At Molo Brew, the experience goes beyond an impressive selection of beers; it's an inviting atmosphere that welcomes you, whether you're alone or in good company. With a staggering 25 different draft lines, including two dedicated to the acclaimed "Hellelujah," Molo proudly demonstrates its commitment to offering something unique for every taste and occasion.
Molo Brew stands out with diverse flavor profiles and beer styles, ranging from refreshing lagers to complex ales. However, it's not just the traditional beers that take the spotlight; Molo has also built a reputation for serving some of the best non-alcoholic alternatives on the market. In addition, they tempt with seasonal sour beers, porters, and stouts. Molo Brew is not just a brewery; it's a destination for those seeking a diverse and flavorful journey into the world of beer.
Recently, the Molo Brew team returned from Germany as proud winners of the coveted gold prize from the European Beer Star Award ceremony in Nuremberg. MOLO IPA stood out among thousands of submissions from global breweries, further solidifying Molo's presence on the world map. To gain more insight into the gold prize and meet the brewers and restaurant team, I headed to Molo. Here, I met Sajjad and asked for the opportunity to interview him.
Meet Sajjad Shinwari from Pakistan, the general manager at Molo, who has been there since its opening in 2017.
In 2016, when Sajjad decided to leave his homeland to pursue a master's at NTNU in Ålesund, it was a bold step. Air travel was uncharted territory for him, and the first time he boarded a plane marked the beginning of an adventurous journey. Alongside his studies, Sajjad found himself in the dishwashing area at the bustling Terminalen. A random tip from a group chat led him to a new establishment across the street that needed help. Without hesitation, Sajjad dove into unfamiliar territory.
Molo, the place across the street, became Sajjad's new home. He transitioned from dishwashing to memorizing the menu and learning the cash systems. After thorough training, he became a dedicated full-time waiter. Feeling the urge to explore more after serving a year, Sajjad spent increasing time behind the bar, evolving into a skilled bartender.
In 2021, amidst challenging COVID-19, the general manager stepped down from the position. Due to his extensive experience, Sajjad was encouraged by the owners to apply. In September 2021, Sajjad proudly assumed the leadership role.
One thing I was curious about is the backstory of how Molo ended up in the Succession series. "Did you know that Molo would be featured in Succession?"
“No! I was in a management meeting on a Tuesday morning when the phone rang. Although I usually don't answer the phone when in meetings, I did this time, and it was a Norwegian producer. He asked if they could rent some equipment, and when I asked what he wanted to rent, he was unsure. So, the set director and her assistant set up a meeting with Randy and I and he directed them on what we had to offer. They had us sign a non disclosure disallowing us to discuss anything we saw or learned about what the project was, but when I asked what they were filming, they said they couldn't say. We sent some of our non-alcoholic beer and glasses to Valldal along with the equipment.” Later, they saw in the newspaper that Succession was filmed in Valldal, so they quickly realized that the beer was meant for the HBO show.
In Succession, you can spot Molo in season 4, episode 5.
Molo Brew made its mark on the global stage by participating in the prestigious European Beer Star Festival, one of the most important beer competitions worldwide. This renowned competition, held in Germany, is dedicated to honoring and recognizing the best beers across various categories. With 550 breweries from 47 countries, the European Beer Star Awards stand out as one of the most internationally diverse beer competitions, showcasing a rich tapestry of global brewing excellence.
In a field that saw over 2000 diverse beers submitted, only the top three in each category receive the coveted gold, silver, or bronze awards. This triumph signifies Molo Brew's success and positions Norway and Ålesund as formidable beer destinations on the world stage, demonstrating their ability to compete with the best breweries globally.
However, this is not the first time Molo has positioned itself as a significant force in the brewing world. In London, during the European Beer Challenge, they secured first place and gold for "Hellelujah" in the Helles category, silver for "Instant Hero" in the German Pilsner category and bronze for "Organ Fiesta" in the Latin Style Beer category. Randy, the brewmaster from the USA, has led the team to success in several international competitions.
Randy Jensen, a proud member of the Molo family since 2017, brings American craft brewing tradition and 16 years of professional experience to Ålesund. Randy is the man behind the brewery’s art, and he loves to share his passion and expertise with visitors. But what is Randy's favorite beer? That secret is only revealed during a visit to Molo Brew.
Randy's career began in Tennessee, where, at the age of 18, he started in the brewery's kitchen. At that time, he knew just what 18-year-olds typically know about beer - not much. After three months in the kitchen, the doors opened to the brewers. "They allowed me to come in and start filtering, and essentially cleaning everything. After a few years of working there, I decided to attend school to study and advance my career as a brewer."
When I asked Randy what he loves most about his job as a brewer, he quickly responded, "The best part of brewing is, hands down, tasting it! There are so many complexities to experience when tasting different styles." For Randy, the brewing process itself is an exciting journey, from the aromas and hard work to the fascination of how everything comes together. Sitting down and experiencing that the concept he had in mind weeks or months ago is now materializing is truly thrilling.
Randy describes the joy of brewing, from the aromas of malt hitting the water during mashing to the moment when the room fills with steam during boiling. People entering and wondering, "What's that smell?" allow Randy to share the joy of hops and malt. “It is so motivating to watch people taste something for the first time, and have it amplify their experience while at Molo.”
Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or just curious to explore the world of beer, Molo Brew is the place to be. With a diverse beer profile, a vibrant atmosphere, and dedicated individuals like Sajjad and Randy, Molo is more than just a brewery; it's a community. Visit Molo, enjoy a cold one, and become a part of the story. Cheers! Skål!
At Molo Brew, we celebrate craftsmanship and creativity. Their vision is to bring together the best of both worlds – freshly grilled burgers and expertly brewed beer – to curate an experience that tickles the senses and sparks conversations. Molo has created a space perfect for elevated casual dining. At the same time, they are a safe haven for people to come together and unwind.
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