BJORN MEANS "BEAR" IN SWEDISH
Bjorn is our Head Brewer at Castle Danger Brewery. Being a Head Brewer may sound like an easy and fun gig to many of you, but it is one of the most important, demanding, and intense jobs at the brewery. Okay, it's also pretty fun. Bjorn is one of the hardest-working employees at Castle Danger and inspires his terrific team of brewers to be the same. Here's a little bit about Bjorn.
Q: What did you do before working at CDB?
A: I spend a long time working for a couple of other local (North Shore) breweries. I put in a lot of work and learned a lot about how to make good beer (and how to not make good beer).
Q: How long have you been working for CDB?
A: Almost two years. Those two trips around the sun have gone by fast, but we have come so far.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: I love the blending and mixing. Mixing ingredients and blending batches of beer. Blending the art of brewing with the science of brewing. Blending the sweet malt or wort with the bitter and aromatic hops. Mixing innovation with tradition. Integrating our people and their skills with our process. I hope the end result is well-rounded people making balanced product.
Q: What is your favorite CDB beer? What is your favorite beer outside of CDB?
A: Our Ode IPA is on the regular and White Pine Project IPA when it is in season. Our Brut IPA and the Orange Pale Ale from the Taproom Series stand out also. Otherwise my answer to the favorite beer question is always Duchesse De Bourgogne. It is the Flanders Red Ale; the most complex and delicious of all beers, in my opinion.
Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
A: Does the Force count? Because if I have to pick just one I think I pick using the Force.
Q: What was the first concert you ever went to?
A: I started going to punk and ska shows in junior high; so probably MxPx or Gohti Hook. This first “big” act I went to was Blondie and Earth Wind & Fire. I had just gotten my license and drove myself downtown St. Paul to see the free outside concert.
Q: Who inspires you?
A: There are a lot of great people out there doing great things. Those people are great examples, and we should learn from them. Ultimately, we need to inspire ourselves. We take the action to make change, to get up and do something. So get back to work and make a difference!
Q: Describe one crazy moment/memory you’ve had at CDB.
A: Several weeks ago a vendor had some pizzas sent over for our lunch. If a surprise pizza party doesn’t make the best day ever then I don’t know what does. I also had a pretty good chip at last years Two Harbors Chamber of Commerce golf event, golfing on the Team Danger A-team. I think that was pretty exciting for everyone.
Bjorn keeps the tanks full and our team happy. He is an indispensable member of Team Danger and we are incredibly lucky to have him. The next time you drink a dangerously good ale, toast to Bjorn!
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