The Rise of Lervig
Lervig Aktiebryggeri is a Norwegian brewery that has been making waves in the craft beer scene for years. Their beers are known for their bold flavours, unique combinations, and exquisite balance. At the helm of Lervig is Mike Murphy, a seasoned brewer from the US. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the man behind the beer and his philosophy on brewing.
From Homebrewing to Professional Brewing
Mike Murphy started brewing beer at home, like many brewers do. But unlike most homebrewers, his beers were a huge hit among his friends and family. He started winning awards at homebrewing competitions, which inspired him to pursue professional brewing.
His first professional gig was at Rock Bottom Brewery in Chicago. He worked his way up the ranks and eventually became the head brewer. Under his leadership, Rock Bottom won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival, one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the US.
After several years, Murphy felt the itch to explore the world of beer beyond the US. He landed a job at Nøgne Ø, a Norwegian brewery known for its experimental beers. It was there that he met Anders Kissmeyer, a Danish brewer who was creating a buzz in the European craft beer scene.
The Birth of Lervig
Murphy and Kissmeyer hit it off and decided to collaborate on a new brewery. Thus, Lervig was born. Their goal was to create beers that were different from the norm and to push the boundaries of brewing. They started with a small brewhouse in Stavanger, Norway and quickly gained a devoted following.
Their early beers were hop-forward and had a distinct American influence. However, as they grew, they started experimenting with other styles and ingredients. They created a barrel-aging program, which produced some of the most sought-after beers in Europe. They also partnered with several other breweries to create collaborative beers, including Mikkeller, Evil Twin, and Omnipollo.
The Philosophy of Brewing
At the heart of Lervig’s success is Murphy’s philosophy on brewing. He believes that a good beer starts with high-quality ingredients. He sources his hops from the Pacific Northwest in the US, a region known for producing some of the best hops in the world. He also uses malt from Germany and the UK, which he says gives his beers a “complexity and depth of flavour that is hard to replicate.”
Murphy is also a firm believer in balance. He says that a beer should have a “harmony of flavour,” with no one ingredient overpowering the others. He achieves this by tweaking his recipes repeatedly until he achieves the perfect balance. He also pays attention to the mouthfeel of his beers, making sure they have the right amount of carbonation and body.
Conclusion
Mike Murphy’s journey from homebrewer to professional brewer is the stuff of legends. His bold approach to brewing has made Lervig one of the most exciting breweries in Europe. With his focus on quality ingredients, balance, and experimentation, it’s no wonder that his beers have gained a loyal following. As beer drinkers around the world look for new and exciting flavours, Murphy and Lervig are sure to be at the forefront of the craft beer revolution.
