So, you’re a big fan of the amber nectar? You’re not the only one! Such is the global obsession with beer, that many of the world’s biggest breweries have set up tourist experiences providing the ultimate fan insights. Here, some of our favourite picks.
Heineken, Amsterdam
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While the setting isn’t technically a working brewery, Amsterdam’s Heineken Experience is top of our list. Combining a canal cruise and an interactive tour, you’ll see the inner workings of one of the world’s largest beer producers, and even experience what it feels like to ‘be’ a beer. Yes, really – the attraction features a ride where guests are virtually shaken up like malts, sprayed with water and put over heat.
Hook Norton Brewery, Cotswolds
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From the shire horses that still deliver beer to local pubs to an original steam engine, this brewery’s 170-year history is on full display during the two-hour tours on offer. The quality of the experience is evidenced through the brewery’s TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence – awarded to tourist sites that receive consistently rave reviews.
Budweiser Budvar, Prague
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From a medieval-style cabin showing olden brewing techniques to a 3D film illustrating beer production in the industrial age, Budvar stops at nothing to make sure its visitors are gripped by the brewery’s history. Your tour will finish as all the best ones do – with a frosty glass or two!
Tiger, Singapore
Visit early on a weekday to guarantee seeing the most mesmerising part of this tour – the mass bottling and canning process. You’ll also receive sampling vouchers (the fruits of which are known to be particularly generous) and have a poke around the gift shop, where you’ll find everything from Tiger-branded clocks to Swarovski crystal tiger figurines.
Guinness Storehouse, Dublin
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This tour is one of the top tourist attractions in Ireland for a reason. Spread over seven floors and home to the largest beer glass in the world (it would take 14.3 million pints to fill it!), at Guinness Storehouse it’s all about the bigger the better. When you’re finished with the tour, head up to the sky-high Gravity Bar where you’ll enjoy a complimentary pint, and 360-degree views of Dublin.
Carlsberg, Copenhagen
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Founded in 1847, here you’ll see the world’s largest beer collection. It’s home to more than 22,000 bottles from around the globe, including the world’s oldest bottle, as well as the most expensive ever sold at auction. The centre has been temporarily shut for a revamp, but has promised to open again in 2020, with gleaming renovations to create a top-class visitor experience.
Meantime, London
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Known for its tutored tastings, knowledgeable tour guides and delicious craft brews, Meantime is another British frontrunner with excellent tour reviews. Based in Greenwich, visitors from around the world have flocked to this brewery to polish their knowledge of brewing processes, and sample some of London’s finest!
Allagash Brewing, Portland
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There’s nothing like free beer, and while this tour isn’t QUITE free, it’s near enough at just $5USD per head. One of the most popular things to do in Portland, on this tour you’ll sample numerous beers, learn about the high efficiency brewhouse and end the tour in the ‘wild and sour’ barrel room.
