Posted in AleSmith Brewing, Headlines, Mikkeller Brewing San Diego

Mikkeller will soon have a U.S. brewery thanks to Alesmith

Mikkeller, a gypsy brewery (meaning no brick & mortar home) and one of the world’s most popular brewers, will soon have a place to call home. You might recall a Beer Street Journal story back in February about this partnership; now we have more information.

Mikkel Borg Bjergsø, the founder of Danish brewery Mikkeller, has entered into an agreement with Peter Zien of San Diego, California based Alesmith Brewing Company. The duo have created a company you’ll know as Mikkeller Brewing San Diego. Both individuals have a stake in the partnership.

Mikkeller Brewing San Diego wil be housed at AleSmith’s original headquarters, on Cabot Drive in San Diego’s Miramar community. This location will produce new and current popular offerings for not only the United States, but the world.

“People have always asked me when I’m going to open my own brewery, and my answer has always been ‘never.’ It’s the easiest answer, but it’s been on my mind for several years,” says Bjergsø. “I like being a ‘gypsy brewer,’ but know that having a stake in a U.S. brewery will change our position here. Brewing in one of the best breweries in the world really makes sense. If they can brew beers like they do at AleSmith, it really can’t go wrong.”

Mikkeller Brewing San Diego will use AleSmith’s 30 Barrel system, which was producing around 15,000 barrels annually before AleSmith expanded. Some of AleSmith’s original employees will transition over to this facility.

What and when to expect… 

Mikkeller Brewing San Diego will be a playground for brewer collaborations. If you are familiar with Mikkeller’s body of brewing work, collaborations top Bjergso’s priorities. A 750 square-foot tasting room resembling Miklkeller’s global beer bars will be open in early 2016.