Julebokk
Reuben's Brews

Poured from 12oz can into a dimpled mug. Canned 10/30/24; I got this in my 2024 Reuben’s advent calendar.

Appearance: dark amber hue with a clear body and a thick finger of frothy tan foam atop.

Smell: toasty malt with plenty of cardamom; perhaps too much. It’s interesting, but the spice aroma overtakes the beer I think.

Taste: whoo! Cardamom-ey! It’s definitely … festive. But I think the balance isn’t great; though the beer is sweet, it’s also kind of astringent, which doesn’t complement the cardamom super well.

Mouthfeel: medium body with a good carbonation and creaminess.

Overall: fans of spiced beers in general, and cardamom in particular, will like this. But it’s just a little too over the top for me.

 

 

16-ounce can purchased at John's Marketplace in Beaverton, OR. Date stamp reads "10/15/25." Enjoyed in a nonic pint glass.

Deep reddish-brown brown with amber-orange highlights, topped with frothy beige foam. The nose is sweet brown bread with lots of cardamom and light fruity and floral character. The flavor starts off with bready, doughy malt that's a little sweeter than I enjoy. Cardamom is front and center, supported by notes of toasted brown bread, molasses, mixed berries, and floral hops. A mild earthy bitterness provides a little balance in the malty, spicy finish. Body is on the heavier side of medium, with a nice creamy texture. Overall, this is a pleasant and festive beer. You have to like cardamom to like Julebokk, 'cause it has a boatload of it. But I'd dial back the sweetness before I'd lower the spiciness.