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Hjejlen

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Hjejlen takes its name from the world's oldest paddle steamer still in operation, which sails in Silkeborg, so the name is very much a local one. The beer is brewed as a classic ale, following the brewery's best conviction of how beers were brewed 150 years ago. Grauballe Bryghus brews it in Silkeborg, the town the steamer sails from.

ABV
5.7%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden8
PaceA Few
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
What makes this beer itself
MaltHop
maltycleanhoppy
malty
clean
hoppy
citrusy
Aroma
The nose opens with pronounced malty sweetness balanced by restrained noble hop character, suggesting citrus zest and a subtle herbal undertone.
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Hjejlen

◎ Appearance

Hjejlen presents a pale golden hue with excellent clarity and a fine, persistent white head that clings to the glass with good lacing. The carbonation is lively and well-integrated, creating a refined visual presentation that speaks to careful brewing discipline. Light catches the beer with an inviting, translucent glow characteristic of well-crafted pale ales.

pale goldenclearpersistent headfine carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with pronounced malty sweetness balanced by restrained noble hop character, suggesting citrus zest and a subtle herbal undertone. Clean fermentation allows the Malz foundation to express itself clearly, with no obstructive yeast esters or oxidative notes. The overall impression is one of classical simplicity—inviting without demanding attention.

malty sweetnessnoble hopcitrus zestclean fermentation

◐ Taste

Entry is soft and malty with gentle grain sweetness that evolves into a balanced mid-palate where crisp hop bitterness emerges gradually. The 35 IBU register as restrained but present, providing structure without aggressiveness. Finish is clean and refreshing, with a light body that allows the drinker to perceive both malt foundation and hop definition without heaviness.

malt-forwardbalanced bitternesscrisp finishlight-bodied

◑ Finish

The aftertaste is short to medium in length, fading gracefully with a lingering whisper of grain and a dry, citrus-tinged closure. The beer's refreshing character persists to the end, inviting another sip without any harsh or cloying residue.

drycitrus aftertasterefreshing
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
77
Taste
79
Appearance
80
Finish
76
Serve at 7–10°C

Cold enough to sharpen the hop aroma without numbing the palate. Around 7–9°C keeps the citrus and pine vivid without losing bitterness definition.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

Drink fresh — hop aroma fades fast. Best within 3 months of canning or bottling.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Hjejlen

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About Pale Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Pale Ale?

India Pale Ales are hop-forward ales with ABV typically 5.5–7.5% and IBU 40–70+. Bold citrus, pine or tropical aromas alongside firm bitterness and a clean dry finish.

Finding a similar Pale Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same malty, clean, crisp character as Hjejlen will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Pale Ale beers in hopIQ →Browse Denmark beers →