Lervig — Times 8

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Times 8 is Lervig’s flagship pastry stout, a decadent showpiece from the brewery’s celebrated Rackhouse barrel program. The pour is jet-black and viscous, releasing aromas of bourbon warmth, vanilla bean, toasted oak, and dark chocolate. The palate is unapologetically rich, layering caramel, toffee, and maple sweetness over notes of coconut, dried fruit, and roasted cocoa. Bourbon barrel character runs throughout, lending oaky depth and a gentle whiskey heat that balances the dessert-like sweetness. Full-bodied, silky, and built for slow sipping, it represents the pinnacle of Nordic pastry stout craftsmanship at imperial strength.

Food Pairing

Pair with a flourless dark chocolate torte or sticky toffee pudding to mirror the beer’s caramel and cocoa richness. For savory contrast, try aged blue cheese such as Stilton with candied walnuts, where the beer’s bourbon warmth and vanilla sweetness complement the cheese’s salty pungency beautifully.

About Lervig Aktiebryggeri

Lervig Aktiebryggeri was founded in 2003 in Stavanger, Norway, initially continuing the legacy of Tou beer production with traditional pilsner styles. The brewery underwent a transformative shift in 2010 with the appointment of American head brewer Mike Murphy, pivoting decisively towards craft beer innovation. This strategic change established Lervig as a pioneering force in the Nordic craft beer movement, particularly renowned for their bold imperial stouts and hazy New England IPAs that have captivated enthusiasts across Europe and beyond.

The brewery’s commitment to quality and freshness is evident in their specialized cold-chain distribution partnership, ensuring their hop-forward beers reach consumers in optimal condition. Lervig’s reputation extends well beyond Norway’s borders through prolific collaborations with acclaimed international breweries including Mikkeller, To Øl, Põhjala, Evil Twin, and Beavertown, cementing their status within the global craft beer community. Their dedication to pushing stylistic boundaries earned them recognition on RateBeer’s prestigious Top 100 Brewers in the World list in 2014, confirming Lervig’s position among the elite producers shaping contemporary beer culture.