Special Brew was originally brewed by the Danes for Winston Churchill. His visit to Copenhagen in 1950 was commemorated with a 'special' brew produced in his honour. Originally called V-øllet (V-Beer), the drink followed the Danish tradition of producing a new beer to celebrate outstanding events such as a royal occasion or European coronation. Churchill's favourite drink was cognac, so in brewing him a commemorative beer, the brewers at Carlsberg created a stronger lager with cognac flavours among its tasing notes.

At Christmas in 1952 Special Brew was launched throughout Denmark, and has been available in the UK since the '70's. Special Brew is a full bodied, fruity tasting, strong lager with a good clean bitterness.