BierTalk English 45 - Interview with Kjetil Jikiun, brewer, founder of Nøgne Ø, and a pioneer of Scandinavian craft beer

"It is about working with people you know and strengthening relationships. So it is a different mindset."

In this episode, Markus meets Norwegian brewing pioneer Kjetil Jikiun for a very special “beer cast” recorded in the car. Kjetil looks back on an extraordinary journey that led him from life as an airline pilot to becoming one of the key figures of the modern Norwegian beer revolution. He shares how homebrewing, American craft beer, and a deep curiosity for flavor inspired him to co-found Nøgne Ø and help introduce bold styles like IPA, saison, and imperial stout to Norway.

The conversation also takes some remarkable detours: from brewing what may be the highest-altitude beer in the world on a mountain pass in Central Asia, to building a brewery project in Crete and discovering how different beer cultures can be. Kjetil reflects on innovation, responsibility, and the balance between brewing as science and brewing as art. A fascinating episode about adventure, flavor, and the courage to keep reinventing yourself.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kjetil.jikiun Solo Beer (official): https://solobeer.gr/en/

BeerAdvocate Portrait: Kjetil Jikiun: https://www.beeradvocate.com/articles/3003/kjetil-jikiun/

JamesSuckling: Norwegian Sake Maker’s Journey To Greece: https://www.jamessuckling.com/wine-tasting-reports/naked-sake-norwegian-sake-makers-journey-to-greece

BeerAdvocate Article: Making a True Sake-Beer Hybrid: https://www.beeradvocate.com/articles/10388/crossing-cultures-making-a-true-sake-beer-hybrid

Nøgne Ø overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C3%B8gne_%C3%98

Bonus video interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v8xiS1hFNc