Angry Erik grand opening a hit, despite snow

LAFAYETTE — In true Scandinavian fashion, it snowed on the grand opening of Lafayette’s Angry Erik Brewing.

A lot.
That didn’t stop hundreds of curious patrons from stopping by during the Feb. 15 event. Angry Erik Brewing opened its doors to the public for the first time and offered up a taste of their first two beers.

With the snow, “we really didn’t know what to expect,” owner and brewer Erik Hassing said.

He and his wife, Heide, were pleased people braved the storm to try their beers — and that many of them “seemed to like it.”

The selection
Ravøl, meaning “amber ale,” in Norwegian, is an American-style amber ale. Three Ball Porter is a more robust offering, with hints of cardamom and orange balancing out caramel, chocolate and coffee flavors. The brew was named for the Hassing’s late black lab/pitbull mix, which was known to fit three tennis balls in its mouth at once.

The branding of Angry Erik’s beers comes from Erik’s Norwegian ancestry — Ravøl through its name and the porter through its ingredients, as cardamom has been a Scandinavian staple since the Viking era.

By the second week of their opening, Erik said their India pale ale and stout varieties would also be available.

Once they “get a gauge for how much sells out the door” of the brewery, Erik hopes to begin offering the brews to area bars and restaurants that focus on craft beer. They currently brew 310 gallons of beer per batch. All varieties are available in kegs, half kegs, half-gallon growlers, pints and tasters.

Hardyston resident Glenn Nyman was impressed with each offering.

“I came to support a local business,” he said, and was impressed to find the taste exceeded his expectations.

“There is a lot they can do here,” he added, suggesting the Hassings look into live bands and other entertainment.

The brewery will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturdays from 12 to 8 p.m.; and Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m.

Search for Angry Erik Brewing on Facebook or visit www.angryerik.com for more information.