Photo: D. Brochs

On the very day of Saturday the 22st of November, six beer enthusiasts gathered in the Norwegian metropol, to taste their way through nothing less than 80(!!) beers for this season that we’re now entering: Xmas.

But on the way to people falling like Domino-bricks, we tasted analyzed and rated this bunch of beers. (I will admit it took me about a week until I managed to look through these good (yeah… they actually were!) memories from the past week.

Having since then gone through the forms and calcutated the average ratings from this event (with the parameter in question, instructions being 1 to 6- with 1 being the lowest and 6 the best. The one you find here is the one calculated on the basis of rating from everyone in the panel, with the average being presented.

With several surprising candidates this year. The discussion of what is Xmas beer & what is not, lives on. However: An interesting observation is that some of the breweries, that has the highest rated ones, might also score the lowest point on another, different beer from same brewery.  There are many styles blending into the market, but the panel were also surprised by several of the more classic approach to the seasonal segment. Be that the herbal/floral features of «Hvit Jul» from the masters at Nøgne Ø, the cherrylike boozyness in Haandbryggeriet’s barrel aged deliciousness being«Wild Hunt», grains & caramel from Berentsen’s outstanding «Julefnugg» or the fudge’n barrel from Amundsen’s «BA sticky little fingers»: There should be a Xmas beer to each and everyone’s liking herein.

The coolest factor this year was: We conducted a blind test! So, in all fairness gents & ladies-

I hereby present you with: 

🎅The Archbeer Xmas panel 2025!🧑‍🎄

PARTICIPANTS:

Andreas Thorsteinsen, Daniel Brochs, Sofia Christin Lindén, Matthew Garnham, Maria Kristine  Burheim og Idar Burheim (ratings beneath are randomized for privacy)

———

OSLO BREWING CO

«Oak & Ember» Rating: 3 – Participants rating: (3,3,3,3,3,3)

«Casked in Gold» Rating: 3 – Participants rating: (4,1,3,3,3,2)

«Peachy Xmas» Rating: 2 – Participants rating: (2,2,3,2,3,2)

AASS

«Vellagret juleøl» 433344 (4)

«Premium juleøl» 334333 (3)

«Bryggemesterens juleøl» 333333 (3)

«Juleøl» 333333 (3)

«Uten» 332223 (3)

BERENTSEN

«Stelliger Divum» 554556 (5)

«Stelliger Maior» 555556 (5)

«JuleAvec» 335334 (4)

«The Holy Bock» 444344 (4)

«Julefnugg» 554544 (5)

«Julegull» 343344 (4)

«Jol» 213333 (3)

NØGNE Ø

«Postludium» 545555 (5)

«God jul» 434434 (4)

«JuleJuice» (ginger) 443444 (4)

«Hvit jul» 454444 (4)

«Julefri» 113222 (2)

RYGR

«Hugin cold mash imp.stout» 565565(5)

«Hugin BA Pedro Ximenez» 556456(5)

«Valhall BBA barleywine» 565555(5)

«Sure Juliane» 444444 (4)

«Sure Martine» 453444 (4)

HAANDBRYGGERIET

«The wild hunt» 544444 (4)

«Nissemor» 544444 (4)

MACK

«Tradisjonell julebokk» 234433 (4)

«Juleøl» 333333 (3)

«Vellagret» 233423 (3)

«Juleøl» 333333 (3)

«Juleøl LITE» 324323 (3)

«Alkoholfri» 114222 (2)

LERVIG

«All I want for Xmas» 444565 (5)

«No worries» 212212 (2)

SALIKATT

«Juleglød» 124233 (3)

«EMBLA 2025» 444444 (4)

«Julebukk» 334334 (3)

«Timeless» 233333 (3)

«New England  Christmas 2024» 424444 (4)

«Goldschein» 333333 (3)

«Sali(g) jul» 344444 (4)

MJØDERIET

«Høytid BA» 555445 (5)

«Cherry Xmas» 545555 (5)

MONKEY BREW

«Galileo» 544434 (4)

«Nova» 534344 (4)

«Jesus» 323333 (3)

«Wild hunt» 233223 (3)

«Supernova 5.0» 435454 (4)

«Lucifer» 556555 (5)

SAGENE

«Tannhul» 344424 (4)

«Sterk jul» 344434 (4)

«Rød jul» 343434 (4)

«Hvit jul» 222122 (2)

WETTRE

«Into oblivion» 455545 (5)

«Julekula Aquavit BA» 113212 (2)

«Julekula» 333333 (3)

RINGNES

«Julebokk» (roasted, caramel) 444544 (4)

«Juleøl sterk» 333333 (3)

«Juleøl» 333333 (3)

«LITE» 223322 (2)

FRYDENLUND

«Juleøl» 333323 (3)

E.C.DAHLS

«Julemysteriet fatlagret 2025» 333333 (3)

«Kong Vinter» 223323 (3)

«Juleøl 4.5%» 323332 (3)

«Juleøl 6%» 333333 (3)

«Julebrygg» 233223 (3)

«Hovmesteren Juleøl» 223322 (2)

JACOBSEN

«Golden naked Christmas ale» 333333 (3)

AMUNDSEN

«BA sticky little fingers» 554455 (5)

“BA Ashes to ashes” 442244 (4)

«Ashes to ashes» 433333 (3)

”Uncle pops soda series” 443443 (4)

“Santa’s hop sack” 223332 (3)

“Christmas cake” 223222 (2)

“Super Santa” 223222 (2)

“Santa’s cinnamon S’mores” 112111 (1)

TUBORG

“Juleøl» 333323 (3)

NORDLANDSBRYGGERIET

«Juleøl» 333333 (3)

MUNKHOLM

«Alkoholfri» 323222 (2)

Once again, the cult that is Nøgne Ø friends teamed up to celebrate. 

This time it’s the every Second-annual release of the always-looked forward-to/sought after imperial stout Dark Horizon from the legendary from Grimstad, Norway. The one at hand is the 9th edition of the series, and it comes in two different ltd. versions: one aged in Tokaj barrels and the other on whisky barrels, contributing to a smooth underline of heat.

The event itself is so well thought through and worked to perfection by the organizers- all the while as it has the personal character and charm which the attendances appreciate so much, intact. From the first time to 2025, the food selection has undergone a vast improvement, especially taking allergens in consideration- yet maintaining a focus on elegant taste.

I find that this years version is back to DH in it’s prime: Full-bodied, spanning from bitter coffee to (non-dominant) caramel and chocolate. The texture is splendid and velvety, the density executed to perfection. (Goes for both variants)

Judging by the majority of the feedback that I got, it seemed to be the Tokaj edition that walks off with the winning trophy, albeit personally I preferred the whisky one- if one should allow oneself to be a tad nitpicking. Having said that: It’s a close run, this year’s edition is an amazing one. And what a brilliant celebration!

Hats off, congratulations.

(photo:: T. Hagland/I. Burheim)

Been curious about this one for a good while, as it‘s been standing there, tempting… 

Now, poured in glass, it presents as dark brown beauty w/creamy petite head. Nose is elegant: Chocolate, fig and exotic spices.

Velevety texture, vineous with all the mentioned elements reminiscent in the taste as well. Maturity is perfect, the layers are pure sofistication. Sweet at first, hint of acidity before the subtle, balanced underlying heat sets in. The aftertaste lingers for a long while. I must say, these fine people have perfected the art that is Nordic Noir as well. Splendid.

Damn… The aromas in this one’s carried by the wind, even as I sit down at the table. The bottle just opened is one that I’ve been looking for- and looking forward to- a lot! The legendary Stormaktsporter series from Swedens Närke is a delicate, hard-to-find one, even on home turf. But as I saw they had it at this one pub on my way to Brewskival, it is time for a pit stop.

And boy, was it worth it! Nose is heavily fig, oak and basement-orientated. Very inviting dark colours, smooth little creamy viscosity and head. Mouthfeel is nothing but superb, oaky-sweet chestnut, underlying layer of honey and humid cellar. Deeper in comes the caramelly middle, followed by darker chocolate and a tingelling sense of heat, perfectly suitable for maintaining the balance. Incredible version.

Incredible aroma of figs, coconut, caramel, nutty, bitterness and woody edges. Flat and dark red-brownish visuals, providing much excitement. 

This is one of my favourite breweries from the MBCC the first edition after Covid, and I was saddened to hear that they are shut down as of autumn 2024.

So, how does it taste? Well, at first it reminds me of Amager’s legendary Big Old Beautiful, albeit in a much denser and deeper style, with much complexity and many layers. Confectionary, almost marzipan-like velvety middle, solid-bodied and caramelly, with subtle heat rising underneath. Definitely liquid candy, this. I bow to thee, Eighth State.

May you arise once again!

This one I have been looking forward to for ages! And it’s an instant mouth-gasm.
Beautiful, deep red visuals. Beautiful, clean honey-orientated nose. Insaaanely clean, a cascade of floral deliciousness: All the best berries in the world in a bottle! Stored 8 months on bourbon barrels,all is intact here: each and every berry shines through- enhanced by the highest quality honey imaginable. Top of the notch, this. Absolutely sublime.

OSLO BREWING CO «Julequad X” (12.5%) 4/6

Looks are black and looking thin-bodied. Small head. Nose is malt combined with licorice. Mouthfeel is smooth and medium-to-lightbodied. Toffee’ish, coffee’ish and more hoppy than sweet- all the while with suitable heat beneath.

TUBORG «Julebryg» (4.5%) 3/6

Amber red looks with great head poured. Fruity aroma of figs, apricot & sweet neuances. Lightbodied texture, light caramel & toffee. Overall quite watery. Lightly hopped.

RINGNES «Juleøl» (4.5%) 3/6

Lightly red-brown’ish with great carbonation. Thin/light-bodied with subtle nose of malt.   Refreshing at first, then a brief caramel-sweet flash, quickly fading. A fine all-around alternative for the Xmas food table.

LERVIG «Mingle» (13%) 5/6

Dark brown to black, looking, pouring small creamy head. Absolutely astonishing me beautiful nose, consisting of elements, such as raisins, figs, dates and chocolate. Tastewise these elements are all enhanced and brought forward by the bourbon barrel. The texture is the somewhat mediumbodied, giving the beer, slightly a sharp edge. Apart from that it’s delicious-tasting though.

HAANDBRYGGERIET «Nissefar (2024)» (7%) 5/6

Dark brown, pouring small head in glass. Nose is very right for the style, knowing especially this year from several years back. However: this year’s edition is by far the best version of Nissefar that I have encountered. Perfectly balanced, with rustique-ness, nutty vibes and spices of the season. Beautifully executed.

BERENTSEN “Jule-Avec” (9%) 5/6

Nose provides associations to the Xmas drink “Gløgg”aroma: Abundance of dark fruit. Lots of of foam. Amber red colour.
Tastewise it’s got a somewhat rustique angle to it. Rund vibes featuring basement, oak and nuts. Delicious malty-sweet middle, raisins followed by a short sense of bitterness and a long, fading aftertaste of plum.

OSLO BREWING CO «SugarPlumQuad» (12%) 3/6

Looking thick and dark. Nose reminiscent of… banana? Taste is also highly sweet- luckily not in a grotesque way. But quite sugary.

OSLO BREWING CO «MerryCherryQuad» (12%) 4/6

Just as its predecessor, the looks are black dense. However- this one seems somewhat a bit more balanced, although it’s got the same sweet taste to it. Might this be from the same base beer, with just a different take on it?

E.C. DAHLS «Juleøl» (4.5%) 3/6

Light brown pouring shortlived head in glass. Subtly introduced malty hints judging by the nose. Way back there, I also sense some Christmas spices.

As far as taste goes, this fresh, young and light beverage is good, albeit a bit thin. (Just a personal preference there, as I prefer the heavier “pol-versjon” that has more body to it, as well as enhances it’s elements much more. Still, this is an easy-drinking all-around Xmas beer that will quench your thirst as well as easily pair with the lot of’em dishes. 

HAANDBRYGGERIET «All-Father» (14%) 5/6

Well… This sure looks promising. Black as night, with small head  to top. Distinct aromas of raisins, caramel and spirits here. Smooth , mediumbodied and with great carbonation providing a refreshing vibe to this confectionary of liqorice, Aquavit and the wooden barrel. With a minimal degree of sweetness to it, this is one I hope Haand makes again and again. 

HAANDBRYGGERIET «Hands-Free Xmas» (0%) 3/6

It sure looks like a beer. Smells Ikke a fruity one too… citrusfruit, particularly lemon and orange. When it comes to taste, it’s got some kind of spices to it, although nothing that distinctively really points toward Christmas. Refreshing alternative for drivers though.

RINGNES “LITE Julebrygg” (4.3%) 2/6

Lightly transplant, Golden with nice head when poured. Smells lightly fruity and a little perfume. Also does taste a bit of perfume… mildly hopped and watery. Not my cup of… Xmas beer.

E.C. DAHLS “Kong Vinter 2024” (7%) 4/6

Brownish-yellow visuals with small creamy edges. Nose is heavily malt-dominated. Nice sweet intro that develops into chocolate, accompanied by slight hoppy vibes. Great balance between toffe & bitterness and long aftertaste. Easily the best of the Kong Vinter series up until now. 

It’s closing in towards Christmas eve and beers are being had as often as possible. Here’s the next installment of this year’s goodies 😋

MACK «God jul 2024» (6.5%) 5/6

Beautifully amber/transparent brown, pouring superb, creamy head. Nose is heavily malt-orientated, with layers of caramel and dried fruit.

On the palate: woody, nutty and clean. Easily quenchable- Much due to the smooth tasteprofile, giving rustique referances to det cellar. Mediumbodied profile with increasing (but very well balanced) hoppuka bitterness. Fine long aftertaste.

MACK «Julebokk 2024» (9%) 4/6

Dark brown leaning towards black, pouring a light, small head. Nose is deep fruity of figs and dates. Medium to light body. A somewhat perfumy (but in a good way), with neuances of toffee, caramel and a smooth sense of bitter low frequencies. Fresh vibes, shortlived aftertaste.

LERVIG «Rackhouse All I want for Xmas» (14%) 5/6

Insane Xmas beer incoming!! 

First thing that strikes is the nose: references to raisins, vanilla, dried fruit & Candysugar in abundance. Then, we really get down with the good stuff: Burnt sugar, hazel- & walnut, easy cinnamon, Christmas pastry with massive heath underneath. Burns lightly on the tongue. Looooong aftertaste with with an almost hint of chili, before rounding off with the uttermost sweet, sweet taste. 

Christmas in da house yo!

BERENTSEN “Stelliger Divum 2024” (19%) 5/6

Pure black in color and close to no sign of carbonation at all… at first. Then, a little bit in the edges of the glass. Nose reminiscent of dark fruits and a tiny hint of licorice. Super freshness, quickly followed by a taste bomb! Absolutely astonishing. An explosion of tastes: Dates, figs, tingling throughout the tongue. Spicy, heat, burnt wood… and highly alcoholic (but in the greatest sense of the word). Tobacco’ish & rustique- and surprisingly little licorice in the taste, which also goes for the more regular elements, such as coffee and chocolate- which is not traceable here. Being freeze distilled ice bock, this is an amazing beer- with the 2024 vintage being no exception.

RYGR «Mørketid» (9.5%) 4/6

Light transparent brown to Amber looks, with small head. Super-fruity rustique caramelly nose. Super smooth, woody intro, followed by lots of Christmas vibes: spices, lightly burnt wood and superb hop adjustment. Suitable heat underneath and nice, rounded aftertaste.

BERENTSEN «Julefnugg» (2024) (6.5%) 5/6

Deep ruby red to brown with beautiful head. Subtle caramelly nose. Fresh start, lightbodied. Beautiful nuances of dried, red fruits. Delicious hop features and splendid finalization. Would pair superb to most dishes.

HAANDBRYGGERIET «Halvors Jul» (14%) 6/6
Full of excitement for this one… heard/read so much good stuff. Dark in glass with my creamy small head to top. Tiny reference to the Aquavit the nose, moreover coffeeish vibes. Roasty. Medium-bodied with a smooth, plum and dates- wood, leather and a hint of spice. No “taking off the sharp edges”-sweetness herein, just big and bold taste… rounded off by a super smooth, silky,tad of Aquavit. Pure sophistication. Definitely the best version of this beer I have encountered. Halvor’s on a roll in ‘24!

BERENTSEN «Jule-Avec» (9%) 6/6

Dark brown, poutring small head, the excitement level is high for this one. Deep, dark nose of figs, ripe plums. Mediumbodied with a fresh start, before nuts, toffee and at times. I also get some leather and chrismas-spice & portwineous vibes. Absolutely delicious, afterfood/evening treat of the best kind.

BÅDIN «Beiarn» (4.7%) 3/6

Light aroma of coffeeish vibes. Light body, heavy coffee malts. Fresh at first taste, then fresh notes – then evolves into a lightly sweet fase, with before rounded off with a

E.C. DAHLS “Julebrygg” (4.6%) 3/6

Nice’n clean impression, golden visually. Mild notes of bread. Lightbodied, fresh intro with an emphasizing on sweet malts further out. Fruity hints. Easy on the hops. Good balance.

NORDLANDS «Juleøl» (2024) (4.5%) 3/6

Looking beautifully, clean and transplant, Amber. Perfect head. As expected, a very subtle nose. Lights for medium body, super clean with a sweet, malt-orientated middle. Quenchable easy drinking beer this, albeit a bit easy.

WETTRE «Julekula» (2023) (6%) 3/6

Murky and yellowish light brown in colour, this one has been lying for a year. I guess it’s time to give it a go… judging on the nose, it is got a fruity, caramelized character. Taste wise, it’s super-deep, almost vineous with reminiscence of fig, prunes and plums- only to be adjusted nicely by a massive sweetness with an underlying hoppy string. A bit unbalanced, but all in all- good taste. It should also be mentioned that it might have to do with me storing it for a an extra year. 

RINGNES «Juleøl sterk» (6.3) 3/6

OK, so let’s get the ball rolling with this classic. Dark brown, nose is very vorth-like.

As for taste: A bit watery, lots of brown candy sugar, with less balance. Light-bodied, light hint of licorice. Sharp edges though. A bit too much for my taste. 

FRYDENLUND «Juleøl» (4.6%) 4/6

Dark ruby red in color, pouring massive foamy head. Nutty-oaky on the nose revealing caramelly flavours. Light to medium body. Intro is bread, rye bread. Mildly velvety sweet notes too. Then- a subtly hoppy middle, before a dry, well balanced exit calls. Very good for its low ABV. Nice choice to accompany the foods of the season, from dense, heavy stuff to even white fish and the lighter dishes.

OSLO BREWING CO «Multekrem» 3/6

Grassy yellow-green and murky, with lots of carbonation. The nose is somewhat overmature and acidic, very true to the intention of creating the style of the research it’s supposed to resemble. Taste twice, it is creamy in texture, somewhat sweet. It also has got a mild fruity vanilla/milkish drape. Quite nice.

OSLO BREWING «Hoppy Holidays» (6.2%) 4/6

Yellow-brown with much foam. Floral nose of banana and fruity notes. Deliciously fruit-hoppy intro which evolves slowly into more bitter side of the specter, before fading away and giving way to the rounded-off citrusy zest’y aftertaste.