Mikkeller & Budvar Collaborate On #Year Of The Lager

This morning, I have an interesting new international collaboration beer coming from Mikkeller. This is #Year Of The Lager or #Year Of The Czech Lager, and it will be a collaboration with Budvar (The national brewery of the Czech Republic). This lager will roll in at a sessionable 4.6%-AbV, and you’re looking at the 14.9-oz can. Stay tuned for release details.

Label Text Mikkeller #Year Of The Lager:

“Mikkeller and Budvar have joined forces to create this unique Czech-style lager by blending Budvar’s rich brewing expertise with Mikkeller’s innovative approach. This golden beer pays homage to the proud Czech brewing heritage while adding an exciting twist. As pioneers in the craft beer world with a vision to create fun, inspiring, and adventurous beer experiences, MIkkeller is the perfect ally to finally make this year the #Year Of The Lager.”

zzubreebym

About Mikkeller:

Mikkeller is a Danish brewery and global beer brand founded by Mikkel Borg Bjergsø in 2003. It started as a “gypsy brewery,” meaning it didn’t have its own brewery but collaborated with other breweries, a model that helped it become known for its innovative and experimental beers, and has since expanded to operate bars, bottle shops, and restaurants worldwide. The company is also well-known for its collaborative approach, its distinctive artwork, and its global running club. 

Origins and growth
Humble beginnings: Mikkeller started in Copenhagen as a home-brewing project between Mikkel Borg Bjergsø and journalist Kristian Klarup Keller, who met as high school friends.

“Gypsy brewery” model: In 2006, the company began renting brewing equipment from other breweries to produce its beers. This allowed Mikkeller to grow without the upfront costs of building its own brewery.

Global expansion: The company’s success led to the opening of its first bar in Copenhagen in 2010, followed by numerous bars, bottle shops, and restaurants in cities across the globe.

Physical production: Mikkeller has since opened its own physical breweries, including Mikkeller Brewing in San Diego and a facility in Queens, New York. 

Products and brand identity
Diverse beer portfolio: The brand is known for brewing a wide variety of beers, from accessible pilsners to complex stouts, using diverse ingredients like coffee, passion fruit, and chili.

Signature beers: One of its most famous early beers was “Beer Geek Breakfast,” a rich oatmeal coffee stout that helped put the brewery on the map.

Iconic artwork: Every Mikkeller can and bottle features distinctive artwork, primarily created by artist Keith Shore. 

Community and other ventures
Collaborations: Mikkeller has a history of collaborating with other breweries and artists, a practice that has been central to its identity and growth.

Mikkeller Running Club: The company has a massive, worldwide running club with numerous branches in many countries.

Festivals and events: Mikkeller hosts its own international beer festival and other events that bring together brewers, chefs, and musicians.