Nordic IPA - a remarkable fusion and blending of ancient farmhouse brewing traditions and modern craft beer innovation

In recent decades, the world of beer brewing has undergone a remarkable and unprecedented transformation, witnessing the emergence of a myriad of new breweries, particularly micro- and craft breweries (e.g., Jackson, 1998; Wülfing, 2014). This innovative trend extends beyond the boundaries of existing brewing companies and includes a diverse spectrum of start-ups that meet the new demands of consumers also related to the experience economy and pleasure economy (e.g., Boswijk, 2017; Garavaglia, 2018; Cabras, 2023). At the same time, there has been a trend for providing new beer types and flavours, rooted in old traditions combined with new knowledge, research, development of new species and varieties, and access to adapted process equipment (Oliver, 2011; Wülfing, 2014; Alworth, 2021). This article illuminates and explores the interplay between traditional beer styles and their place in a contemporary era at the time of creation based on the possibilities that existed. This interplay is combined into a contemporary description of the Nordic IPA as a fusion of Nordic tradition (Glamann, 2005; Andersen, 2014; Garshol 2020), Nordic crops (Juul, 2016; Bjørn, 2917; Caruse, 2020) with ingredients, processes, and raw materials (Skaarup, 2018; Laitinen, 2019). In summary, the defined Nordic IPA beer style is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the enduring heritage of Nordic cuisine (Juul, 2006; Neumann, 2018) and Nordic brewing tradition, intertwining centuries-old techniques with farmhouse brewing as an almost forgotten style (Phil, 2004; Mallett, 2014), related to contemporary craft- and microbreweries. This article highlights the historical, cultural, technological, and sensory dimensions of this defined beer style, compared to other Danish and Nordic beers to demonstrate Nordic IPA as an innovative creation, and arranged in our developed periodic beer system of 139 unique beer styles from the world.