Craft beer in Finland:
Tuju Brewing Company
Craft beer in Finland: Tuju Brewing Company
Initially, the volumes were small, but plans were ambitious
From lagers and IPAs to barrel-aged delicacies
Tuju is probably best known for their hop-forward IPAs in different styles, but they also brew for example quality lagers, delicious fruited sours and intense imperial stouts. In addition, they have a barrel series, that includes both wild ales and dark ales. Tuju beer labels tend to be distinctive and humorous, and the names are often puns that are tough to translate into English, but sure make the Finns laugh!
Tuju’s core series, available year-round include for example the flagship Helles Lager called Pumpattava Barbaari, a Session IPA called Hoptinen Illuusio, a New England IPA called Lepra, an American IPA called Kiljuhanhi and an Imperial Stout called Pyöveli. In the pic also a Goset Housussa Gose, Karibbean Pilates Micro NEIPA, Jalkapuu Belgian Golden Ale, Pummisetä Double NEIPA and Tuhkakuppi Smoked Coffee Stout.
For several years, Tuju has been building a growing series of barrel-aged beers, including Wild Barrel and Black Barrel beer series. The dark releases have included for example a bourbon barrel aged Barleywine called Remains, and the Reindeer Republic Imperial Stout with orange peel, vanilla and cacao nibs, brewed in collaboration with Sour Cellars from California. From the wild side, we had the pleasure to taste Sinister, a blend of barrel-aged mixed fermentation Golden Ales.
Beer, pizza and events in the Rakuunamäki Taproom
The best place to taste Tuju beers super fresh is of course their Taproom restaurant and Beer Shop right next to the brewery in Lappeenranta. In addition to the beers, poured from 16 taps and a large selection of bottles and cans, Tuju Taproom, Pizzeria & Shop is well-known for their delicious, Neapoletan style pizzas. Furthermore, Tuju Taproom is one of the venues for the Mikkeller Running Club, with weekly, communal runs, followed by pints of course.
From Rakuunamäki to international attention
International connections also bring big names to Finland – Tuju’s annual Lepra Beer Fest has grown to be a super popular event with famous breweries rarely seen in Finland When writing the article, the next Lepra Beer Fest will be organized in June 26-27 2026, and line-up includes for example Tuletorn from Estonia, Sibeeria from Czechia, Mad Scientist from Hungary, Radical Way from Cyprus, Bereta from Romania, Gamma from Denmark and Dois Corvos from Portugal, in addition to big Finnish names of course. Tuju states that this event will be bigger, fiercer, bolder and more epic than ever before, so if you can, you know where to be in the end of June!
Supporting the international approach, the Tuju crew established their own import company, called Karelian Buys. The portfolio includes some of the most exciting European beer brands, and is updated according to demand and global trends.
“Tuju Karelian Buys imports beers that come from Tuju’s long-time international friends. These are breweries we have collaborated with for years – and that’s why we bring their products into the country with pride.”
Tuju Brewing Company & Taproom
Soittokunnanraitti 3, Lappeenranta, Finland
https://www.panimotuju.fi/en/
https://www.instagram.com/panimotuju/
About Craft Beer Nomads
Craft Beer Nomads is a blog about artisan beer, microbreweries and craft beer culture in Europe and beyond. The blog is written by FinnsAway, a nomad couple who has been on the road since 2017, and enjoys tasting new craft beers all around the world.
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PummisetäA sturdy, juicy and dank DNEIPA by Tuju Brewing Company from Finland.
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