We head to Belgium for Vicaris Winter Ale 2011 brought to us by the Vanberg and DeWulf people…
“Vicaris Winter ale pours an intense dark brown, almost black. The nose is a warming mix of licorice and ground coffee. Flavore of anise, sweet molasses and roasted coffee dominate the palate. Like all of Dilewyn’s offerings, Vicaris Winter is never filtered. Instead it is only cold clarified by lagering for at least one month. This is one reason why the beer is so well attenuated and smooth. You would never guess it was 10% ABV.”
Xmas 2012 – St. Arnold / Sailing Santa
We stay in Texas for our next holiday beer from St. Arnold Brewing….
“A perfect blend of our Elissa IPA and Christmas Ale.”
Xmas 2012 – The Bruery / Five Golden Rings
2012 has been a good year at The Bruery and here is a snapshot of their holiday offering…
“This is the only golden ale in the bunch but it definitely packs a holiday punch. We spiced up this 11.5% ABV ode to Winter with cinnamon, allspice and ginger along with some delicious sweet and tangy pineapple.”
Xmas 2012 – Karbach / Yule Shoot Your Eye Out
I am a big fan of the now classic “A Christmas Story”. (All other versions and sequels are abominations unto my eyes) and this cheekily named beer from Karbach has a cool label and hopefully a cool beer inside….
“This, our Winter seasonal, is a black ale spiced generously with cocoa nibs, orange peel, ginger, cardamom, allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon. It truly is the holidays in a glass.”
Xmas 2012 Sam Adams / Merry Mischief
One of the joys of winter warmers are the spices. Ginger, cinnamon and the like that just have a wonderful aroma and add backbone to a beer. Here is one such beer from Sam Adams….
“This rich dark gingerbread stout entices with the aromas of the holidays, hinting at the merriment and spices within. The flavor of gingerbread comes alive beginning with the smooth sweetness and heartiness of dark roasted malts and a touch of wheat. But it’s the intensity and spices of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, & ginger that add a wicked kick for a jolly playful brew full of merry mischief.”
Xmas 2012 Upslope / Christmas Ale
If Upslope were anywhere near my beer buying radius, I would always have their cans on hand and in hand too. It would be especially nice to crack open a can of this Christmas cheer…..
“Celebrating the wintry nights and lights of the season, this lightly spiced English old ale is caramel colored and malty sweet. Second generation to the traditional Winter Warmer, allspice, orange peel and ginger round out the piney aroma of crushed juniper berries.”
Xmas 2012 – Schooner Exact / Hoppy Holidays
We head to Washington State for our next holiday hop from Schooner Exact…
“The Dark Ale Troika – molasses, coffee, and chocolate – shines through here, gilded by orange peel, thyme, sage, and dark honey. Big, warm, welcoming – this is an emerging NW classic!”
Xmas 2012 – 10 Barrel / Pray for Snow
We head to Bend, Oregon and 10 Barrel for today’s holiday offering……
“This delicately balanced Strong Ale starts with dark copper color mixed with slight reddish hues and a light tan head. Big malty aroma with a Munich character give way to a slight caramel & toffee mixed with spicy noble hop aroma, all wrapped together with a medium-bodied mouth feel. German malt flavor profile with slight roasty notes give Pray for Snow a subtle toffee sweetness balanced with spicy hop bitterness and slight alcohol warming.”
Xmas 2012 – Guinness / Generous Ale
We head to Ireland and a new holiday offering from Guinness, Generous Ale….
“Inspired by Arthur’s philanthropic legacy and devotion to generous, full-flavored beers, Guinness Generous Ale is special edition holiday beer that was developed in a traditional winter ale style, but with more body and the distinct roast for which Guinness Draught is known. With a rich amber appearance, the vanilla notes accent Guinness Generous Ale’s silky, yet vibrant taste.”
Xmas 2012 – Grimm Brothers / Weinachts Bier
Our next beer is Grimm. From the brothers Grimm and their Fabled Series of beers. It is Weinachts Bier
A weizenbock to toast on Christmas day!