Vilja Winterbeerfest
- Nadja Myllyviita
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
A Cozy Dive into Finnish Craft Beer at Bistro Vilja
It was time for my first beer festival of the year, so excited!
I had the absolute pleasure of attending the Vilja Winterbeerfest right here in my hometown of Tampere, Finland, at the charming Bistro Vilja. Located just a short 15-minute walk from the city center, this cozy and intimate venue made for a perfect setting to enjoy Finnish craft beer. With 7 finnish breweries and 1 importer on the scene, the event promised a little bit of everything—something new, something old, and something a little unexpected.
The atmosphere was lively yet relaxed, filled with beer lovers of all kinds—seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike. There’s something special about connecting with fellow beer fans and chatting with passionate brewers who truly love their craft. .
Festival is focusing more on Finnish craft breweries - From hearty, warming stouts that were perfect for the winter chill, to crisp and refreshing brews that were ideal for lighter tastes, there was something for everyone. I also had the chance to sample some American brews from the Importer Yksi Huikka, providing a nice contrast to the Finnish beers. As for food, Bistro Vilja didn't disappoint. I couldn’t resist trying their salmon "rieska," a flatbread with smoked salmon, which paired perfectly with a crisp pilsner. It was the kind of dish that just hit the spot—simple, delicious, and a perfect complement to the beer.
Special shoutout to some of the standout brews I got to try.
▪️Nailo Brewing
Ribera 5,4% - Black currant & rosemary? 🤯 This sour ale is a flavor BOMB. Tangy, herbal, and totally crushable.
▪️Panimoyhtiö Tuju x Dry & Bitter Brewing
Murphy’s Law 8% – A collab w Dry & Bitter, DIPA with Peacharine, Bru-1, and Talus hops. Think peach, nectarine, pineapple, and a really zesty grapefruit finish. 🍍
▪️Temperance Brewing
Dismal Desires 5.6% – A Dunkel with Munich, Carafa II, and Crystal malts, this one’s smooth and malty with just the right balance of sweetness. 🤤
▪️Perennial Artisan Ales
Barrel-Aged Vermilion (2024) 14.1% – A deep amber barleywine aged for 31 months in bourbon barrels. This one’s packed with caramelized sugar, plums, figs, and just a hint of vanilla and oak. 🥃
▪️Salama Brewing
Neon Horror Megalomaniac 10% – An all-Citra Triple NEIPA that’s a liquid slaughter, showcasing every angle of this juicy hop. It’s bold, it’s fresh, and it’s got swag.🧨
▪️Perennual Artisan Ales
Double Barrel Blue Ridge (2024) 13% – A smooth English-style barleywine aged in bourbon and rye barrels, with 39 months of barrel aging. Rich, complex, and just a little dangerous.💯
▪️Maku Brewing
Tsufee Coffee Liqueur BA Imperial Stout 10% – A deep, rich stout aged in coffee liqueur barrels. For when you need that dark, bold flavor with a touch of sweetness. ☕
▪️Panimo Himo
Stadionmitta 5,6% This Barke malt pilsner is a winner. Crisp, clean, and perfect way to end an beer festival 💎
The event itself was a wonderful way to kick off the festival season, and I can’t wait to go back next year. The intimate vibe, paired with the incredible selection of beers, made for a memorable experience. Plus, I’m already looking forward to the summer edition of the festival, when Bistro Vilja’s back garden will be open. Imagine enjoying craft beer under the Finnish summer sun—sounds perfect, right?
If you find yourself in Tampere next year, or even later this year (since the festival happens twice a year), make sure to swing by. I’ll definitely be back—and I’m already looking forward to next weekend’s festival. Bring on 2025! 🍻
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