Lemke Brewery Berlin – tradition and diversity in the heart of the capital

Since its foundation, the Lemke brewery has stood for well-brewed beers and a lively beer culture in Berlin. With several locations and a large selection of beers, Lemke has established itself as a permanent fixture in the Berlin brewing scene.

We like to go out for a “Lemke” and as the beer is also available in bottles, it also finds its way into our fridge from time to time.

The history of the Lemke brewery

Since it was founded in 1999, the Lemke brewery has become an integral part of Berlin’s beer culture. It all began with a vision and a great deal of passion on the part of Oliver Lemke. The idea of founding his own brewery was born during his studies. Lemke wanted to create a beer that stood out from industrial mass-produced goods in terms of quality and, above all, taste. We think he succeeded!

In 1998, he discovered an empty S-Bahn station at Hackescher Markt, which was perfect for his plans. There he began to realize his dream with a brewing system he had welded together himself.

In 2004, Lemke opened a second location near Alexanderplatz. This location brought the brewery even closer to the center of the city and attracted both locals and tourists. Another milestone was the opening of the Lemke brewery at Charlottenburg Palace in 2007. This location combines the art of brewing with a historical backdrop and offers a unique atmosphere for beer lovers. The concept of the brewery continued to develop. Now it was possible to offer high-quality food alongside the beer.

In 2011, the brewery’s production was modernized and expanded. Since then, the Lemke brewery has relied on a combination of traditional brewing craftsmanship and modern technology to further improve the quality of its beers.

Locations of the brewery

The Lemke Brewery operates several locations in Berlin, which attract not only beer lovers but also friends of upscale gastronomy:

DAS LEMKE

The brewery’s original location is on Hackescher Markt. If you would like to take part in a guided tour of the brewery, start there. The brewery is still located nearby today.

Address

Dircksenstrasse
S-Bahnbogen 143
10178 Berlin

Biermeisterei

Modern brewing art in the immediate vicinity of Alexanderplatz. Lemke beer is available here on tap or from the bottle. Lovers of BBQ and grill dishes. One of the highlights is definitely the hearty dishes from the smoker.

Address

Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 13
10178 Berlin

Lemke am Schloss

Situated right next to Charlottenburg Palace, this location offers a unique combination of brewing culture and historical backdrop. Even before the Lemke Brewery opened its doors here, the premises were used as a brewery. We love going to this brewery. Here we find the typical brewery flair that we know from Bavarian breweries. Rustic tables and chairs, the gleaming brewing kettle and, of course, a bar for the freshly tapped beer.

There are always some beers on tap, others bottled. If you want something to eat, you can get typical brewery dishes here. To match the Oktoberfest or other seasonal events, the decor is sometimes changed and the selection of dishes adapted.

There is always something going on at Lemke am Schloss. The tables are full and if you want to sit at one of the larger tables as a group, you should book in advance.

Address

Luisenplatz 1
10585 Berlin

Types of beer from the brewery

There are several types of beer that are offered by the brewery all year round. The seasonal offerings are always surprising. These are often brewed in small quantities and sometimes you simply arrive too late….

Berliner Perle – Helles Lager

Berliner Perle is a pale lager brewed and bottled at the Lemke brewery. This beer is aimed at connoisseurs who value origin, craftsmanship and taste. With an alcohol content of 4.9% vol. and a light golden color, Berliner Perle is a classic pale lager with a modern twist. The Perle hop variety, complemented by Magnum, Tradition and Hallertauer Mittelfrüh, gives the beer its name and provides a spicy, flowery aroma. The taste of Berliner Perle is lean, dry and balanced. It combines the lightness of a classic pale ale with a subtle malty sweetness and a delicate hop bitterness. Perfect for anyone who finds pilsner too bitter and wheat too sweet.

I really like the Berliner Perle. I like the not-too-bitter taste and the low alcohol content makes it a drinkable beer that I really enjoy drinking in summer.

Original – Dunkles Lager (Wiener Lager)

The original is the first beer to be brewed at the Lemke brewery – and it is still produced according to the same recipe today.

This dark lager (5.4 % vol.) impresses with its chestnut-brown color and malty aroma. Even before the first sip, an unmistakable note of pepper, cocoa and dark chocolate unfolds on the nose.

The first sip is surprising. The taste of dark malt with notes of toffee, toast and cocoa is mild.

The Original is a beer for lovers of malty, lean and dry beers.

Bohemian Pilsner

Bohemian Pilsner is a tribute to Czech brewing tradition combined with international influences. The beer is dry-hopped with Saaz hops from the Czech Republic and East Kent Golding from the UK. This gives it a truly unmistakable taste.

With an alcohol content of 5.0% vol. and a golden bronze color, this beer shows just how complex a Pilsner can be. The aroma is intense and combines floral and fruity notes such as honeydew melon and citrus. The herbal nuances of camomile and sage give the beer a wonderful taste. In the first sip, the strong malt body is complemented by pithy, nutty notes.

Spree Coast IPA – West Coast India Pale Ale

The Spree Coast IPA is a West Coast IPA with an alcohol content of 6.9% vol. I particularly like the amber-copper color, which shimmers beautifully in the glass.

This beer offers beer lovers a real aroma spectacle. The nose is dominated by fully ripe oranges, mandarins and honeydew melon. On the palate, the beer is soft and refreshing before resinous bitter notes assert themselves. With 75 bittering units and double dry hopping (Cascade, Centennial, Crystal), this IPA is an intense taste experience that lingers for a long time.

India Pale Ale – Fruchtig-bitter und intensiv

The classic India Pale Ale from the Lemke brewery is a prime example of this beer style. With 6.5 % vol. alcohol content and an amber-copper color, it offers a harmonious interplay of fruit and bitterness.

The aroma is reminiscent of mango and grapefruit. On the palate, the beer is initially quite pleasantly soft until the bitterness typical of an IPA asserts itself.

030 Berlin Pale Ale – American Pale Ale

The 030 Berlin Pale Ale is an American Pale Ale with 5.0 % vol. alcohol content and an amber-copper color. For those who don’t know, 030 is the city’s telephone area code and the beer also reflects the city to some extent.

This beer is aromatic and refreshing at the same time. The nose reveals tropical fruit, citrus and forest honey. You can taste a subtle bitterness and aromas of grapefruit and lemon. The malt body brings notes of toffee and toast. The beer is hopped with Cascade and Centennial, which gives it its characteristic hop aroma.

Budike Weisse – Berliner Weiße (Sauerbier)

Budike Weisse is a tribute to the Berlin beer tradition. This sour beer (3.5% vol.) is brewed according to the historical model with Brettanomyces yeast and traditional mixed fermentation.

Other beers that we have discovered on offer so far