Craft Beer Helsinki 2025 Summer edition
- Nadja Myllyviita
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
Hops, Friends & Finnish Summer Vibes
Every summer has that one weekend you circle in red. For me - and thousands of fellow beer lovers - it’s Craft Beer Helsinki, the hoppiest highlight of the season in Finland. Held right in the heart of the city at Helsinki Railway Square, this festival is like a beer lover's dream. June 26–28 marked the 2025 summer edition, and let’s just say: it had it all - flavor, fun, and just the right amount of festival madness.
With over 30 breweries from Finland and beyond, the festival offered everything from traditional, clean brews to wild experiments and silky stouts. I was lucky enough to help out again this year at Bocks Corner Brewery from Vaasa, and the range of styles on offer was truly wild. Bocks debuted a brand-new Summer Ale, brewed with Ariana hops - a new German variety that added a light floral sweetness and gentle bitterness. A perfect easy-drinker for a summer festival.
One standout was Alea Brewing from Greece - pouring outside of Greece for the very first time! They focus strictly on clean, hoppy beers (no fruit or spices allowed due to local laws). I had no idea that was a thing, and it was super cool to see how they experiment creatively with just malts and hops. Their lineup was refreshingly honest and impressively well-executed.
You could also satisfy your Belgian cravings at the Lambic Bar, explore zero-proof options at the non-alcoholic booth, or take a refreshing detour to Diamond Beverages’ cocktail bar, and for the hungry ones there's alot to choose from - burgers, asian, sandwiches and even icecream!
Honestly, I’d come just for this. Whether it’s the brewers, the volunteers, or the regulars who never miss a year - the people behind the taps are the real reason I love this scene. There’s so much heart in every pour, and even more in the conversations behind them. You talk brewing, hops, music, life - all with a glass in hand. It’s the best kind of connection. Sadly, I was under the weather before the fest and fully crashed on the final day, so I didn’t get to enjoy those last hours. But hey - when you’re down, you remember why the community matters. Thanks to everyone who kept the vibes up and the brews flowing.
Whether you came for the sours, stayed for the stouts, or just wanted a weekend full of sunny (and slightly rainy) good vibes, Craft Beer Helsinki 2025 brought it all. I may have left a bit tired and slightly sick, but definitely happy and already counting down to next year. 🍻
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