hops extract syrup / "tomtebrygg"

[uektenordmann]

Hi!

I have lived in Norway for a few years and I'm trying to re-create the delicious Norwegian Christmas brew: sugar beer. Sometimes brewed with Juniper berries.

Basically the one ingredient I am having trouble finding is called in Norwegian tomtebrygg (hops extract syrup).

It comes concentrated in a small bottle which makes 20L brewed beer.

Anyone have any ideas how I would get hold of a bottle in the UK?

Thanks!

 

[RobWalker]

It's not common here. The Malt Miller stock oils for aroma; http://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/index.ph ... t&catId=25

If you're looking at small volumes, your best option might be to boil up a litre of water and boil plenty of hops in that.

 

[doyley]

I have had a look on various UK Scandinavian food sites but none seem to stock Tomtebrygg. I remember being tempted to try and make a brew when I lived in Norway and was desperate for affordable beer, but then I realised that the finished brew would be a product consisting mainly of fermented sugar with flavouring from the Tomtebrygg and very weak in alcohol and I gave up the idea, so I have no idea how it tastes. It certainly seems to be a popular Chritmas tradition.
You could try ringing Sjømannskirken in London, they are a friendly lot and may be able to offer advice if they are not avholdsfolk.