All about craft beer in Luxembourg: best places, local breweries and festivals

In this article, we will explore the history of brewing in this land and discover the popular brands, breweries, and beer festivals that make it a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts.

A brief history of brewing in Luxembourg

The brewing legacy of Luxembourg is a story that echoes through the ages, tracing its roots back to the enchanting era of the Gallo-Roman occupation. As neighboring regions reveal archaeological treasures, the art of brewing comes alive. The first whispers of a monastic brewery graced the County of Luxembourg around 1300, finding a home within the venerable Munster Abbey in Clausen.

In the beginning, brewing was subject to seasonal changes. Spring and fall made high-fermentation yeast possible. Yet, the cold winter made fermentation stop, and the scorching summer made the beer rot too quickly. In the 15th century, Luxembourg embraced innovation with deep underground brewing cellars where Lager-style beers matured gracefully, their flavors deepening over the span of three months.

As the winds of change swept through in 1795, Luxembourg felt the impact of revolutionary fervor. The secularization of Church assets ignited a transformation, as monastic breweries exchanged robes for industrial pursuits.

By 1865, there were 34 breweries collectively producing a resplendent 58,000 hectoliters. A surge in demand, coupled with international exports, fueled this surge in production, painting a global portrait of Luxembourg's brewing prowess.

With demand and competition intensifying, breweries felt the need to enhance their capabilities and modernize brewing techniques. However, these required investments led to a process of industry consolidation. The number of breweries dropped to 18 by 1883, yet production soared to as high as 90,000 hectoliters by 1887. By 1900, a mere 12 breweries remained at their collective capacity standing at 174,000 hectoliters annually.

Modern brewing production in Luxembourg and craft beer

Brewing methods evolved in tandem with history's tide. Across the decades, production surged and waned, weathering the storm of global conflicts. Some breweries succumbed to the challenges, fading into the annals of history. Stability graced the early 1980s, as production settled around 700,000 hectoliters.

The 1990s brought a shift, with only 5 Luxembourgish breweries standing strong. Time played its hand, orchestrating mergers and transformations. From these changes over time emerged a triumvirate:

• Brasserie Nationale,
• Brasserie de Luxembourg,
• Brasserie Simon.

As the sun sets on bygone eras, a new chapter unfolds. Microbreweries, bold and audacious, burst onto the scene. IPAs dance with hops, darker ales tease the palate, and organic, vegan, and low-carb brews offer contemporary twists. In the upcoming section, we embark on an exhilarating exploration of these modern-day artisans and the diverse elixirs they craft.

Twisted Cat brewery

Source: Twisted Cat website

In 2016, Twisted Cat originated in Tom and Alison's basement through extensive trial and error. Despite facing numerous setbacks, their beer testing sessions with friends and family yielded positive results, leading to the official launch of their IPA, "The Duke," in Luxembourg city center on June 22, 2018, which garnered widespread acclaim. Recognizing the potential of their product, Tom and Alison began forming a dedicated team of beer enthusiasts and advocates.

The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted Twisted Cat's original business strategy in early 2020, initially geared towards large-scale brewing for local hospitality venues. However, with the world grinding to a halt in March, they found themselves with an excess of hoppy Original Pale Ale. In a swift decision, they opted to can their beer and enter the retail market amidst the pandemic chaos.

As global circumstances improved, Twisted Cat's opportunities for expansion and acclaim grew. Presently, they boast a robust team, widespread presence within and beyond the Grand Duchy, and notable achievements including international recognition and the inauguration of their long-awaited brewery and gastropub in Dudelange.

Totenhopfen 

Source: Totenhopfen official website

Transitioning from home to commercial brewing in 2017, Totenhopfen is poised to revolutionize Luxembourg's burgeoning brewing scene. With a remarkable array of awards, Totenhopfen has established a significant presence across various European countries, including Luxembourg, France, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Portugal, Hungary, Austria, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Lithuania.

Aiming to open its own Brewpub, Totenhopfen currently collaborates with different breweries throughout Europe, fostering connections across the continent. At Totenhopfen, we believe that craft beer enhances the quality of life. It’s about enjoyment, meeting new people, sharing experiences, socializing, and embracing constant challenges and surprises.

Totenhopfen's beers are celebrated not only for their innovative and well-balanced flavors but also for their visually captivating labels.

Craft beer festival in Luxembourg

Source: Kirchbéier Craft Beer Festival Facebook Page

Craft beer festivals of Luxembourg are where the magic of brewing collides with the thrill of celebration, creating an irresistible atmosphere that's sure to leave you craving for more. Among the stars of this annual lineup, the Luxembourg Craft Beer Festival in Kirchberg celebrates the nation's rich brewing heritage.

What awaits is a remarkable showcase of over 50 craft breweries hailing not only from the Grand Region but also from beyond, painting a tapestry of flavors that transcend borders. But the Luxembourg Craft Beer Festival offers more than just liquid delights.

An enticing food stall village entices with gastronomic treasures, an artisan quarter beckons with its creative offerings, and live DJ sets infuse the air with rhythm and energy. An alluring lineup of brewers, including names like Amager, Bevog, Christiania Bryghus, and more, promises an unforgettable journey through craft beer culture.

Make sure to mark this dynamic event on your calendar for next year, so you're primed and ready to raise a glass in the heart of Luxembourg's beer festival.