Estonia’s Craft Beer Mecca
Põhjala Brewery in Tallinn is a shining example of Estonia’s flourishing craft beer scene. With a unique combination of tradition and innovation, the brewery has built a strong reputation not only in Estonia but also internationally. Known for its inventive beer styles and high-quality ingredients, Põhjala delivers distinctive flavors and a true passion for handcrafted beer in every bottle. Anyone looking to explore the world of Estonian craft beer cannot miss Põhjala.
From Small Start-up to International Brand
Põhjala was founded in late 2011 in Tallinn by four Estonian beer enthusiasts and homebrewers: Enn Parel, Peeter Keek, Gren Noormets, and Tiit Paananen. Shortly thereafter, Scottish brewmaster Chris Pilkington joined the team, bringing experience gained at BrewDog. The first beer, the “Öö” Imperial Baltic Porter, was released in early 2013 and initially brewed at partner breweries while Põhjala prepared its own production facility.
In April 2014, Põhjala opened its own brewery in Tallinn’s Nõmme district. Since then, the brewery has continued to grow and is now the largest craft brewery in the Baltic region.
All famous beers from this brewery
Põhjala - Gimme Danger
Põhjala - Roggenwolf
Põhjala - Pime Öö PX
Põhjala - Northern Decadence
Põhjala - Jouluporter
Põhjala - Treeninglaager Tsitrus
Põhjala - Surf City
Põhjala - Pime Öö
Põhjala - Treeninglaager
Põhjala - Laager 0
Põhjala - Must Kuld
Põhjala - Prenzlauer 0
Põhjala - Prenzlauer Berg
Põhjala - Laager
Põhjala - Uus Maailm
Põhjala - Kosmos
Põhjala - Virmalised
Põhjala - Öö
Põhjala - Orange Gose
Põhjala - Sun City
Põhjala Craft Beer Paket + Glas
The Visionaries Behind Põhjala
Põhjala was founded by four Estonian beer lovers: Enn Parel, Peeter Keek, Gren Noormets, and Tiit Paananen. Their shared passion for craft beer and their vision of transforming Estonia’s beer landscape laid the foundation for the brewery. Each founder contributed individual strengths and experience.
Enn Parel was one of the pioneers of the Estonian craft beer movement and inspired the team with his deep industry knowledge. Peeter Keek, a talented homebrewer, drove the creative development of innovative beer recipes. Gren Noormets and Tiit Paananen complemented the team with their business and organizational expertise. Together, they shared the vision of popularizing craft beer in Estonia and beyond.
In 2013, Chris Pilkington, an experienced Scottish brewmaster with roots at BrewDog, joined the team and contributed his technical know-how and brewing expertise. With this strong foundation, Põhjala grew into one of the leading craft breweries in the Baltic states.
Põhjala’s Most Popular Beers: Something for Every Taste
Põhjala is known for its diversity and innovation in beer production. Some of the most popular and well-known beers include:
- Põhjala “Öö” Imperial Stout: A rich and intense stout with aromas of chocolate, coffee, and roasted nuts. One of the brewery’s most popular beers, it has won numerous awards.
- Põhjala “Helge” Pale Ale: A refreshing pale ale with citrus notes and a pleasantly bitter finish.
- Põhjala “Laager” Lager: A classic lager that is very popular in Estonia, finely balanced and ideal for everyday enjoyment.
- Põhjala “Must Kuld” Baltic Porter: A deep-black porter with a complex blend of roasted flavors and sweet caramel notes.
These beers are popular not only in Estonia but have also earned international recognition.
Where Innovation Meets Tradition
Põhjala takes pride in combining traditional brewing methods with modern techniques and innovation. One of its standout features is the use of Estonian ingredients and close collaboration with local producers to create unique flavor profiles. The brewery places great emphasis on experimentation, using rare malts and hop varieties to develop distinctive aromas.
Another highlight is the range of limited and seasonal releases, which regularly introduce new taste experiences. Põhjala has mastered the balance between tradition and modernity, making it a true pioneer of the craft beer movement.
Modern Technology in the Heart of Tallinn
Põhjala Brewery is located in the northwestern part of Tallinn and is housed in a modern, innovative building. The brewing system is highly advanced, allowing brewers to realize their creations with precision and creativity. Modern equipment enables large-scale production while maintaining exceptional craft quality.
The heart of the brewery is a state-of-the-art brewhouse that allows experimentation with different brewing processes. Põhjala is a prime example of how modern technology and traditional craftsmanship can work together to create outstanding beers.
Quick Facts About Põhjala Brewery
- Founded: 2011
- Founders: Enn Parel, Peeter Keek, Gren Noormets, and Tiit Paananen
- Awards: Numerous international prizes, including multiple awards at the World Beer Cup and European Beer Star
- Website strong>: www.pohjala.com
- Location: Põhjala Brewery, Tallinn, Estonia
- Specialties: Innovative and seasonal beer creations, use of local Estonian ingredients, and a strong spirit of experimentation