Denmark: Carlsberg launches new lower alcohol beers platform

As moderation becomes a defining force in how Danes enjoy beer, Carlsberg Denmark is launching a new platform of lower alcohol beers under the category name “session.” The range is designed to give consumers more flexibility and freedom of choice, without compromising the taste or quality of their beer.

The first product in the portfolio, Carlsberg Nordlyst, debuted on 21 January. The 2.5% ABV lager contains roughly half the alcohol of a classic pilsner, offering a fullflavoured alternative for moments when consumers want to dial down the alcohol percentage.

New nationwide research in Denmark conducted by Ipsos for Carlsberg shows a clear shift. 64% of Danes say they have recently begun moderating their alcohol intake or have done so within the past five years. Two out of three consumers say they are open to trying a lower alcohol beer or choose it as their primary option. The interest is especially high amongst men.

"Danes have increasingly become beer flexitarians,” says Peter Haahr Nielsen, Managing Director, Carlsberg Denmark.

“This is due to a moderation trend that is not about either-or, but about freedom of choice to choose the beer and alcohol percentage that suits them best in the situation. This has created a new, exciting gap in the market for beer with less alcohol than usual."

Consumers’ rapid adoption of alcoholfree beer in recent years shows how quickly preferences can shift when new, highquality options become available.

"The beer market has developed significantly in recent years,” says Haahr Nielsen.

“If you look at the alcohol-free beer market, it has really taken off, because consumers today have gotten used to the opportunity and the good selection. We expect the development to be the same for beer with lower alcohol percentages once consumers discover that the option they want is now there."

Carlsberg’s new session portfolio is defined by beers that contain roughly half the alcohol by volume of their traditional counterparts. For example, half the strength of a classic pilsner or a standard IPA. The session beers are designed for flexibility, giving consumers more control over their alcohol consumption, without sacrificing the simple pleasure of enjoying a good beer on any occasion, from weekday dinners to weekend lunches and celebrations.

The first products from the session beer platform that are hitting the market now are Carlsberg Nordlyst and Jacobsen Barbaras, premium easy IPA clocking in at 3.5% ABV.

Carlsberg Nordlyst is now rolling out to supermarkets, restaurants, and bars across Denmark. Despite its lower 2.5% alcohol level, it delivers the taste profile of a modern, wellbalanced lager, brewed with carefully selected hop varieties that give a light tropical fruitiness with notes of fresh pine and crisp citrus.

"Carlsberg Nordlyst is a modern lager with a good body,” said Johan Sølling Henriksen, who created the recipe for Carlsberg Nordlyst.

“Normally, the mouthfeel of a beer can be challenged by a lower alcohol percentage, but we are really pleased with how we have succeeded in creating a flavourful lager without compromising on character and quality, even though there is only 2.5% alcohol in the beer. The secret is a carefully adapted brewing process and a special dry hopping technique that provides an elegant aroma and flavor profile."

28 January, 2026