The story of Mikkeller Brewery is as unique as its beers. Founded by a beer-loving Danish maths and physics teacher named Mikkel Bjergsø, the brewery started with a simple yet ambitious concept. Bjergsø began experimenting with hops, malt, and yeast in his small kitchen in Copenhagen, creating brews that quickly gained popularity. What began as a home experiment soon turned into an international success, with Mikkeller exporting its craft beer to over 50 countries around the world. Despite its impressive growth, Bjergsø remains at the helm of the company, where he is celebrated for his innovative approach and masterful command over beer’s core ingredients. This creative spirit extends into their non-alcoholic offerings, including their 0.3% ABV Mikkeller Drink’in the Sun wheat beer.
With a slightly quirky name that grows on you, this beer marks Mikkeller’s entry into the NA market.
Appearance
When poured, Mikkeller Drink’in the Sun presents itself with a hazy, pale straw-like colour that draws immediate interest. While the name suggests a bright, sunny appearance, the beer’s unfiltered nature gives it a haziness that adds intrigue and depth. The light opacity hints at the complexity and layers within, inviting you to explore what’s beyond its cheerful, golden exterior. The overall look is inviting, reminiscent of a warm, lazy summer day, which suits the beer’s branding and style perfectly.
Aroma
The nose of Drink’in the Sun is vibrant and full of life, dominated by citrus and tropical fruit notes that you’d typically expect from a well-made wheat beer. Hints of lemon, orange, and pineapple are immediately noticeable, followed by subtler touches of mango. Additionally, there are toasted grain aromas and a delicate note of banana, which is characteristic of wheat beers. For a non-alcoholic brew, the aroma is surprisingly complex and layered, offering an olfactory experience that easily rivals its alcoholic counterparts.
Taste
The flavour profile of Mikkeller Drink’in the Sun leans heavily on bright, fruit-forward notes. Zesty lemon and orange take centre stage, with tropical undertones of pineapple and mango adding further depth. The malt, while present, remains subtle and doesn’t overpower the fruitiness. Instead, it provides a delicate backbone that complements the citrus and tropical flavours. Overall, the taste is crisp, refreshing, and well-balanced, delivering the sort of satisfying experience you’d hope for from a wheat beer. Despite its low ABV, there’s enough complexity to make each sip interesting, yet light enough to enjoy in larger quantities without feeling overwhelmed.
Mouthfeel
As expected from a wheat beer, the mouthfeel is light and refreshing. Drink’in the Sun has an effervescent carbonation that dances on the tongue, giving it a lively and invigorating feel. While the body is relatively light, it still provides enough texture to feel satisfying. The beer’s smoothness, coupled with its fizzy nature, makes it incredibly easy to drink, especially in warm weather. It’s the kind of beer that refreshes without ever feeling heavy, making it ideal for casual sipping during summer months.
Finish
The finish is clean and crisp, with the citrus and fruit flavours lingering just long enough to leave a lasting impression. After the initial brightness of the fruit fades, a subtle, pleasant citrus tang remains, ensuring that the beer doesn’t leave your palate too quickly. For a non-alcoholic beer, this lingering finish is impressive, maintaining a refreshing, satisfying aftertaste without any bitterness or unpleasantness.
Pairing Suggestions
The citrus-forward nature of Drink’in the Sun makes it an excellent pairing option for a wide variety of dishes, particularly those that feature seafood. Shrimp tacos, barbecued fish steaks, or pan-fried sole would all complement the beer’s fruity character. The tanginess of the beer pairs beautifully with dishes that incorporate smooth, creamy elements, such as avocado or aioli. It would also pair well with grilled chicken marinated in a lemon-infused marinade, where the beer’s zesty citrus notes would mirror and enhance the flavours in the dish. The beer’s carbonation helps cut through the richness of the meat, ensuring each bite remains fresh and satisfying.
Overall Impressions of Mikkeller Drink’in the Sun
Mikkeller Drink’in the Sun stands out as an impressive non-alcoholic beer, offering a bright and lively profile that still retains the satisfying depth wheat beers are known for. It’s a well-crafted alternative for those who want to enjoy a quality beer without the alcohol. With its complex aroma, crisp taste, and refreshing finish, it’s a perfect match for summer days or lighter meals. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or simply looking for a refreshing non-alcoholic option, Drink’in the Sun is a solid choice that delivers on flavour and character. I’d happily enjoy it on a warm day, soaking up the sun.