Show 40: Here’s to Odin!
Prebeer Preamble: The frozen and ruggedly beautiful country of Norway has given rise to many things: Vikings, Protestants, and lutefisk being but three examples. But did you know the word “ale” descends from the Old Norse word for “fermented grain beverage”? Today the Draco Vista Review Krew (plus Anna from Washington) and I dive into beers produced from one of Norway’s oldest breweries to see how the legacy is holding up.
Beer #1: We start off with the cornerstone of the Ringnes stable, Ringnes Pilenser. As it turns out, the brewery that produced this beer has only recently been acquired by European mega-brew conglomerate Carlsberg (hailing from Denmark). Tune in and listen to what happens when one Scandanavian country takes over another’s “national brewery.” [hint: think "chicken scissors"]
Interbeer Interlude: Heatland Brews. “Goose Island Harvest Ale” Pubcasters Phil and Lingo from the Brit and Yankee once again contribute some enlightening entertainment featuring a beer from the Plains (home to many folks of Scandanavian descent, so it fits the show’s theme!). This time, Chicago’s storied Goose Island Brewey gets the spotlight, with their seasonal Harvest Ale. How does it rate according to the Brit And Yankee? Tune in and find out!
Beers #2 and 3: The Review Krew plus Anna now reach for two other Ringes products, Lysholmer Double Ice and Ringnes SkjÆrsgårds Pils. They pour out suspiciously light and spritzy, and your intrepid drinkers begin to wonder what characteristic, if any, distinguishes them from one another. Is this what they serve in Valhalla!?!
Beer Geek Moment: “Viking Age Ale” Way back in the last millenium, Norwegian folks were enjoying the juice of the barley with some enthusiasm. What they were drinking and how it was made are the subjects of today’s Moment.
Postbeer Postscript: We return with the scores, and with all these reviewers and beers, there are numbers aplenty. We also manage to work in some words, as a genuine Scandanavian Warlord (named Peter) skypes in to set us straght on the pronunciations. Hey, I got “Ringnes” right….
December 6th, 2007 at 7:24 am
I heard a hint of an upcoming Speaking of Beer episode about Norwegian beer on Wingin’ It 3D and, being Norwegian myself, I went “Oh.” Only later did I see what beers it was going to be and “Oh.” turned into “Oh, God!”.
It then took me a couple of weeks to collect courage enough to actually listen to the slaughter I knew was coming. And it did. During the listening I alternately felt like slinking off to a corner and hide, wanting to smack Peter for his poor taste and just break down and bawl like a baby.
Ok, so I have strong opinions on beer. And ok, Ringnes Pilsner isn’t really a bad beer. But of all the other beers you could have brought, you chose those two?
I think I’ll cry a bit after all.
December 6th, 2007 at 10:38 am
I tend to take an opportunistic approach to recording, so when a “variety” of Norwegian beers became available to me thanks to Peter and Mike, I jumped on it. I know that better Norwegian beers exist (I recall enjoying Aas Bock a couple of decades ago), and I’m hopeful that some will cross my path in the future. If they do, you can bet I’ll revisit this whole thing and give them their props!
December 7th, 2007 at 3:05 am
Oh, don’t get me wrong. I don’t fault you for your verdict, I do in fact agree. I’m a little dismayed by the obvious lack of beerducation though. Peter, seek help!
Regarding the Bock (and Bayers for that matter) it’s a sad state of affairs, they are unfortunately nearly dead or at least quite hard to come by these days.
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:37 am
For some nice Norwegian beer, try to get hold of some from Nøgne Ø (Naked Isle). It’s a small brewery with different kinds of beers. It’s at least much better than Ringnes. Take a look here: http://www.nogne-o.com/