Ten years ago, Oslo Brewing Company set out with an ambitious vision: to put Norway’s capital on the global craft beer map. What began as an unconventional contract brewery has blossomed into a cross-cultural phenomenon, with outposts stretching from Tokyo’s vibrant Shibuya district to the convenience stores of Taiwan, and soon, the dynamic streets of Seoul. At the helm of this expansion is Dimitri Yogaratnam, whose recent travels across Asia underscore the brand’s remarkable evolution from local startup to international ambassador of Scandinavian brewing culture.
In this Q&A, Yogaratnam reflects on a decade of building genuine connections across continents, the unexpected synergies between Norwegian and Japanese design philosophies, and how Oslo Brewing’s community-first approach has created spaces where cultures converge over exceptional beer. As the company enters its second decade, its story offers a compelling blueprint for how authenticity and collaboration can transcend borders in an increasingly interconnected world.
Bridges: As Oslo Brewing Company celebrates its 10-year anniversary, your recent travels across Asia show how far the brand has come. Looking back, what moments best capture that sense of global community and connection that Oslo Brewing has built over the past decade?
Yogaratnam: The beer community is incredibly close-knit and welcoming — that’s one of the things I love most about this industry. Our ØL Tokyo bars in Shibuya and Kodenmacho are perfect examples of that global community. Whenever you walk in, you’ll likely meet an expat with a connection to Norway or the Nordics, and at the same time, local brewers, importers, and beer reps who’ve become friends over the years. Our team there has built something special through genuine relationships and a shared passion for great beer.
It’s been surreal to see how far Oslo Brewing has reached. In Taiwan, for example, we’ve been available in 7-Eleven stores — and with over 7,000 locations across the country, there were times when Oslo Brewing was actually easier to find there than in Norway!
South Korea is our newest venture, and I’m really excited about what’s ahead. We’re planning to open a bar there soon, with the goal of building a small chain of Oslo Brewing Co. bars in collaboration with local partners. The idea isn’t to conquer the market but to create a niche — a place to share authentic Scandinavian culture and give people a taste of what Oslo is all about. Our mission has always been the same: to put Oslo on the map — through beer.
With ØL Tokyo and ØL La Cabina, you’ve created spaces that blend Scandinavian minimalism, Japanese precision, and a touch of Mexican flair. What inspired this unique fusion of cultures, and how have Japanese customers responded to the Oslo Brewing experience?
You’ve captured that perfectly. Japanese and Norwegian design share a lot of similarities — both are minimalist, functional, and clean. That shared aesthetic was one of the main reasons we chose Japan as our first export market.
At ØL Tokyo, we decided early on to have roughly 10 Scandinavian taps and 10 local taps. It’s a simple concept, but it reflects our philosophy: to combine cultures and become a real part of the craft beer community in Japan, not just a foreign brand selling into it. Our team has done an incredible job of building those relationships — collaborating with local brewers, buying their beers, and actively engaging with the scene.
That same spirit of collaboration is how La Cabina joined the family. Before they became a permanent fixture, we used to host pop-ups from food trucks around the world. La Cabina stood out immediately — their food was exceptional, and their energy matched ours. Their passion for food reflected our passion for beer.
At first glance, combining Scandinavian, Japanese, and Mexican influences might seem unusual, but once you experience it, it all makes sense. It’s top-quality beer, top-quality food, and passionate people behind both — that’s the red thread connecting everything we do.
The craft beer scene in Japan continues to thrive, with growing appreciation for quality, storytelling, and authenticity — all values that Oslo Brewing shares. How do you approach connecting with Japanese brewers and consumers while staying true to your Norwegian roots?
Many of our beers begin as concepts inspired by Norwegian culture or values. Take Oslove, for example — it’s our most exported beer, originally brewed to celebrate Oslo Pride. The message behind it — inclusivity, love, and openness — represents not just Oslo Pride, but the spirit of Oslo itself. Sharing that story abroad allows us to connect with people on a deeper level than just through taste.
For us, authenticity isn’t a marketing strategy — it’s who we are. We wear our hearts on our sleeves and create beers that reflect our lives, experiences, and the culture we come from. When we bring those stories to Japan, they resonate because the craft beer community there values the same things: honesty, craftsmanship, and passion.
What I love about this industry is that it’s driven by real people — often the founders and brewers themselves — not corporate marketing teams. When something is genuine, people sense it across cultures. That’s what builds lasting connections, whether in Norway, Japan, or anywhere else.
Our mission is to keep evolving with it, continuing to connect Japan and Norway through creativity, flavor, and shared culture. Wherever we go next, that sense of community will always be at the heart of Oslo Brewing.
Dimitri Yogaratnam, Chief Executive Officer of Oslo Brewing Company
As Oslo Brewing enters its next decade, what new horizons excite you most, from upcoming collaborations to expanding your presence in Asia? And how do you see the Japan–Norway connection evolving through food, culture, and craft beer in the years ahead?
The future is looking bright for Oslo Brewing Co. — we’re growing, having fun, and still driven by the same curiosity that started it all. Our story began as a contract brewery, meaning we rent space from other facilities rather than owning one ourselves. At first, that felt unconventional, but it turned out to be one of our biggest strengths.
That model has allowed us to collaborate widely, build friendships across the industry, and brew closer to where our beers are actually enjoyed — like in the U.S. and Asia — reducing transport emissions and making our business greener. More importantly, it’s given us the freedom to learn from some of the best brewers around the world and stay adaptable as trends evolve.
The craft beer landscape is constantly changing — what’s popular today might not be tomorrow — but the role beer plays in bringing people together will never fade. Our mission is to keep evolving with it, continuing to connect Japan and Norway through creativity, flavor, and shared culture. Wherever we go next, that sense of community will always be at the heart of Oslo Brewing.
As Oslo Brewing Company raises a glass to its first decade, Yogaratnam’s vision remains refreshingly clear: growth without losing soul, expansion without sacrificing authenticity. The brewery’s unconventional contract model, once seen as a limitation, has proven to be its secret weapon, enabling nimble collaborations across continents while reducing environmental impact. From Pride celebrations in Oslo to late-night gatherings at ØL Tokyo, the brand has demonstrated that great beer is ultimately about the stories we share and the communities we build. With plans for Seoul on the horizon and an ever-deepening connection between Japan and Norway, Oslo Brewing stands as proof that in a world of corporate consolidation, there’s still room for passion-driven ventures that prioritize people over profits. The next ten years promise not just more markets, but more moments of connection, one perfectly poured pint at a time.
