Time to head to Chicago for some cerveza courtesy of 5 Rabbit and their unique take on a mid-winter ale.
Holiday Ale # 11 – Hoppy Woodsman from Schooner Exact
It was about time for the appearance of the word “Imperial” in this round-up of winter warmers and thanks to Schooner Exact Brewing Co., we know have it. Plus an out of control sled.
Here is the description: “Bourbon Barrel Aged Winter Ale. Need you say more? A big brother to Hoppy Holidays, this winter ale has gained a level of complexity and intrigue during those months luxuriating in its bourbon barrel haven. Chocolate malt and a healthy dose of hops help maintain balance. ”
Holiday Ale # 10 – Old FrothingSlosh
Thanks to Steve Zuback for pointing this seasonal beer out to me. Great design that evokes Victorian design. From Pittsburgh Brewing.
Holiday Ale # 9 – Starlit from Magic Hat
Not a huge fan of star anise because it has to be doled out in judicious amounts but this could really work as a winter warmer from Magic Hat. “Starlit is a true, robust English porter. Medium bodied and full of dark chocolate and caramel malt flavors. The finish is dried with lingering flavors of star anise and slight warmth of alcohol.”
Holiday Ale # 8 – Stille Nacht from De Dolle Brouwers
De Dolle Brouwers brings us this lovely Belgian Holiday ale with the be-sceptred Snowman on the label. The beer “It has been boiling for many hours, brewed with pale malt with white candy sugar in the kettle. The Nugget hops gives an extra bitterness to balance the extreme sweetness due to the density. The taste triangle is completed with some acidity of the fermentation. It is a very interesting beer to age. “
Holiday Ale # 7 – Lebkuchen from Atwater Brewery
Not a fan of the Lebkuchen cookie but it is a great Christmas Ale name. And it is straight outta Detroit. Plus the label looks like a nice sweater. Anyway, here is the beer description from Atwater Brewery: “Exactly what is Lebkuchen Christmas Ale? It’s a specially brewed spiced beer that uses a Maris Otter pale malt that brings a bit of sweetness with a honey malt at it’s center. The Ale uses a very light spicing of ginger and almond to brighten the ale and bring forward some of the sweetness and honey notes.”
Holiday Ale # 6 – Bitter Winter from Caledonian
Why can’t an ESB be a winter beer? The holiday designation can mean anything right. Let’s read on about a “dish for a king” from Caledonian: “Pale amber in colour. Light caramel malt aroma with a touch of fruit. Bittersweet with malt character flavours. Medium bodied with more bitterness than malt in the finish. “
Holiday Ale # 5 – Seven Swans a Swimming from The Bruery
I broke my own rule and tried this beer before the Holiday season commenced. It is a prototypical Bruery beer. Strong and flavorful but it just didn’t scream Christmas to me. But it was really good.
Here is the brewery description: “7 Swans-A-Swimming is the 7th beer in our “12 Days of Christmas” series. For this verse of the story, we chose the path we don’t often take – we brewed to style. No bells, no whistles, just our best take on the Belgian Quadrupel style. Brewed with nothing but water, malt, yeast, hops and a bit of Belgian dark candi sugar, this beer may not be as out-of-the-box as some of our past winter brews, but it’s just as tasty. Rich and complex, this robust dark ale juggles notes of raisin bread, dried apricots, burnt caramel and roasted pecans. The sweet flavors provide a full body and the bright yeast wafts the sweet holiday notes out of the glass, into your life. 7 Swans-A-Swimming is a perfect holiday sipper. Delicious right now, but suitable for aging up to 5 years, upon the release of 12 Drummers Drumming.”
Holiday Ale # 4 – Red Nose from Natty Greene
Like Rudolph, I guess. Here is the winter offering from Natty Greene’s: “For Red Nose, we start with a classic American red ale, a beer that’s slightly sweeter than an amber, made with plenty of caramel malts and just enough hops for balance. Then, we bring in a spice profile that supports the aroma of the beer.
Fresh ginger gives Red Nose a nice bite. A bit of orange peel adds tartness, and cinnamon brings in a clean and spicy top note. Together, they’re a perfect complement to the sweet, malty foundation of the red ale.
This is a beer that’s crafted to complement your holiday meals and celebrations. Like the season, it’s festive, warm-hearted, companionable – and meant to be shared with your favorite folks.”
Holiday Ale # 3 – Holiday Collection from Flying Dog
I can’t vouch for whether or not these beers from the Flying Dog Holiday Collection taste like cookies or are reminiscent of baking but nonetheless it is a cool idea for a holiday mixed pack. I would gladly pair a sugar cookie with the Imperial Hefeweizen.