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Local Brewing and Drinks

Explore locally brewed beer, cider, and other drinks, along with bars and pubs that showcase Swedish beverages.

Sections

1. Local Breweries in Linköping

Linköping is home to several small-scale breweries and craft beer producers that focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability. Here are some of the most notable ones:

a. Centralbryggeriet

  • Overview: Centralbryggeriet is one of the most popular craft breweries in Linköping. It specializes in producing a wide range of beers, from classic lagers to experimental IPAs and stouts.
  • Specialties: Their flagship beers include "Linköping Lager," a crisp and refreshing lager, and "Hopnotism," a bold and hoppy IPA. They also produce seasonal beers, such as winter ales and summer wheat beers.
  • Cultural Note: The brewery takes pride in its connection to Linköping’s local identity, often naming beers after regional landmarks or events.
  • Tours and Tastings: They occasionally host brewery tours and tasting events, which are a great way to learn about their brewing process.
  • Average Cost: A pint of their beer at a local bar costs around 70–90 SEK, while a bottle from a Systembolaget (Sweden’s state-run alcohol store) costs 25–40 SEK.

b. Nääs Gårdsbryggeri

  • Overview: Located just outside Linköping, this small, family-run brewery focuses on traditional brewing methods and organic ingredients.
  • Specialties: Known for their farmhouse ales and Belgian-style beers, they also produce unique seasonal brews, such as elderflower-infused ales in the summer.
  • Cultural Note: The brewery emphasizes sustainability and often collaborates with local farms for ingredients.
  • Tours and Tastings: They offer guided tours of their brewery and farm, often paired with tastings of their beers and local snacks.
  • Average Cost: Similar to Centralbryggeriet, their beers cost around 25–40 SEK at Systembolaget.

c. Ölstugan Tullen (Craft Beer Bar with Local Options)

  • While not a brewery, Ölstugan Tullen is a popular bar in Linköping that serves a wide selection of Swedish craft beers, including those from local breweries. It’s a great place to sample beers from across the region.

2. Types of Drinks and Brewing Traditions

Sweden has a rich brewing tradition, and Linköping reflects this heritage with its focus on craft beer and other beverages. Here are some key drinks to try:

a. Beer (Öl)

  • Styles: Expect to find a variety of styles, including lagers, IPAs, stouts, porters, and sour beers. Swedish brewers often experiment with local ingredients like lingonberries, juniper, and elderflower.
  • Cultural Note: Swedes enjoy beer as a social drink, often paired with food. Drinking culture is generally relaxed and focused on quality over quantity.

b. Cider

  • Sweden is known for its high-quality ciders, often made from apples or pears. Some local producers in the Linköping area create artisanal ciders with a dry, crisp flavor profile.

c. Aquavit (Snaps)

  • While not brewed, aquavit is a traditional Swedish spirit flavored with caraway or dill. It’s often enjoyed during festive occasions and paired with traditional Swedish food.

d. Seasonal Specialties

  • Julöl (Christmas Beer): A dark, malty beer brewed specifically for the holiday season.
  • Påsköl (Easter Beer): A lighter, malt-forward beer brewed for Easter celebrations.

3. Recommendations for Places to Visit

Here are some top spots in Linköping to enjoy local brews and drinks:

a. De Klomp

  • Overview: A cozy gastropub with a strong focus on craft beer, including local and international options.
  • What to Try: Ask for beers from Centralbryggeriet or other Swedish microbreweries. They also serve hearty pub food that pairs well with beer.
  • Cost: A pint costs around 80–100 SEK.
  • Opening Hours: Typically open from late afternoon to midnight, but check their website for exact times.

b. Ölstugan Tullen

  • Overview: A popular chain of craft beer bars in Sweden, with a location in Linköping. They serve only Swedish beers, making it a great place to explore the country’s brewing scene.
  • What to Try: Their rotating taps often feature beers from Centralbryggeriet and other local breweries.
  • Cost: A pint costs around 70–90 SEK.
  • Opening Hours: Open daily, usually from 3 PM to midnight.

c. Systembolaget

  • Overview: Sweden’s state-run alcohol store is the only place to buy bottled beer, wine, and spirits for home consumption. The staff is knowledgeable and can help you find local brews.
  • Cultural Note: Alcohol sales are highly regulated in Sweden. Systembolaget is closed on Sundays and has limited hours on Saturdays, so plan accordingly.

4. Events and Festivals

Linköping hosts several events throughout the year that celebrate beer and local drinks:

a. Linköping Beer Expo

  • Overview: An annual event that brings together breweries from across Sweden and beyond. It’s a fantastic opportunity to sample a wide variety of beers and meet the brewers.
  • When: Typically held in the spring.
  • Cost: Entry tickets cost around 200–300 SEK, with additional costs for tasting tokens.

b. Seasonal Tastings

  • Many bars and breweries in Linköping host special tasting events during the holidays, such as Christmas beer tastings in December or summer ale events in June.

5. Local Considerations

  • Alcohol Laws: In Sweden, alcohol sales are strictly regulated. Bars and restaurants can serve alcohol, but bottled beer and other drinks for home consumption must be purchased from Systembolaget. The legal drinking age is 18 in bars and 20 for purchasing from Systembolaget.
  • Opening Hours: Bars typically open in the late afternoon and close around midnight or 1 AM. Systembolaget closes early on Saturdays (around 3 PM) and is closed on Sundays.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Sweden, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is appreciated for good service.

6. Practical Tips

  • Language: Most Swedes speak excellent English, so you won’t have trouble communicating at bars or breweries.
  • Payment: Sweden is a largely cashless society, so be prepared to pay with a card or mobile payment app.
  • Seasonal Variations: Some breweries and bars may have reduced hours during the summer vacation period (July) or around major holidays.

Linköping’s brewing scene may be small, but it’s vibrant and deeply connected to Swedish traditions. Whether you’re visiting a local brewery, enjoying a pint at a cozy pub, or exploring seasonal specialties, you’re sure to find something memorable. Skål! (Cheers!)