Mack Brewery in Tromso, Norway

Svalbard, Norway - [Link to image source]

SSWC reader and contributor Chris Parkinson from Hollywood, California writes to us about Mack Brewery in Tromso, Norway. He recently had the pleasure of visiting the brewery and experiencing their beer during a scientific research trip to Svalbard - the northernmost part of Norway. 

To begin with, Chris wanted to share this review of Mack Brewery found on Lonely Planet since it was so eloquently written:

"OK, this brewery isn’t really the world’s northernmost – a microbrewery in Honningsvåg takes that title – but it’s still a venerable institution that merits a pilgrimage. Established in 1877, it nowadays produces 18 kinds of beer, including the very quaffable Mack's Pilsner, Isbjørn, Haakon and several dark beers. At 1pm year-round – plus 3pm, June to August – tours (Nkr130, including a beer mug, pin and pint) leave from the brewery’s own Ølhallen Pub, Monday to Thursday."

Chris writes: So, we could call it the world's northernmost non-microbrewery!!! LOL

Photos courtesy of Chris Parkinson.

The Bottom Line: This is quite a hoppy beer, which may be a turn off to some. However, the interesting mix of sweet, caramel, fruit, 

and bitterness makes it a taste experience.

"It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth". That statement is one of many arrogant statements on the label on the bottle. This is another quote from the label: "We would suggest that you stick to safer and more familiar territory - maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it's made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beverage will give you more sex appeal."

The reason I am repeating words from the label is not because beer labels are all I read (I do read books also). It's because there is some truth in it. Bland pale lagers brewed by corporate giants have been a staple of American beer culture. However, Budweiser is now Belgian and there are many smaller American breweries (thousands) that offer interesting and tasty high-quality beers. Stone Brewing Company is one of them... and they are also trying to have some comedic fun with the situation.        

Thank you, Chris, for your submission! :-)

We here at Planet Obscura and SSWC *love* craft beer... If you have any recommendations or reviews you'd like to share, please e-mail them to us and we will post them on the blog!

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