How It Started
A few years ago, the brewer and owner of PhilWill Brew, with no prior knowledge of the emerging craft beer market, decided to brew his favorite German beer on a whim. This beer, a Hefeweizen/Weissbier, was a staple in his native southern Germany but was noticeably absent in his new home of Denmark. Disappointed by the lack of richness, purity, and satisfying mouthfeel in the available Danish Hefeweizen (despite some decent imports), he set out on a mission to create the perfect “Max’s Weisse”—a Weissbier that offered a full-bodied mouthfeel and a rich, honest blend of bread and banana flavors. After numerous batches, he finally perfected the recipe to meet his exacting standards. This resulted in Gold Medal at the danish homebrewer competition in 2021.
Many more medals and awards followed since:
- Brewer of the Month in 2018 – ‘Hops First’ (American Pale Ale)
- Brewer of the month in 2018 – ‘Juicy As…’ (New England Pale Ale)
- Silver medal and best IPA at Denmarksmesterskab i Håndbryg 2021 – ‘Fredagsslik’ (Session NE IPA)
- Gold medal and best Wheat Beer at Denmarksmesterskab i Håndbryg 2021 – ‘Mæxle’ (Weizenbier)
- Gold medal and best Wheat Beer at Denmarksmesterskab i Håndbryg 2022 – ‘Belgian Delight’ (Belgian Whit Beer)
- Gold Medal and best Porter/Stout at Denmarksmesterskab i Håndbryg 2024 – ‘7, 8 Gute Nacht’ (American Dry Stout)
This initial wheat beer marked the beginning of many more to come, including primarily fruity beers, Pale Ales, and other ales, alongside German-style brews. Despite the growing range, Max’s Weisse remains the cornerstone of PhilWill Brew—Rungsted Bryggeri.
Values and Vision
PhilWill Brew has always prioritized using the right amount of quality ingredients, especially malt, hops, and fruit, to deliver the best possible craft beer experience. The aim is to create beers with rich, honest flavors that offer a unique taste experience, distinct from any commercially produced beers on the market.
Staying true to its core values—honesty, uncompromising quality (favoring local and organic ingredients whenever possible), and consistently high standards—PhilWill Brew is committed to sharing a diverse selection of beers with its customers. This includes both year-round offerings and seasonal releases.
Brand Identity
PhilWill defines itself as a young, local brand rooted in North Sealand, Denmark. It values openness and actively seeks to engage with its customers and community, fostering an interest in both the beer and the brewing process. While beer is at its core, the brand aspires to become a recognized name within the local community by supporting social events, restaurants and organizations.
PhilWill Brew represents a solid, foundational beer portfolio that captures the “essence” of craft beer. At the same time, it embraces an unorthodox approach to brewing, constantly experimenting with new recipes to expand its product line. While the focus remains on Hefeweizen, the brand is also dedicated to creating fruity and highly drinkable beers.
What’s Next for PhilWill?
As PhilWill Brew continues to grow, the focus will be on expanding its beer portfolio while staying true to its core values of quality and innovation. The brewery plans to explore new brewing techniques and ingredients to create unique and exciting flavors, pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing.
In addition to expanding its product line, PhilWill aims to deepen its connection with the local community. This includes participating in more local events, collaborating with nearby businesses, and launching initiatives that give back to the community. The brewery also plans to increase its presence in the market, reaching new customers while maintaining the personal touch and authenticity that has always defined the brand.
Sustainability will also play a significant role in PhilWill’s future. The brewery is committed to furthering its efforts in sourcing local and organic ingredients, reducing its environmental footprint, and promoting sustainable practices in all aspects of its operations.
Ultimately, PhilWill Brew will continue to evolve, but its dedication to crafting honest, high-quality beer will remain at the heart of everything it does. The future holds new flavors, new collaborations, and new opportunities to share the passion for craft beer with an ever-growing community.
New Beers Coming Soon
Yes, PhilWill Brew has some exciting new beers on the horizon! Building on the success of its flagship “Max’s Weisse,” the brewery is set to introduce a range of innovative brews that will appeal to both loyal customers and new beer enthusiasts.
In addition to its signature Hefeweizen, PhilWill has been expanding its portfolio to include lager beers, with the recent introduction of:
- “Can’t Wait Any Lager”: A Munich Helles that offers a clean, crisp, and refreshing taste, staying true to the traditional German brewing style. It’s the perfect easy-drinking beer with a subtle malt sweetness.
- “Broke County Lager”: A Munich Dunkles that brings a rich, malty flavor with hints of caramel and bread, embodying a smooth, full-bodied experience.
These new lagers complement PhilWill Brew’s existing selection and showcase its dedication to producing high-quality, traditional German-style beers.
In addition to these lagers, the upcoming releases will include:
- Seasonal Hefeweizen Variants: Building on the beloved Max’s Weisse, PhilWill is experimenting with seasonal twists, such as a summer Hefeweizen with hints of citrus and a winter version featuring subtle spices.
- Fruity Pale Ales: Expanding on its commitment to fruit-forward beers, PhilWill will introduce a series of Pale Ales infused with fresh, local fruits, offering vibrant and refreshing options that are perfect for any time of the year.
- Barrel-Aged Brews: For those who appreciate more complex flavors, PhilWill is working on a series of barrel-aged beers. These will include rich, robust ales aged in whiskey and wine barrels, adding depth and character to each sip.
- Specialty Limited Editions: In addition to its core lineup, PhilWill will periodically release small-batch specialty beers. These will showcase experimental flavors and unique ingredients, allowing the brewery to push the boundaries of traditional brewing.
These new beers reflect PhilWill Brew’s dedication to quality, creativity, and variety, offering something new and exciting for everyone. Stay tuned for release dates and tasting events as these beers are sure to become favorites in the PhilWill collection!