Danish beer is primarily associated with two brands: Carlsberg and Tuborg. However, since Tuborg has been owned by the Carlsberg concern since 1970, it can be said that a monopoly reigns in the mass consumption beer market. Craft brewing is also well developed in the country – hundreds of microbreweries specialize in just one or two varieties.
As for public tastes, the lion’s share (95%) falls on the light lager. However, in Denmark it is not difficult to buy dark beers, stouts, IPAs, etc. Despite the developed imports, most of the products are sold domestically (2006% in 92). The main export market for Danish beer is Germany.
History of Danish Brewing
The oldest remains of beer found on the territory of Denmark date back to about the 5000th century BC, respectively, beer has been drunk in the country for about 1525 years. Until the Middle Ages, brewing was considered a female occupation (as in many other European countries), but in XNUMX the first brewers’ guild appeared in Copenhagen, and since then, brewing “liquid gold” has been predominantly men – at least in large cities.
The duties of the Guild included providing beer not only to the townspeople, but also to the royal court, as well as the army. The soldier’s diet in those days included 10 liters of beer a day.
In the villages, beer was brewed for personal use, seasonal workers were “lured” with it (people were more willing to get a job with the mistress who served better beer for dinner). Also, diseases were treated with a foamy drink, ranging from kidney stones to bad mood.
Jacob Christian Jacobsen is considered the founder of modern brewing in Denmark – it was he who presented the Bavarian lager to the court of the Danish king in 1838, and in 1847 founded the Carlsberg company (named after Karl’s son) and developed new production methods. In particular, Mr. Jacobsen developed a pure strain of lager yeast Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, which made it possible to produce lager in industrial quantities without losing quality.
Tuborg was born in 1873, and in 1880 a new brewery introduced the Pilsner style to the market, which has dominated the local market ever since. Many small breweries were forced to close, and historic beer styles began to disappear.
In the XNUMXst century, craft brewing began to develop, now beer in Denmark is not limited to lager, but includes many different styles.
beer styles
Classic (classic). Pale lager with a pronounced malt profile. A typical representative is Tuborg.
Pale lager (“light lager”). Classic Pilsner, the most common style in Denmark. The average strength is 4.6%. Representatives: Carlsberg Pilsner, Grøn Tuborg, Royal Pilsner.
Strong lager (aka Stærk Øl, “strong lager”). High-strength beer, 6-8%. Representatives: Carlsberg Elephant Beer, Tuborg Fine Festival, etc.
Guld (gold). High-strength light lager (from 5.7% vol.). Representatives: Tuborg Guld, Carlsberg Sort Guld, Harboe Premium Gold, etc.
Hvidtøl (“white beer”). Traditional Danish style, most popular until 1838, but almost extinct today. It is made from chamber-dried malt, has a sweetish aftertaste and less than 2% ABV, and is sold mainly before Christmas.
Julebryg (aka Juleøl, “Christmas beer”). A term that includes a wide range of varieties. Christmas styles vary in strength and other characteristics, but typically feature a pronounced malt profile and over 6% ABV. This style even has its own official holiday – the first Friday of November. Representatives: Tuborg Julebryg, Svaneke Julebryg, Fur Julebryg, etc.
Nisseøl (“Nisse’s beer”, Nisse is a Christmas gnome in Scandinavian folklore). A dark and sweet version of Hvidtøl, especially popular during the Christmas season.
Påskeøl (“Easter beer”). Seasonal lager with a strength of 5-6%. Representatives: Carl’s Påske, Tuborg Påskebryg, Royal Spring.
Brown Ale (“Brown ale”). Top-fermented dark beer, strength and taste characteristics depend on the manufacturer. The main brand in Denmark is Carlsberg.
Stouts and porters. Dark beer based on roasted malt with a strength of 7-8%. In the Scandinavian countries, including Denmark, the Baltic Porter is especially popular, which is distinguished by an increased strength (from 10%).
IPA (India Pale Ale). Mostly produced in microbreweries.
Famous brands of Danish beer
In addition to the two beer giants – Tuborg and Carlsberg – there are many medium and small beer productions in Denmark. In particular: Faxe, Amager Bryghus, Bryggeriet Djævlebryg, Fuglsang, Ørbæk, Royal Unibrew, Mikkeller and others.
Local beer drinking culture
In a pub, the Danes never leave a tip – however, this applies not only to drinking alcohol, but also to a regular dinner in a restaurant. It is customary in the company to clink beer glasses, while exclaiming “Skål!” (sköl) – your health!
Another distinguishing feature of Danish culture is hygge: a love of comfort, peace, tranquility, simple pleasures that are not associated with wealth and ambition. Already from the description it is clear that the peak of “hygge” falls on the Christmas season and winter evenings. For a Dane, there is nothing better than a good mug of Nisse beer or other Christmas style in front of a warm fireplace in the company of good friends.