Craft beer in Germany is currently experiencing a boom - but compared to other countries - especially the US - it's just not quite yet there. If you are lucky enough to live in Berlin though you can still visit American breweries...okay one, you can visit one. In September 2016 Stone Brewing from San Diego opened their first European location in Mariendorf.
The Gas Empire
Stone Brewing Berlin is located in an old gas works building in Mariendorf - and it's huge! With probably a bazillion square meters I guess it is one of the biggest brewery venues I've been so far. Even though I really liked the interior (trees galore!) the space was a bit to big for my taste (or too empty when I was visiting the first time). But I am glad Stone chose Berlin after looking at nine different countries for their European expansion. Even though it isn't exactly centrally located, I really like the area as it is super green and there are some interesting buildings around.
Fun at the beer world
Maybe it is worth coming back during one of the countless events Stone Brewing is organizing in Berlin - such as Stone Movie Nights (beer and movies? That sounds amazing!), Brewers' Dinners, Yoga and of course Brewery Tours. The staff also organised a very American BBQ for 4th of July last year. But even if there is no event you can have tons of fun at the brewery. They also offer tours, where you can learn more about Stone's brewing process and their brewing equipment.
Dat West Coast style tho
Of course you can get several tasty Stone beers at their beer world in Berlin like the Stone IPA or their famous Arrogant Bastard Ale. The only drawback from the menu from my side was, that they didn't serve fries (Wait, no fries? Their nachos are quite good though). If you're now thinking that I am a total beer expert, don't speak too soon - I just got the moves. Though I think I look quite professional! What do you think? :)
If you are around and want to visit the Stone Beer World in Berlin, you can find more information as well as their current events here. Don't be discouraged if they don't have a special even while you're around, it's worth a visit anyways! If you're not a big beer fan - just go for some pretty pictures (and nachos).
Have you tried on of Stone's beers? Or have you even been to a Stone brewery? What is your favorite beer style? Or are you not a beer fan at all?
Kate recommends: A visit at Stone Beer World Berlin goes well with a copy of Going for a Beer: Selected Short Fictions by Robert Coover. The author won the Rea Award for the Short Story as he managed to "remain his own man while offering his generous vision and versions of America". In this book you can find thirty of his best stories that go just perfect with a cold beer at Stone.