The Icelandic Christmas Mythology: Inspiration for a New Christmas Whisky Series - Blog Post by Ulrik Bertelsen

Discover the dark and fascinating Christmas tradition from Iceland! Sall Whisky introduces their new Christmas whisky series, diving into the history of the Icelandic Christmas lads, Jólasveinar, and their terrifying mother Grýla, who frightened children every Christmas. The first release is dedicated to Stekkjastaur – the Sheep Scarecrow – a Christmas whisky. Learn more about this unique combination of Nordic mythology and flavor experience.

As winter darkness descends and the Christmas spirit slowly spreads, Iceland’s ancient folklore reminds us that the holiday also has a darker side. The story of Jólasveinar, the 13 Icelandic Christmas lads, and their hideous mother Grýla contains elements of horror and mystique that are uniquely Icelandic. Each year, from December 12th until Christmas Eve, these mountain-dwelling figures visit the towns one by one. Inspired by this harsh yet fascinating universe, Sall Whisky has created a Christmas whisky series, with the first release dedicated to Stekkjastaur – or the Sheep Scarecrow.

Grýla and the Yule Cat: Twisting Christmas into a Grim Tale

The myth of Grýla and her sons dates back to the 13th century and has roots in Iceland’s rugged landscape and folklore. Grýla, a giantess and mother of the Icelandic Christmas lads, is famous for snatching naughty children and taking them to her cave to make children’s soup. It is said that she has a giant black cat – known as Jólakötturinn – that eats children who do not receive new clothes as Christmas gifts, a brutal reminder of the necessity to behave properly.**

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Over time, these dark traits have become milder, and the Icelandic Christmas lads now share gifts with the well-behaved children, while the naughty ones receive rotten potatoes as a reward.

Stekkjastaur – The First Christmas Lad in the Series

Stekkjastaur, also known as "Sheep-Cote Clod," is the first of the 13 Jólasveinar to arrive. Known for his clumsy gait due to his stiff wooden legs, Stekkjastaur has a fondness for sheep's milk and always attempts to steal milk directly from the sheep, despite his physical limitations. This makes him one of the most distinctive characters among the Christmas lads, and he opens the ballet for the series of Christmas visits, each adding an element of humor and fright to the Icelandic Christmas universe.

Our Stekkjastaur Christmas Whisky – An Extraordinary Tasting Experience

In honor of Stekkjastaur, Sall Whisky has created a completely unique whisky, distilled from 100% Vienna malt. This malt, which has a lower yield than more common types, is specially roasted and imparts deep, rich notes of toasted bread, caramel, and nuts to the whisky – flavor nuances that reflect the warmth and cozy atmosphere of winter. The whisky is matured in two ex-Oloroso sherry quarter casks, adding a rich complexity and a perfect balance to the flavor profile.

This edition of their Christmas whisky series is the first in an annually recurring series that will explore each of the 13 Icelandic Christmas lads. Each year, a new whisky will bring a new character from the Jólasveinar universe to life through flavor notes that capture the essence of these figures' eccentric personalities. Thus, Stekkjastaur, along with the subsequent releases, provides an opportunity to celebrate Christmas with a fascinating blend of adventure and tasting experience, deeply rooted in Nordic folklore.

Cheers and Merry Christmas from Sall Whisky!

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