Ola Cola/Tørrhumlet Cola
Production of this Norwegian cola began in Arna in 2021 under the name Tørrhumlet Cola (Dry-Hopped Cola). The drink was produced by Arna Brusfabrikk and was available from September 2021. A year later, in September 2022, the cola was relaunched under the new name Ola Cola, while the recipe remained unchanged.
The producers described the drink as “presumably the world’s first dry-hopped cola.” Dry-hopping involves adding hops without heating in order to contribute aroma without bitterness. In this case Amarillo hops were used, which are known for aromas associated with citrus, floral notes, and light resin.
Arna Brusfabrikk was founded by Morten and Alexander while they were in their mid-twenties. The company operated as a small, independent soft-drink producer based in Arna, east of Bergen. It shared premises at Arna Industrihus with several other small businesses and had a collaboration with Lysefjorden Mikrobryggeri, a microbrewery which was also located at the site.
Ola Cola was sold at cafés and restaurants in the local area and through a retail outlet operated in cooperation with Lysefjorden Mikrobryggeri. The producer’s social media activity ceased in January 2023. Public information about the later development of the brewery is limited, although available indications suggest that production may still have taken place in early 2024.
