Food & Drink
Svagdricka: Sweden’s Sweet and Malty Heritage Brew
Try svagdricka, Sweden’s sweet, low-alcohol malt drink with historic roots. A beloved holiday beverage that offers a flavorful sip of…
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A bottle of Carnegie Porter (3.5%) from a local grocery store in Västergötland. Photo: © StockholmMuseum.com
Summary
Experience Sweden’s oldest beer with Carnegie Porter, a rich Baltic porter brewed since 1836. With notes of chocolate, caramel, and coffee, it’s a storied sip of brewing history—perfect for connoisseurs and curious tasters alike.
Carnegie Porter, Sweden’s oldest active beer brand
Carnegie Porter, Sweden’s longest-standing beer brand still in production, has been delighting palates since 1836. This Baltic Porter, brewed in Falkenberg under the Carlsberg umbrella, remains a testament to Sweden’s rich brewing heritage. With its deep, dark body and complex flavors of roasted chocolate, caramel, and coffee, it’s a beer that ages like fine wine—improving for up to 10 years in the bottle.
The story behind Carnegie Porter
The journey began in 1803 when Scottish trader David Carnegie founded D. Carnegie & Co. in Gothenburg, initially exporting iron and timber. By 1836, his nephew David Carnegie Jr. acquired a bankrupt brewery, merging it into the family business. The porter’s success soared under Oscar Ekman’s leadership, becoming a staple in Sweden and even being exported to New York. Today, it’s brewed with top-fermenting yeast, balancing bitterness with sweetness for a smooth, creamy finish.
Sweden’s brewing roots: From Iron Age to modern craft
Beer has flowed through Swedish culture for millennia. Archaeologists uncovered malt production dating to the Iron Age (400–600 CE), used for feasting and trade. By the Middle Ages, ale and mead were staples, though spirits later dominated due to distilling profits.
The 19th century saw a revival with industrial breweries like Pripps and Spendrups, but consolidation in the 20th century left few small producers. The 1980s sparked a craft renaissance, led by breweries like Nils Oscar, blending tradition with innovation.
Carnegie Porter – A Swedish Brewing Classic
First brewed in 1836, Carnegie Porter is Sweden’s oldest registered beer brand and a rich piece of the country’s brewing heritage. With its deep, roasted malt flavor and hints of chocolate and coffee, this dark porter has long been favored during the colder months and festive meals. Originally inspired by British porters, it found a devoted following in Sweden—and still holds a place at the holiday table. Drinking a Carnegie Porter is like sipping on a bit of Swedish brewing history.
Why Carnegie Porter stands out
- Vintage appeal: Aged bottles develop Madeira-like complexity, with aromas deepening over years.
- Historic ties: Sweden’s oldest brand, rooted in 19th-century porter traditions inspired by British brews.
- Modern craft: Despite corporate ownership, it retains artisanal character, using Cascade and Newport hops for balance.
Where to try it
You can find Carnegie Porter in almost every grocery store (3.5% ABV) and a stronger variant (5.5% ABV) at Systembolaget or various bars. Pair it with Swedish cheeses or dark chocolate for a truly local experience.
Fun Fact: Vintage Carnegie Porter bottles, like the 1950s metal advertising bottle, are collector’s items, reflecting their enduring legacy.
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Carnegie Porter
Carnegie Porter
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Carnegie Porter is a historic Swedish beer originating from the Carnegie Brewery in Gothenburg, founded in 1836. Known for its rich flavor and dark color, it has become a classic in Swedish brewing history and is still enjoyed today, especially during festive seasons.
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