Insel Brauerei: A German Island of Flavour

Ever stumble upon a brewery that just gets it? That's Insel Brauerei for me. Tucked away in Germany, these folks aren't churning out your run-of-the-mill lagers. No, they're digging into forgotten beer styles, mixing in international flair, and basically brewing what they love to drink. And it shows.

Imagine a beer with a head that could rival a meringue, aromas that dance between citrus and spice, and a taste that just… lingers. A German island of flavour, that's Insel. They're all about that intense experience, and they're not cutting corners to get it.

Forget artificial anything. We're talking natural hops, the kind that deliver a proper bitterness and a bouquet of flavours that'll have you sniffing your glass like a wine connoisseur. And the malts? Think barley, wheat, oats, rye—the good stuff. They're what give Insel beers that velvety, creamy texture, and those gorgeous colours, from straw yellow to deep, dark black. Expect notes of espresso or rich chocolate – it’s a treat for your senses.

Now, here's where it gets interesting: open fermentation. Yep, they use those shallow tanks, the old-school way. Why? Because it lets the yeast do its thing, free from pressure, unlocking those fruity and spicy aromas. We’re talking citrus, apricot, pineapple, or maybe dried fruit, rum, and pepper. And they don't stop there. Each beer gets two yeasts, for a perfectly balanced flavour profile.

Three fermentations: Main fermentation in the open tank, secondary for that first burst of CO2, and a final one in the bottle with a second yeast. It's all about that perfect taste, that stable foam, and those delicate bubbles. It's a level of dedication that’s honestly impressive.

Meet Markus, the Beer Dreamer

Behind it all is Markus, a guy who caught the beer bug as a teenager. A brewery tour in Saarland, brewing studies in Bavaria, and years at Störtebeker Braumanufaktur in Stralsund—he's got the beer cred. But Rügen, that's where he wanted to make his mark.

In 2015, Insel Brauerei was born. It wasn't just a whim. It was the result of beer-fuelled conversations with Andries and Frans de Groen, experienced brewmasters from Belgium and the USA, and a vision to combine the best of three great beer countries. They weren't worried about costs; they were worried about taste. They spent countless hours experimenting, even rebuilding old brewing machines.

Markus Berberich

Crafted by Hand, Inspired by History

This isn't mass production. It's artisanal brewing. They’re using over 30 types of malt, hops, and yeast, which, if you do the math, gives them a staggering number of flavour combinations. They're brewing in the sea air, bottle conditioning like champagne, and building their equipment to their exact specifications.

Hops? They've got 30 varieties, delivering everything from floral notes to tropical fruit. Malts? Specialty malts from all over Europe, including old barley varieties that give their beers a unique drinkability. And the yeast? They're constantly experimenting, with over 30 different strains in their coolers.

Open fermentation, bottle conditioning, and even wrapping their bottles in natural paper to protect them from light—it's all part of the Insel experience. They’ve even created the world’s first reusable wrapping bottle line.

Insel Brauerei isn't just brewing beer; they're crafting an experience. It's a testament to passion, dedication, and a love for the art of brewing. If you're looking for a beer that's a little bit different, a little bit special, Insel is worth checking out. Cheers!