Kveik (pronounced to rhyme with bike) simply means “yeast” in Norwegian – and while Kveik yeast is seemingly a new sensation in the craft beer world, Norwegian ‘Kveik’ yeasts have a long history.
Each Kveik yeast has it’s own specific profile, but they are all known for their ability to ferment across a wide temperature range, include temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F)! Furthermore, unlike most familiar farmhouse style yeasts, which are often phenolic – Kveik ferments with an exceptionally clean taste profile, with just a delicate hint of fruity esters.
These qualities, along with their interesting backstory, have meant Kveik yeasts have become the exciting new trend in the craft brewing world, especially for brewing IPAs – the Voss Kveik being perfect for American style IPAs on account of its restrained orange-citrus flavour profile.
However, their use is potentially even more exciting for the home user, especially those in warmer climes, due to the reduced reliance on cool ambient fermentation temperatures.