The Deep Tradition of Norwegian Yule Beer

If you were a farmer during the Viking era in Norway (from approximately 793 to 1066), this is the season in which you’d be serving up the year’s juleøl, or “Yule ale.” A few months ago, you would’ve brought a large bundle of fresh juniper branches into your storehouse. You’d have barrels of malted barley and oats, and, if your farm was far enough south, perhaps some malted wheat. And with Christmas approaching, you’d be ready to brew the Christmas beer.

Mandatory Brewing

Although beer brewing had long been associated with Norwegian festivals and celebrations, laws officially mandating the brewing of a Christmas beer were established in the early 900s. These laws, which lasted until 1275, were part of the attempt to Christianize Scandinavia, and intended to associate Christmas with feasting and celebrating. Each farmhouse was required to produce an annual Christmas brew and bless it in Christ’s name. All Saints’ Day, on November 1, would’ve also been a brewing deadline. Weddings, christenings, and funerals called for fresh beer as well. The amount and strength of the beer served at events