Bryggelauget at NMBU: A Tale of Resilience and Renaissance

Bryggelauget at NMBU:
A Tale of Resilience and Renaissance
I n the realm of campus organizations, we find stories that traverse the spectrum from triumph to decline. Within this vast saga, we discover clubs that once thrived, only to slowly fade away with time. The NMBU Brewing Association, or Bryggelauget ved NMBU, exemplifies this delicate dance between spotlight and darkness. At one point, this club teetered on the precipice of oblivion, almost snuffed out by a complex combination of factors. Yet, against all odds, this forgotten institution refused to disappear. Instead, it embarked on an extraordinary journey of revival, breathing new life into the world of campus brewing.
Journalist: Tpo
Photographer: Ben Børilden
Translator: Amalie Pedersen Brønmo
Web distributor: Martha Ingeborg Evensen
A Club dies …
Approximately a decade ago, the NMBU Brewing Association set forth on its noble mission: to provide thirsty students with the tools and ingredients required for crafting beer, cider, and other light alcoholic beverages. Its creation promised a gateway to exploration for those with a taste for the delicate art of fermentation. However, as time flowed, the club’s popularity faded away. Events grew scarce, and memberships dwindled with each passing year. The oncevibrant society of brewers seemed like a shadow of its past.
Then, an unforeseen tempest named COVID-19 descended, delivering a devastating blow that brought the club dangerously close to dissolution. Remarkably, Bryggelauget ved NMBU clung tenaciously to existence, even when faced with the specter of oblivion. In the annals of Samfunnet, its name endured, prominently displayed on the organizational chart of Samfunnet and, more importantly, featured in the booklet distributed to incoming students. This lucky persistence is what allowed its resurgence.
… and 3 years later it resurrected.
The renaissance of Bryggelauget ved NMBU was orchestrated by five dedicated individuals: André Rasen, Bård Pedersen, Elias Henriksen, Marius Ekhaugen, and Mathias Høiaas. As they read the pages of the Samfunnet booklet, a spark of curiosity ignited within them at the mere mention of Bryggelauget ved NMBU. Despite the outward dormancy of the club, they resolved to embark on a quest to breathe life back into it. Armed with passion and thirst, they contacted Samfunnet and gained control over the sleeping association. Finally, they were able to infuse fresh vitality into the club, marking the end of several years of dormancy.
The Mad Brewers Gang
At the heart of Bryggelauget’s revival lies an unwavering commitment to the art of brewing. The club provides its members with the essential tools for successful brewing in exchange for a modest semiannual fee of 100 nok. Within the club’s ranks, an impressive diversity of brewing projects unfolds, ranging from classical lagers and stouts to audacious IPAs and refreshing whites. What sets these aspiring brewers apart is their boundless creativity. Club members delve into experimentation with a large variety of ingredients, from local berries to exotic fruits and an array of spices, resulting in the creation of distinctive and innovative brews. Moreover, a subset of members have also dared to explore the idea of cider production and the crafting of low-alcohol beverages based on a medley of unexpected fruits, pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing.
Integration in Campus Life
While legal constraints may prevent Bryggelauget from directly selling alcohol, this hasn’t stopped the club from coming up with new ideas to make campus life better. The club has designed ingenious strategies for collaboration with other campus fraternities and associations by offering their expertise in brewing, along with the use of their equipment. In return, the club received compensation for sharing their brewing knowledge. This symbiotic relationship has blossomed, with prominent campus associations such as PB and Budeieforeninga eagerly embracing the opportunity. The results have exceeded all expectations, fostering a deep sense of community and partnership on campus.
The saga of Bryggelauget ved NMBU, a club teetering on the brink of obscurity, now finds its culmination in a remarkable renaissance; a reawakening that will leave a mark on our campus. It reflects on the enduring legacy of this resilient club.
Bryggelauget ved NMBU’s revival serves as a testament to the tenacity of student organizations. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, passion and unwavering determination can reignite forgotten bounds, infusing them with renewed vitality, purpose, and malt.
The club’s commitment to brewing, creativity, and collaboration has not only enriched the lives of its members, but will also become a source of inspiration for others within the Campus community who maybe one day will resurrect another one of NMBU’s semi-forgotten association.
In the ever-evolving landscape of campus organizations, Bryggelauget at NMBU shows that it is never too late to breathe new life into forgotten societies.
As Bryggelauget continues to thrive and expand, serving as a beckon to all those who share a curiosity for the art of brewing to join its ranks: Brewers of the world, unite!
