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!
Anchor Christmas
Merry Christmas to all!
Here is the final review of holiday ales and it is the iconic Anchor Christmas.
You can check out all of the labels (and I mean all) HERE
Where Santa might Stop – Bethlehem Brew Works
Since Santa shares this holiday with a certain other fellow, he might want to stop and raise a glass in Bethlehem. Pennsylvania of course and the Bethlehem Brew Works home of Rude Elf’s Reserve.
The story behind this beer is quite fascinating. Check it out HERE
Here’s to a merry and beer filled Christmas and let’s hope Santa Claus (Kris Kringle, Sinter Klass, St. Nick) has a fun and safe journey around the world!
Christmas Beer of the Day – Samichlaus
The Brewery – Schloss Eggenberg
The Beer – Samichlaus Classic
The Details
““Samichlaus” beer is brewed once a year, in each case on December 6th, and stored and matured afterwards for over 10 months before it is bottled. “Samichlaus” beer can mature for many years in the bottle; older vintages obtain a complexity and receive their creamy warm aftertaste. This beer can be served with heavy meals and desserts, particularly with chocolate – or as digestive and meditations drink.”
Christmas Beer of the Day – Vermont Spruce Tip
The Brewery – Harpoon
The Beer – Vermont Spruce Tip
The Details
“This hearty ale is a showcase for a traditional yet seldom used brewing ingredient: spruce tips. Harvested at their tender, ripe, bright green peak in Downer State Forest, Vermont, these spruce tips impart citrus, pine, spice, herbal and earthy notes. A host of malts, a hint of roasted barley and generous use of Chinook hops complement the unique spruce flavor.
We’d like to thank the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation and all of the many great volunteers that helped us with this unusual harvest.”
Enjoy this beer with friends and family at any celebration or feast.