Enjoying open spaces during lockdown has led the couple behind Park Brewery to develop a kveik IPA, a new style for the brewery.
At the height of lockdown, brewery owners Josh and Frankie Kearns found themselves turning to Richmond Park more than ever, for respite from the news and a break from the glow of screen-based home schooling. Whether it was cycling up Broomfield Hill, taking note of spring’s changes with their children, or safely meeting up with local friends to enjoy a walk, the Kearns noted that their appreciation for the power of nature was stronger than ever before.
Frankie said: “Richmond Park, more than ever, became a place to find sanctuary for our whole family, even if temporarily. It’s amazing what having a bit of open space can do for an entire community’s sense of wellbeing, especially during such bleak times.”
During this time of reflection in the park, and inspired by the desire for customers to be able to imagine themselves in the sanctuary of the open air, the Kearns began experimenting with the innovative location system what3words. Luck struck when they located a spot with a particularly special combination of words — ///lovely.venue.earth — and an idea for the new beer was formed.
Josh and Frankie Kearns, of The Park Brewery
From Norway, kveik (meaning ‘yeast’ in local dialect) is an ancient strain of yeast, originally used in Norwegian farmhouse beers. It is very fast and able to ferment at high temperatures. Wheat and oats create a rich, balanced, smooth texture, and then the beer is dry hopped with Galaxy, from Australia, Nelson Sauvin, from New Zealand, and Idaho 7 and Pekko, from the US, which, when combined, create a heady mix of fruity flavours, including citrus, peach and passion fruit, as well as earthy and piney undertones.
What3words has created an efficient mapping system by dividing the world into three metre by three metre squares and giving each square three associated words, thus pinpointing an exact location. The words have been translated into 45 languages and are now utilised by emergency services as a means to help find and rescue those trapped in unpredictable or dangerous locations.
Josh said: “This beer is the coming together of several points at once — like the perfect storm. We’re celebrating our local park, experimenting with a new beer style (which I’ve been keen to do for a while now), and working with what3words. We’re really happy with the outcome.”
The beer can be ordered through the Park Brewery website.
