I really liked this IPA, from Lervig Aktiebryggeri, which is one of Norway’s leading craft breweries, based in Stavanger.
Lervig was started in 2003 by a group of Stavanger locals who were upset that Tou, the local brewery, was being closed after being bought by Carlsberg-owned Ringes. Tou had been brewing in the town since 1855, so it had quite a history.
Lervig is funded by a group of 40 investors, of whom the largest is Norwegian financier Kristoffer Stensrud. Initially, production was focused on pilsner-style beers, and it wasn’t until 2010 when Mike Murphy became head brewer that things got really interesting.
Mike is an American brewer who has worked a lot in Italy and Denmark, and has a great reputation, and he started making much more interesting craft beers, including IPAs, saisons and stouts. Lervig have also done collaborations with other craft brewers such as Mikkeller and Magic Rock.
Lervig LA Galaxy IPA
6.5% alcohol
Beautifully floral, with sweet, pure tropical notes of passionfruit and subtle herbs. The palate is amazingly fresh and pure with smooth, soft toffee and malt backing up the well integrated bitter hops. Very stylish with some sweetness. 9/10