Ten years of FINNE: How an idea from Canada helped shape Münster's beer culture

Florian Böckermann brought back a decisive impetus for the founding of FINNE from a trip to Vancouver Island. At the Tofino Brewing Company, he experienced creative beers, an open brewery, and an atmosphere where beer and community belonged together.

“I was thrilled by what I experienced there. You sat right next to the brewing kettles, could try different beers, and simply had a good time. Back in Münster, I told Frank: Münster needs something like this,” recalls Böckermann.

Together with Frank Sibbing, he developed the concept for FINNE: handcrafted beer, variety, and a place to gather. Production and consumption were to be closely intertwined. Guests should not only drink the finished beer but also experience how it is made. FINNE continues this approach today with brewery tours, tastings, and brewing courses. The two founders opted for organic quality ingredients.

The name itself also reflects the connection to Münster: "Finne" is Masematte dialect and means bottle or glass. In Münster, one drinks a "Finne" beer.

“We didn’t just want to launch another beer brand,” says Sibbing. “We wanted to create a brand and a place where beer is brewed, drunk and experienced, and which at the same time is an integral part of Münster.”

It started with three beers.

In 2016, the concept became reality. At the Münster Beer Festival, FINNE presented its first three beers: a Helles, a Pale Ale, and a wheat beer. The team initially consisted of the two founders, a brewer, and a bar manager. Thirteen taps were planned for the brewery in the Kreuzviertel district – a deliberate statement of diversity for Münster's beer scene at the time. In addition to the established varieties, the plan was to continually experiment with new beer styles.

FINNE also focused early on a style for their Helles that was significantly less common outside of southern Germany at the time than it is today. "In 2016, the Pilsner was clearly number one. But we already liked the Helles back then and believed in it. In retrospect, we obviously had a pretty good nose for it," says Böckermann.

From the initial three beers, a solid range has developed, now comprising six beers and two non-alcoholic varieties. In addition, there are regularly changing craft beers and seasonal specialties. Nearly 200 batches have been brewed at the Viertelbrauerei alone since its founding.

FINNE is no longer only available in its own breweries: The beers are available in stores in Münster and the Münsterland region and are also served on tap or from bottles in numerous restaurants, for example in the Pleister Mühle, at Grotes or in the Mimigernaford.

From the Kreuzviertel to the harbor

As the brewery grew, so did the team: from four people in the founding year, the company has now grown to more than 50 employees. New shareholders from Münster, who are deeply committed to FINNE with strong local patriotism, opened up additional opportunities. Their investment in the harbor brewery made the necessary improvements possible.

In October 2025, FINNE opened its new location at the central harbor. There, brewing takes place on a larger scale, and the beer is served directly at its source. With 21 taps, increased production capacity, and more space for new beer styles, the harbor brewery continues the original FINNE concept. The beer also takes center stage in the culinary offerings: dishes specifically designed to complement FINNE beers are available at the harbor.

“The harbor brewery gives us opportunities we could only dream of in 2016,” says Sibbing. “Nevertheless, the core has remained the same: brewing good beer, staying curious, and creating a place where people enjoy coming together.”

For Böckermann, the port is therefore less of an end than a new beginning: "We are actually only at the beginning of everything that can still come."

Ten years later, back to Tofino

In the anniversary year, Böckermann returned to the Tofino Brewing Company and brought FINNE beers from Münster with him. “It was a special moment to be standing there again after ten years. Back then, I came back to Münster with an idea, and this time I was able to show what had come of it.” Böckermann and Sibbing are also even more closely connected personally today: The two founders are now brothers-in-law.

Anniversary weekend at the harbor

FINNE celebrates its tenth anniversary from September 18th to 20th, 2026. The festivities kick off on Friday with a pub quiz at the Viertelbrauerei starting at 7 pm, followed by a DJ set at the Hafenbrauerei from 9 pm. On Saturday and Sunday, the celebrations continue at the harbor with live music, the tapping of the anniversary beer, food, and an open brewery.

“Looking back today, ten years is of course a major milestone,” says Böckermann. “At the same time, especially with the port, we feel that there is still a lot ahead of us.” Sibbing adds: “We still have many ideas and are really looking forward to the coming years.”

About FINNE

FINNE Brewery was founded in Münster in 2016 by Florian Böckermann and Frank Sibbing. FINNE stands for handcrafted, organic beers, creativity, a diverse range of beers, and a strong connection to Münster. The name comes from the Masematte dialect and means bottle or glass. The beers are available in stores and restaurants in Münster and the surrounding Münsterland region. The Viertelbrauerei (quarter brewery) in the Kreuzviertel district has been FINNE's home since its founding. Since October 2025, the Hafenbrauerei (harbor brewery) at the Mittelhafen (central harbor) has complemented the offerings, combining brewing production, gastronomy, and the beer experience.

FINNE Anniversary Weekend 18th – 20th September 2026 FINNE Hafenbrauerei (& FINNE Viertelbrauerei) Am Mittelhafen 20, 48155 Münster.