Olympia: Great Danes (beers, that is)

l Torben Steenberg, vice-chairman of the European Beer Consumers Union, has a copy of 300 Beers to Try Before You Die signed by the author, Roger Protz

August 3, 2005: So you thought the Danish just drink Carlsberg? Think again - the microbrewing industry there is thriving and turning out some of Europe's finest new ales.

That's the view of Torben Steenberg, countryman and vice-chairman of the European Beer Consumers Union (ECBU), which aims to bring together national campaigners like CAMRA under a continental umbrella.

He is also, though, in charge of external consumer groups relations for his homeland's own version of CAMRA - the Danish Beer Enthusiasts.

Like Britain, Denmark had many breweries a century ago, but by 1998 there were just 13, of which just two were microbreweries. Pivotal to the revival was Stig Anker Andersen, the much-respected owner and master brewer of Stonehenge Ales, in Wiltshire, who provided expertise and encouragement to throw down the gauntlet to the likes of those big mass-market lager brewers.

Now, in Denmark, Torben says proudly, two new breweries are opening a month, on average, with the popularity of top-fermenting ales growing at a phenomenal rate.

At the enthusiasts' last beer festival, in May, there were more than 1,000 ales to sample. In comparision, the Great British Beer Festival has around 450 (but also ciders, perries and a number of bottled foreign beers).

The supermarkets in Denmark have embraced the real ale revolution, too, and have been critical in building up support for the drink style.

No Danish beers at the Great British Beer Festival, unfortunately - perhaps some will wash up on our shores soon. Or does anybody feel like organising a Danish tour?

l The Danish Beer Enthusiasts have their own website - it's in Danish, but there is an English introduction page.