The Master Brewer

The Master Brewer documents the rise, fall, and rise of a local brewery in Lapland. This magical comeback story starts with Leo Andelin, who in 1963 developed the most famous food of Finland: Lapin Kulta beer. A boy from a working-class family in remote Tornio, Leo grows up to become a humble gentleman of beer, who passionately nurtures his “northern beer flower” to international acclaim. But Leo’s life’s work is destroyed when, in 2010, the time-honored Tornio brewery is shut down by the global beer giant Heineken. Local returnee Kaj Kostiander flies to the rescue of the old beer Jedi, who passes on his wisdom to the younger man. Together they launch a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign and hunt for the original beer yeast. And, like a real-life fairy tale, a golden reward awaits Leo and Kaj at the end. Uplifting and beautiful, The Master Brewer shows how people living far from the centers of global power can still survive and prosper with ingenuity, perseverance and authenticity.