Here at Nokian Panimo, we have a tradition of doing things our own way, with uncompromising craftsmanship, a love of the craft and, of course, putting flavour first. That’s why we at the brewery were so proud and delighted to hear the news when the results of the 2026 Best Beer in Finland competition were announced!
No fewer than 39 breweries and a staggering 345 beers took part in this year’s ‘Finland’s Best Beer’ competition. A judging panel comprising over 50 beer industry professionals and enthusiasts assessed the beers in a rigorous blind tasting. And guess what? Our Keisari beers swept the board!
The number one wheat beer: Keisari Biere Blanc 5.2% 🥇
Here at the Brewery, we’ve always been certain that there’s something truly special about Keisari Biere Blanc, but now it’s there in black and white. The judging panel described the winner in these splendid words:
“A nuanced and versatile beer, very well-balanced. A colour typical of the style, a slight cloudiness and a persistent head. A pleasant aftertaste.”
If you haven’t yet had a chance to try this highlight of summer days (and why not any other day too?), now is the perfect time to pop down to the shop.
A bronze medal with a Mexican twist too! 🥉
The celebrations continued at the brewery with yet another medal. In the competition’s most closely contested category, and the one with the highest number of entrants, namely the ‘Lightly Hopped Pale Lagers’ (which featured no fewer than 41 beers), Keisari Mexican Lager 4.5% fought its way to a magnificent bronze medal.
The judging panel was impressed by the clean and refreshing character of our Mexican Lager:
“A Mexican lager with a mellow flavour, with a hint of floral notes adding to the taste.”
This crisp and refreshing thirst-quencher proved it can hold its own even amongst the very best. A slice of lime in the glass and a dash of Keisari: a summer beer doesn’t get any better than this.
Now, if ever, is the time to raise a toast. Which of the two Keisaris will you crack open today to celebrate the victory: the Biere Blanc or the Mexican Lager?
Cheers, and see you on the shop shelves!
Read the full story about the winners here.
