Carlsberg Elephant Strong
Carlsberg Elephant is a full-bodied, strong European lager (bock-style influence) known for its rich malty character, subtle fruity notes, and significant alcohol warmth.
Carlsberg Elephant Strong Beer is a distinctive brew within the Carlsberg portfolio, first launched in 1959. It was created as a stronger lager, often categorized as a European Strong Lager or influenced by the German Bock style. It pours a clear, deep golden to light amber color with a decent white head. The aroma is characterized by rich maltiness, hints of caramel, grains, and often subtle fruity esters reminiscent of apples or melons. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied experience with a pronounced malt sweetness balanced by a noticeable hop bitterness and a distinct alcohol warmth that defines its 'strong' character. Despite its strength, it aims for a smooth finish. The iconic elephant branding is inspired by the Elephant Gate at the Carlsberg brewery entrance in Copenhagen. It's typically favoured by those seeking a more robust and potent lager experience than standard pilsners.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Clear, deep golden to light amber colour with a persistent white head.
Aroma: Rich maltiness, notes of caramel, grains, bread crust, and subtle fruity hints (apple, pear, melon). A slight alcohol scent may be present.
Taste: Pronounced malt sweetness upfront, balanced by moderate hop bitterness. Flavours of light caramel, toasted grain, and sometimes faint notes similar to banana or dried fruit. Noticeable alcohol warmth builds throughout.
Mouthfeel: Medium to full-bodied, smooth texture, moderate carbonation.
Food Pairings
Spicy Dishes: Indian curries (like Rogan Josh, Vindaloo), Thai Green Curry, spicy Mexican food.
Grilled & Roasted Meats: Steak, lamb chops, sausages, roasted chicken or pork.
Hearty Stews: Beef stew, goulash.
Rich Cheeses: Aged Cheddar, Gouda, Blue Cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Temperature: Serve chilled, ideally between 6-8°C (43-46°F). Serving it too cold can mute the flavours.
Glassware: Use a sturdy glass that can showcase the colour and aroma, such as a Goblet, Chalice, or Tulip glass. A standard Lager glass or Pint glass also works.
Interesting Facts
Launch Year: Introduced in 1959.
The Elephant Name: Inspired by the two pairs of life-size granite elephants flanking the entrance (Elephant Gate) to the Carlsberg Brewery in Copenhagen. These gates were built in 1901.
Export Focus: Originally created with export markets, particularly in Africa and Asia, in mind.