Founded in 2002 by Gunnar Wiig and Kjetil Jikiun with one mission, to create fantastic full-bodied handcrafted beer. The name Nøgne Ø, which means “Naked Island,” is a poetic term used by Henrik Ibsen to describe the countless stone outcroppings that are visible off Norway’s southern coast. It also paints a symbolic picture of what two Norwegian homebrewers set out to do in 2002 in a country flooded with macrobeers. Uncompromising in their methods, Nøgne Ø creates gold from gold using malts and hops such as Maris Otter, Cascade, Centennial, Chinook and Columbus. Quality ingredients for quality craft beers, it’s as simple as that. Since their founding, Nøgne Ø has grown from a 300 hl production to an estimated 3500 hl with more than 20 different styles brewed regularly. This Grimstad, Norway-based brewery is a testament to what two bold homebrewers can accomplish with a quality craft brew.
Nøgne Ø Imperial Rye Porter – $14.45
A collaborative brew for the rainy weather courtesy of Terrapin Beer Co. and Nøgne Ø. Pitch black when it hits the glass, roasted barley and malt hit immediately followed by sweet caramel and spicy rye. Plenty of chocolate, coffee and spice can all be found working together in perfect harmony. This particular brew hides it’s 9% ABV well, so be wary, but enjoy it regardless.
Joel Wilson | Beer Team | Legacy Liquor Store
Nøgne Ø Sunturnbrew – $11.75
Brewed during the solstice of every year since 2008, this bold smoked barley wine is a unique little beer. Crimson in colour with a big smoky nose, think peated scotch with a complex palate of rich malts, burnt sugar, dried fruits, subtle hops and of course peaty smoke. Big, rich and delicious, sign me up.
Chris Bonnallie | Beer Supervisor | Legacy Liquor Store
Nøgne Ø Tiger Tripel – $10.65
From the cold shores of Norway, Nøgne Ø delivers a Tripel with a bit of Scottish inspiration. Golden brown in colour with rich ripe notes of stone fruit (peach and apricot) and a blend of spices such as nutmeg, pepper and anise on the nose. More stone fruit presents itself on the palate with even more spices like cinnamon, clove and a bit of paprika. Deceptively drinkable and just plain delicious, I say well played, Nøgne Ø.
Evan Doan | Beer Team | Legacy Liquor Store
Nomadic Brewers Javier Aldea and Sami Claret of Nomada Brewing Co. hail from a burgeoning craft beer scene across the Atlantic Ocean in Spain. Designing, creating and brewing exclusive beers at any brewery that will let them make beer has pushed them to the forefront of a Spanish craft beer revolution. Utilizing hops and malts commonly found in the Pacific Northwest (think Centennial, Cascade, Columbus, etc.) this young upstart brewery has managed to capture a sense of terroir by introducing the climate and soil of Spain into the growth cycle of PNW ingredients. The result, a selection of carefully crafted beers that have found themselves at the front of the pack, but you’ll just have to sample some of these brews to decide for yourself. Salud!
Nomada Brewing Co. Papaya Crash Imperial IPA – $8.55
Hazy and dark orange in colour, this imperial IPA with papaya pops right out of the Spieglau IPA glass with notes of fruity papaya and earthy hops. Grapefruit pith, pine resin and caramel malt work well with one another and strike a near perfect balance, finishing slightly dry with the hops, malt and a bit of alcohol rounding out this impressive Spanish brew.
Joel Wilson | Beer Team | Legacy Liquor Store
Nomada Brewing Co. Royal Porter a la Taza – $7.05
A rich dark brown in colour with plenty of roasted malt, caramel, chocolate and coffee backing it up. As it warms up, this little devil gets more complex, but you can expect coffee beans, roasted malt and chocolate flavours right out of the gate. Extremely quaffable thanks to a very well hidden ABV and an exceptional flavour profile, this brew is not to be missed.
Chris Bonnallie | Beer Supervisor | Legacy Liquor Store
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