On a recent trip to Copenhagen, I rather enjoyed a visit to Carlsberg’s Visitor Centre.

Now, I’ve blogged recently on the cost of beer in Denmark, and the moderately difficult job you might have to avoid drinking from the Carlsberg Group. But the reality is that Carlsberg is a decent brewery: not only does it have some tremendous architecture in its brewery complex, it’s also the home of more than just Carlsberg – the craft beers of JC Jacobsen also live in the brewery, based on Ny Carlsberg Vej in the city.

The Carlsberg Visitor Centre is rather better than many I’ve been in: concentrating on Carlsberg (rather than brewing), the dark museum takes you through a complete history of the brand and beer in Denmark. It’s rather nicely put together: including a tremendous collection of different beer bottles (including rather a lot of Carlsberg bottles).

Then, all of a sudden, via some brewing equipment, you’re ejected out into the horse stables: and the unmistakeable smell of horse poo hits your nose. Yes, the horses are still here; and still work for the brewery. Then, it’s into the JC Jacobsen part – a much more modern brand, with some clever tasting aids; and into the bar.

Your entry fee pays for one posh beer and one boring one – I went for a JC Jacobsen Belgian Ale and a Carls Porter, rather than the boring Carlsberg/Tuborg that everyone seems to want to steer you to. The JC Jacobsen was wonderful, amazingly yeasty and very strong. In this bar, bright, light, and complete with table-football and food, I also discovered free wifi, which helped me take my time to savour these beers over some excited Twittering.

The visitor’s shop, incidentally, sells rather more than you’d expect: including a rather fashionable Carls t-shirt. I bought one. More money into the Danish brewery.

If you are planning a trip to Copenhagen, while the brewery isn’t exactly central (it’s a walk from any of the public transport I could find), it’s certainly an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Which is what I did. And I’d recommend it.

belgian ale, carlsberg, denmark, JC Jacobsen, porter Hide