Kris Kringle – Day 10
Papa Noel’s Olde Ale
“This holiday ale was brewed in the English ‘old ale’ style, a
traditional strong ale style that is sometimes called a ‘winter
warmer.’ The warmth comes from the alcoholic strength of the
beer, which weighs in at about 7.2% by volume. It is an attractive
dark copper-brown hue and is extremely full-bodied. Papa Noel’s
has a pleasing sweetness from its higher-than-normal alcoholic
content, and from its complex malt foundation.This sweetness is
balanced by a hint of roasted flavor, as well as a mellow bitterness
imparted by a generous amount of English Fuggle hops. Other
flavors in evidence are bittersweet chocolate, caramel, and toffee.
Papa Noel’s Olde Ale is the perfect brew to warm the body and
nourish the soul during the cold and wet holiday season. Cheers!”
Link to ALAMEDA
Kris Kringle – Day 9
“Deep mahogany in color, our full-bodied winter warmer is brewed in the sprit of British winter ales. Crafted with a flurry of roasted chocolate and caramel malts, and generously hopped, it delivers a smooth finish that makes this beer the perfect cold weather companion.”
Kris Kringle – Day 8
“Brewed once a year by Left Hand Brewing to fight cabin fever, this spiced strong ale uses all natural ingredients, including crushed cinnamon, honey, chopped ginger, orange zest, cardamon & cloves. Deep red in color, this medium-bodied beer is a winter warmer – enjoy on a cold night in front of the fireplace.”
Kris Kringle – Day 7
We head to Southern Tier for today’s seasonal.
Guest Review – Requiem Espresso Stout
Because I am not a huge dark beer fan, I occasionally have my Defense Against Dark beers reviewer give the lowdown on new or classic beers that I normally don’t drink.
Technically not called a Christmas Holiday beer. More Edgar Allen Poe and Halloween. But this espresso stout would be great this time of year.
Here is the latest installment…
“I tried out the Requiem Espresso Stout. Looks like a stout, very dark, not a lot of head, but the taste is very light and bright for a stout. Definitely get the coffee and there’s almost a cinnamon taste there too. It does not have the heaviness of taste that typifies most stouts. This is not a bad thing, its just different and a little surprising. If you were trying to get someone to like darker beers and they were already a coffee fan this might be a great bridge beer.
Paired it with pan sauteed green beans and pine nuts topped with feta cheese. Somehow the pairing worked, don’t ask me how.”
Kris Kringle – Day 6
From the Holiday Ale WEBSITE
“Held in the heart of downtown Portland, the Holiday Ale Festival keeps attendees warm and dry under a large clear top tent that covers Pioneer Courthouse Square while allowing for views of the city lights. Gas heaters create a cozy ambience under the boughs of one of the region’s largest decorated Christmas trees.
More than 40 potent winter ales are featured at this year’s event, all of which are created specifically to bring warmth and cheer to the holiday season. These aren’t beers you’ll find in the supermarket – our brewers have put together special recipes just for the Holiday Ale Festival. From Belgians and Barleywines to Porters and Stouts, these beers are rich, robust and full of complex flavors.
Come hoist a pint and toast to the spirits of the season. We look forward to seeing you at the Holiday Ale Festival…Cheers!”
EXTRA!!! I just heard that they will be having some great (rare) beers at this event. 2005 Samichlaus anyone? Or perhaps a 2009 Hair of the Dog Jim, a blend of Hair of the Dog beers which this year may be more Blue Dot-esque. You had better try it out.
Review – Goose Island Christmas 09
Kris Kringle – Day 5
Mistletoe from Lazy Boy Brewing in Washington..
Kris Kringle – Day 4
A great choice from Ninkasi ..
