As the last gasp of summer 2023 approaches we know Deschutes Brewery is putting the final touches on the 36th annual release of their classic winter seasonal Jubelale. This year Jubelale becomes the second oldest winter ale in the U.S. (as far as we can tell) as the late-great Anchor Brewing has shut down and their own classic 43-year running iconic Christmas Ale is no longer being produced. [Sierra Nevada’s Celebration is the oldest, first brewed in 1981]

Jubelale, has been a beloved winter beer, and cornerstone beer since the inception of Deschutes Brewery & Public House in 1988. This beer was the first beer ever packaged by Deschutes, originally put into wine bottles straight from the taps at the pub. 

Jubelale is a festive winter ale known for its rich spice notes, robust malt character with hints of toffee and dusted cocoa, and a warming ABV of 6.7%. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the approachability of this rich but not heavy, balanced malty caramel, toast, and minty/spicy hops that make for a dark-ish but approachable and easy drinking winter ale.

Since the early 1990s, Jubelale has featured original artwork by various artists, a unique holiday tradition inspired by the creativity of Deschutes’ employee owners. The 2023 release showcases a design by former Deschutes Brewery employee, Ben Woodcock. Ben worked at the Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House for nearly a decade where he served up tasty food and beverages as he made his way through graphic design school at Portland State University. During his time with Deschutes, he also created elaborate one-of-kind chalk art that frequently graced the walls of the restaurant. Today, Ben is a multidisciplinary artist, designer and educator in Portland, Oregon who still creates unique chalk art for Deschutes at the Portland Public House. Ben’s work can be found at www.benjaminwoodcock.com

In the jovial paper collage scene, he created for Jubelale, Ben’s celebratory depiction of winter was inspired by the little moments that the season and beauty around us provide. 

“Tall pines adorned with snow, a river reflective and renewed, the warmth of a campfire spontaneously crackling, the celebration of a new year with new possibilities, that gentle clinking of glass. Within these moments lives the opportunity to instate memories, life’s most precious currency.”

Jubelale will be released later this month across the United States in 12oz 6-pack bottles, 12oz 12 pack cans, and on draft. 

Inspired by each artist’s unique contribution to the brand, Deschutes has opened the call for artists to design labels for the 2024 release of Jubelale.

Details for the artist submission qualifications:

• Must be age 21 or older and legally live within the United States to apply.

• Professional artists only, meaning a person who is critically recognized as an artist, who possesses skills, training, and/or experience in an artistic discipline, and who is active in and committed to their art practice.

• All applicants must submit an art portfolio as part of the application.

• Artist must be able to commit to finalizing and submitting an original piece of art for the next Jubelale packaging by March 15, 2024. 

• Preference will be given to artists who live or have roots in Oregon or the Pacific Northwest. 

• All mediums and formats of art are acceptable. 

• The deadline to apply is November 24, 2023. Finalists will be contacted by December 31, 2023. Only finalists will be contacted by Deschutes Brewery

Find Julbelale near you by visiting the Deschutes Brewery Beer Finder at DeschutesBrewery.com. Stay up to date on Deschutes Brewery news and beers by following @deschutesbrewery on social media.