A conversation with Alessandro Ersettigh, OY Head Brewer, on the specifics of beer brewing in the Faroe Islands and the pivotal role water plays in the process.
OY Craft Brewery opened 2.5 years ago in Tórshavn, strategically positioned near the new Hilton and Brandan Hotels, close to the football stadium, in an area surrounded by various industries, stores, and company headquarters. OY is a privately owned craft brewery that also functions as a bar, concert venue, and food hall—an ideal venue for hosting events.
Alessandro, originally from Italy, has worked in multiple countries and is now the head brewer at OY in the Faroe Islands. With extensive knowledge of beer brewing, he even highlights the specifics of German Beer regulations for me, the German. (That while the German purity law (Reinheitsgebot) is no longer a legal requirement, it remains a guiding principle followed by 99% of German brewers.)
But back to OY: The pH value of Faroese water falls in the alkaline range and is notably soft, with very low sodium levels, giving it a clean and neutral flavor. While “neutral” water is ideal for brewing lighter beers like pilsners, it requires the addition of minerals for crafting stronger varieties.
OY has an annual brewing capacity of 1 million liters, with current distribution in the Faroe Islands and Greenland, and expanding into Iceland. Their high-end brewing technology matches global standards. They brew in a closed stainless-steel system, which is not only more sustainable but also water-efficient—an essential advantage for breweries aiming to reduce their environmental impact.
In closed systems, the brewing process involves several critical stages, with heating and cooling being particularly vital for ensuring the right chemical and biological reactions for flavor development, fermentation, and safety.
Why are heating and cooling essential in the brewing process?
- Heating converts starches into sugars and sterilizes the wort.
- Cooling creates the ideal conditions for yeast to ferment sugars into alcohol and CO₂.
In closed systems, the process is more efficient, controlled, and automated, resulting in consistent quality and a reduced risk of contamination.
Sustainability and Packaging Challenges in Brewing
In the beer industry, the perception of the sustainability of cans versus bottles has evolved. Aluminum cans are increasingly viewed as more sustainable than glass bottles. According to Alessandro, craft breweries are recognizing several advantages of cans:
Advantages of Cans:
- Sustainability: Easier to recycle and lower emissions during transport.
- Convenience: Lighter, more durable, and safer for transport and outdoor activities.
- Preservation: Cans protect beer from light and oxygen exposure, enhancing freshness.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Cheaper to produce, transport, and store.
- Faster Cooling: Cans chill more quickly than bottles.
For these reasons, many breweries are transitioning to cans as their preferred packaging option. However, strong dark beers benefit from some oxidation, which makes bottles a better choice for them.
Cans are also perceived by consumers as modern and environmentally friendly. Their convenience is another selling point, as they are easy to open without a bottle opener and more portable for everyday situations, appealing to a wide range of consumers.
Alessandro adds: “No distributor will buy beer in bottles unless it’s from a famous or very traditional brand.”
In addition to their current product range, OY plans to brew two alcohol-free beers—a pilsner and an IPA—as soon as possible.
Beer Consumption in the Faroe Islands: Social Habits
Alessandro notes, “Faroese people don’t go out much. They mostly drink beer at home. When they do go out, it’s usually on Fridays or Saturdays.”
This trend is primarily due to the high cost of alcohol in pubs across the Nordic countries. In the Faroe Islands, alcohol is sold through government-controlled retail chains. The state-run alcohol monopoly in the Faroe Islands is called Rúsdrekkasøla Landsins, which, like other Nordic alcohol monopolies, regulates alcohol sales to limit consumption and reduce alcohol-related harm.
Outside of monopoly stores, producers like OY are allowed to sell their own products directly, but only up to a maximum alcohol content of 5.8%. OY Brewery has one shop located within the brewery building, with opening hours aligned with those of the monopoly stores.
When visiting the Faroe Islands, be sure to stop by OY Brewery to enjoy a pub lunch or dinner paired with their unique, locally brewed beers.
More information on OY website
Any distributor who is interested to sell original Faroese Beer, let us know!
—————————————
Subscribe to Visit Faroe Islands Meetings Newsletter!
Come and visit the Faroe Islands with your conference and make sure to contribute to environment or society by sharing knowledge and organising purposeful events, using the SDGs as orientation. We are happy to help you design your conference legacy – e g by organising visits and meetings with innovators!
More stories and talks with interesting and innovative people from the Faroe Islands, case studies and updates you find on the LinkedIn Showcase of Visit Faroe Islands Meetings
Johanna Fischer / FrauBlau for Visit Faroe Islands Meetings
September 19,2023
