The story about Lasse - an interview
Get ready for the second exclusive tour behind the scenes at the ÅBEN brewery, where the magic happens.
In this email series, you will meet passionate brewmasters who dedicate their days to crafting delicious beers for you
to savour and enjoy.
This is a rare opportunity for you to discover the secrets of the brewing process and learn more about the people who make it all possible.
This edition is with Lasse - Brewer at ÅBEN.
What inspired you to become a brewer, and how did you get started in the beer brewing industry?
'A friend and I started to brew together, and I found it interesting. It started as a hobby but inspired me to want to brew more.'
Do you see any specific trends in brewing right now?
'The industry has exploded with many different styles of brews but it looks like it’s starting to quiet down again. A lot of more normal beers like Lagers are being brewed again but that’s not to say that there isn’t still experimenting in the industry.'
How did your journey at ÅBEN begin?
'I previously worked as a builder, and I started as a curious helper/Intern at ÅBEN.
I would help at the Kolding brewery every Friday to help clean and generally help, where it was needed. Philip found it strange that I was there so much and that I didn’t work there more, so he asked me to start full-time. I then started as an assistant to then brewer, Rick.'
Can you tell us more about starting in Kolding and moving to CPH to continue working at ÅBEN?
'It was something of a radical change. Kolding was more of a manual process, mashing with a shovel, and shovelling malt out of the tanks. Kolding was a beautiful place. With butterflies and nature, right on the doorstep.
Copenhagen is a more automated process. I do like living in Copenhagen and enjoy working at ÅBEN.'
How would you describe the development of ÅBEN?
'A 100-meter sprint – it’s been such a fast-paced place to work. It is being part of a machine in constant development.
It’s super exciting to be a part of. It’s a constant learning process, challenging but fun too.'
What was your first brew at ÅBEN?
'Indian summer. The past brewer at Kolding, Rick, was very busy one day and told me that I should try brewing and that he believed, that I could brew a beer.
I had never brewed before but I got thrown into the deep end and ended up learning how to brew. It was a learn-by-doing process.'
What is your favourite type of Beer? Also, which ÅBEN Beer is your favourite?
'Rauch Bier is my favourite type of beer and my favourite ÅBEN beer is Aecht, which I brewed, funnily enough.'
A fun fact about you?
'Been on a DR TV program about being naked, also worked a lot with musicals.
What is your favourite beer in the Easter box?
'Up Up High – it’s delicious, sweet, and strong. It does everything it should.
It’s perfect to enjoy in a ‘Hyggelig’ candlelit setting.'
Anything else you would like to share?
'Talking Rauch Bier – I recommend a trip to Bamberg in Germany.
A great place to enjoy good beers, friendly people, and beautiful architecture.'