Lervig — Paragon 2023 (2023)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Paragon 2023 is the latest expression of Lervig’s flagship barleywine, matured for over a year in the brewery’s Rackhouse bourbon barrel program. The pour is deep mahogany, releasing layered aromatics of vanilla, oak, and warm bourbon. On the palate, rich toffee and caramel meld with dried fruit, fig, and dark chocolate, while the barrel imparts notes of coconut, soft maple sweetness, and a gentle oaky tannin. The finish carries a lingering bourbon warmth, balanced by malt depth and a velvety, slow-sipping richness that defines this celebrated Norwegian barrel-aged series.

Food Pairing

Pair with aged hard cheeses such as Comté or a sharp cheddar, where nutty, crystalline depth meets the beer’s caramel and oak. Equally rewarding alongside a sticky toffee pudding or pecan tart, letting the dessert’s brown sugar and vanilla echo the bourbon barrel’s sweetness and dried fruit complexity.

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.