If you’re of Danish descent like I am, you may know Juløl—that dark, sweet, candy-like lager that feels like Christmas in a glass. Growing up with it, this seasonal brew became a cherished part of my holiday traditions.
No Ordinary Beer
Juløl is no ordinary beer. Flavoured with licorice, black currant, Munchener, and caramel malts, it’s a bottom-fermented wiener beer with a beautifully layered profile. But what does “bottom fermented” mean?
Simply put, it’s a slower fermentation process where yeast settles at the bottom of the liquid, occurring at a cooler temperature (4–10°C). This method is typical of lagers and yields a smooth, clean finish. The Juløl I grew up with has an ABV of 4.7%, striking a perfect balance between richness and drinkability.
In case you needed to know?
At any rate I thought this would be a great way to start off the holiday season, and introduce you all to a few things I love and have found, for you to enjoy during this festive time.
Deliciously Festive
Calling Juløl “candy-like” is putting it mildly. It’s deliciously festive, with a molasses-like undertone that people fall in love with at first sip. However, its bold, sweet flavours can feel a bit heavy for some, making it a beer to savor rather than sip in quantity
Originally crafted by Tuborg—now a part of Carlsberg since 1970—Juløl is a hallmark of Danish holiday culture. If you’re curious about the beer traditions of Denmark, I recommend checking out this Wikipedia article. It’s a short but fascinating read, especially if you want to dive deeper into the variety of holiday brews available.
It’s a Holiday Ritual
For me, Juløl isn’t just a drink; it’s a holiday ritual. I love pouring it into a festive mug, chilled to perfection, as I cook up a storm on December 24th, preparing for the big feast with family and friends. My grandfather, on the other hand, always preferred his Juløl at room temperature—a testament to the different ways traditions evolve through generations.
While Juløl is available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, I’ll admit my preference for the classic, boozy original. Sadly, living in Canada, I haven’t seen the alcoholic version in stores for years. It’s a disappointment, but there’s hope for those willing to experiment! You might be able to order it online through specialty shops like the Nordic Expat Shop, though import restrictions could pose a challenge.
In the meantime, the non-alcoholic version has to suffice. For those of us who can’t resist the authentic flavor of alcoholic Juløl, I’ve devised a little recipe to replicate its festive magic using your favorite lager. I’ll be sharing that recipe in another post soon, so stay tuned!
It’s a Taste of Nostalgia
Juløl is more than a beer—it’s a taste of nostalgia, family, and holiday cheer. Whether it’s your first time trying it or it’s part of your holiday heritage, it’s a brew that never fails to make the season a little brighter.
