Beer in Denmark is dominated by Carlsberg and Tuborg. Since Tuborg was acquired by Carlsberg in 1970 this has left a near monopoly for Carlsberg. A number of regional breweries however managed to survive, and most of them merged to Royal Unibrew in 2005. Also in recent years a large number of micro breweries have appeared.
Economy
The Danish market is dominated by pale lager, with more than 95% of total sales. However, stout and other dark beers are increasing in popularity, a trend driven by the market growth of premium-priced beers. The local microbreweries are strong innovators and produce a wide variety of beer styles, including strong IPAs and stouts.[1]
Danish beer production was 723 million litres in 2001, and increased to 870 million litres by 2005. This is an increase of 20%.
Imported beer accounted for only 8% of total volume sales in 2006. This indicates that beer sales in Denmark are dominated by domestic brands; however, imports increased by 14% in 2006 to reach 36.3 million litres. Germany is the most important source market for imports.
Danish beer exports was 296.1 million litres in 2006. Germany continues to be the most important export market for Danish beers. The German market accounted for 30% of exports in 2006.
Based on data from the Danish Beer Association (Bryggeriforeningen), beer consumption for 2005 was 539 million litres. [2]
Jacobsen
Danish industrialist J. C. Jacobsen revolutionized the world of brewing when his brewery, Carlsberg, bred a pure strain of lager yeast, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis. This enabled the breweries to achieve a large and consistent output, and lager has been the most popular style of beer in Denmark since Carlsberg started selling it in 1847.[3] Smaller breweries in Denmark suffered greatly under the Carlsberg market dominance, especially during the middle of the 20th century, and this led to a large reduction in available beer quality and styles. In recent years the interest in higher quality beer has risen sharply, and the Danish beer landscape is now dotted with several small breweries and brewpubs, producing a wide range of beers.
Types of Beer
Pale lager
The most common type of beer in Denmark is pale lager. For instance: Carlsberg HOF, Tuborg Grøn, Royal Pilsner.
Classic
An all malt pale lager with more colour and taste. The classic type is named after the Tuborg Classic. For instance: Tuborg Classic, Tuborg Classic Gylden, Carl's Special, Royal Classic
Guld Øl
(Gold beer) usually refers to the strength of the beer. Basically all tax category II beers are called Guld Øl named after the Tuborg Guld. Examples include: Tuborg Guld, Carlsberg Sort Guld, Carlsberg Dark, Royal Export
Stærk Øl
(Strong beer) refers to tax category III beers such as Carlsberg Elephant Beer, Tuborg Fine Festival, Royal Selection.
Juleøl
(Christmas beer) are usually gold strength beer with additional flavor. Examples include: Carl's Jul, Carlberg 47, Tuborg Julebryg, Royal XMas
Påskeøl
(Easter beer) are usually gold strength beer with additional flavor. Examples include: Carl's Påske, Tuborg Påskebryg, Royal Spring.
Hvidtøl
(White beer) is a classic Danish beer, pretty much unknown anywhere else. It is brewed from white malt, and should not be confused with wheat beer or Belgian white beer. It was once the most common beer in Denmark but has declined much so it is today just a soft beer usually served at Christmas with rice pudding.[4] Because it has an alcohol content of appr. 1% abv, Hvidtøl can be consumed by underage people. It has a malty sweetness and none to moderate hop bitterness.
Breweries
See also
References
Notes
- ^ [1] RateBeer brewery directory. Retrieved 31 August 2008
- ^ [2] euromonitor.com. Retrieved 31 August 2008
- ^ [3] Guardian.co.uk, Roger Protz, Arts that others don't reach..., The Observer, Sunday February 11 2001. Retrieved 31 August 2008
- ^ [4]
External links
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