MHOPS Craft Beer Festival at MOG, Genova

I stopped by MHOPS on opening night mostly out of curiosity. I already spend a lot of time at MOG, usually working remotely while rotating between coffee, meals, and the occasional drink. It is one of the few places in Genova where you can settle in for hours and still have access to proper food and good coffee without feeling guilty that you need to move every thirty minutes.

Turning the space into a craft beer festival felt like a natural fit.

Opening night was surprisingly calm. No long lines, no overcrowding, just people drifting between taps, tasting, talking, and enjoying the space. I expect it will get busier over the weekend, but catching it early made the whole experience feel relaxed and unhurried.

What impressed me most was the overall quality. Every beer I tried was genuinely excellent across very different styles. I started off by purchasing a glass, and 21 tokens so I could try 7 beers ( half glasses), and then I started my evening.

Event details

• Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
• Friday 20/02 and Saturday 21/02, 2026 from 12 to 1
• Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 12:00 to 11:00 PM

Here is the address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/q9iFSzvXqr1z4i317

Note that for night events like this, the only open entrance is accessible from Via XX Settembre.

Schwarz

Producer: Birrificio Elvo
Location: Biella, Piedmont, Italy
Style: Dark lager
ABV: 5.5%

Dark in color but not heavy at all. Smooth, nutty, lightly roasty, with hints of cocoa and coffee without any harsh bitterness. Very clean finish and extremely easy to drink. A perfect opener for a cool evening.

Portobello

Producer: Birrificio WAR
Location: Cassina de’ Pecchi, near Milan, Italy
Style: London Porter
ABV: 5.4%

A classic, comforting porter. Toasted malt, toffee, cocoa, and a soft round body. Not sweet, not aggressive, just balanced and satisfying. It felt very traditional in the best way.

 

Food Break — Chakula Chema (Kenyan Cuisine)

At this point I realized I should probably eat something before continuing. One of the kitchens at MOG during the festival was Chakula Chema, serving Kenyan food, so I went with their “Safari Delicious” plate.

It turned out to be a great choice.

The dish felt like a sampler of East African flavors, warm spices, slow-cooked elements, and fried bites all on one plate. The standout for me was the samosa, crisp on the outside with a richly spiced meat filling inside. Everything was aromatic and flavorful, bot not overpowering which made it easy to enjoy alongside the beer.

It was hearty without feeling heavy, exactly what you want midway through a tasting session.

Deiva

Producer: Birrificio Elvo
Location: Biella, Piedmont, Italy
Style: Dunkel Bock
ABV: 6%

After the food break, this felt like a natural step up. Fuller malt character with notes of caramel and dark bread, slightly warming but still smooth and clean. Stronger than the earlier beers but very approachable.

Hard Sun

Producer: Birrificio Eastside
Location: Latina, Lazio, Italy
Style: Saison
ABV: 6.5%

A nice palate reset after the darker malty beers. Light in color but not light in flavor. Subtle spice, citrus notes, and a dry finish that made it very refreshing despite the cool weather. Very smooth and easy to drink.

 

 

Green Lobster

Producer: Birrificio Eastside
Location: Latina, Lazio, Italy
Style: Hazy IPA
ABV: 6.8%

Plenty of hop aroma with tropical and citrus notes. This was the only beer that did not fully match my preferences, leaning softer and less defined than the styles I usually gravitate toward. Still clearly well made, just not my personal favorite profile.

 

 

Woodburn

Producer: Birrificio Eastside
Location: Latina, Lazio, Italy
Style: West Coast IPA
ABV: 7.1%

This one snapped everything back into focus. Bright citrus, grapefruit, and pine with a firm bitterness and a crisp, dry finish. Very precise and refreshing. If you enjoy classic American-style IPAs, this was excellent.

 

Heller Bock

Producer: Birrificio Elvo
Location: Biella, Piedmont, Italy
Style: Bock
ABV: 7.2%

The perfect closing beer. Smooth, malty, gently sweet with notes of honey and bread crust, and a warming character that felt ideal for the walk back to the train station afterward. Substantial without being heavy or overly sweet.

 

Why MOG Works So Well for This Event

MOG is essentially a covered food market with kitchens surrounding a central seating area. You can pair beer with sushi, pasta, burgers, pizza, desserts, or something more traditional without leaving the space.

Since I already come here to work fairly often, the festival felt less like a takeover and more like a bonus layer added on top of an already functional place.

Final Thoughts

For me, this was a big win.

Excellent beer selection, genuinely good food options, a comfortable indoor venue, and a relaxed atmosphere on opening night. If you live near Genova and want to explore quality craft beer without traveling far, MHOPS is absolutely worth checking out.