers alongside other distinguished microbrewery selections. Additionally, Mikkeller runs an online store that regularly updates its inventory with various beers and branded items such as apparel and glassware.
In July 2013, Mikkeller extended its presence internationally by opening a licensed bar in San Francisco, California. This venue features state-of-the-art "on-the-fly" beer dispensing systems that expertly combine beer with nitrogen and carbon dioxide to serve each variety at the ideal temperature and quality.
By the end of 2013, Mikkeller revealed plans for a second overseas bar located in Bangkok, Thailand, scheduled to open in January 2014. Collaborating with a local distributor, the brand aims to tap into Thailand’s expanding consumer base and tourist market by offering a selection of 30 beers, including two exclusive microbrews. This initiative is designed to raise craft beer standards within Thailand and facilitate growth across Southeast Asia.
Collaborations
Mikkeller creates joint brews with numerous breweries such as BrewDog, To Øl, Nøgne Ø, Lervig Aktiebryggeri, Jester King, Three Floyds, Cigar City, AleSmith, and Namgay Artisanal Brewery.
The brewery also produces exclusive "house beers" for various restaurants and bars both domestically and abroad, including several Michelin-starred venues. Noteworthy partnerships include collaborations with Copenhagen-based ramen establishments "Ramen to Biiru" located in Nørrebro and Vesterbro. Currently, Mikkeller is working alongside Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in the United States.
Some collaborations arise from personal connections; founder Mikkel Bjergsø mentored two brewing students who later founded To Øl in 2010. Furthermore, Evil Twin is operated by Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø, Mikkel’s twin brother, and is based out of Brooklyn.
Copenhagen Beer Celebration
Since 2012, Mikkeller has organized the annual Copenhagen Beer Celebration every May. This event highlights small-scale breweries from around the globe and often features exclusive or limited-edition beers brewed specifically for the festival. In 2017, the event was rebranded as Mikkeller Beer Celebration Copenhagen (MBCC).
Awards
Mikkeller was honored as "Danish Brewery of the Year" in both 2006 and 2008, sharing the accolade in 2009. It has twice been ranked among the top five breweries worldwide. Its beers have received numerous awards: the pale lager The American Dream has secured RateBeer’s golden award annually since 2012, while the imperial stout Beer Geek Brunch Weasel maintained a position in RateBeer’s global top 20 for six straight years, reaching as high as sixth place in 2009.