Follow Sean Inman to the best in craft beer
Now this is a simple but classic label, ornament, check. red and green, check. Name it Holiday Ale and done. Now go find it tucked between all of New Belgium’s VooDoo Ranger IPAs.
“Tis the season for flavors of cranberry and orange, cinnamon and spice, for everyone naughty and nice!”
It is tough to pick the beer to start the season with but sentimentality for my home state of Oregon and the fact that I love the rotating artwork each year means that Jubelale from Deschutes Brewing gets the nod.
“Cozy up fireside with this festive winter ale full of spice notes and a robust malt character of toffee and dusted cocoa.”
I usually only post a Thanks to the readers post today, but this was something that needed to be sent today….
“Letting you in on a little secret…we’re dropping a special LABG 12-pack just in time for the holidays! Pre-sale launches on Friday at 9AM. Stay tuned for updates on participating breweries! Beer Boxes will be on sale until December 9th and will be available for pickup, delivery, or CA statewide shipping on or before December 16th with guaranteed arrival before December 25th. *Must be 21+ to purchase.”
Set your alarm clock.
I always try to leave space for a beer that I received at Christmas, this year that beer is …a combo of partners Dogfish Head and Sam Adams.
This is a big one. First hit is maple and lots of it. Not sugary though, more dry. It is an odd duck. I get some notes of Utopias peering through but that maple is the keynote. The cheeks warm after just a couple sips but the alcohol is not a large presence. I do get some tobacco / coffee ground combo. Chicory maybe. Due to the cost per bottle and the ABV, this is a special occasion beer.
Raise an Anvil to Hope with AleSmith’s 2021 version of YuleSmith.
“2021 YuleSmith is a collaboration with Anvil of Hope, founded by AleSmith owners Peter and Vicky Zien. This beer is our commitment to assist those in need and will directly assist in Anvil of Hope’s efforts in the community. Fan favorite YuleSmith is our Imperial Red Ale; although quite malty, big hop flavors are abundant making this an unforgettable winter warmer. Enjoy and thank you for helping us spread hope!”
Back to California as fast as we can because we have to catch up with The Bruery…
“Bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout with molasses, ginger, graham cracker, and spices
Run, run, run, as fast as you can… it’s gingerbread season, and we’re feeling festive! What better way to celebrate than with a delicious gingerbread-inspired imperial stout. We added a bit of molasses to the boil before aging in bourbon barrels. Then we added all the classic spices— cinnamon, allspice, clove, and nutmeg— along with graham cracker to capture the rich sweetness of a fresh gingerbread cookie.”
Hi-Wire Brewing wants us to be both elated and bitter…
… this holiday season…
“A balanced and hoppy ale perfect for snuggling up in front of the fire or getting outside on a snowy day. Celebrate the season with an India Pale Ale that doesn’t lack for pine and citrus peel notes from Michigan Chinook & Idaho 7 hops balanced by sticky caramel and toasted bread flavors from a carefully crafted malt bill.”
It hasn’t quite turned cold here in Los Angeles but maybe it will and Westbrook Brewing (not Russell) will have a beer for us.
Time to frost cookies and then have a beer that tastes like what you are doing. Southern Tier Brewing brings us Frosted Sugar Cookie…
“You won’t believe it’s beer and not a tin full of iced confections. Our Frosted Sugar Cookie Ale is full of soft and airy vanilla and cake notes, iced to perfection. Happy Holidays from ours to yours.”
Next up is a dickens of a beer from Silver City Brewing.
“Old Scrooge Christmas Ale is the brewery’s most award-winning beer. Through the years it has been awarded 13 medals that includes 6 from the Great American Beer Festival and one award from the World Beer Cup.
This take on an English-Style Barleywine is a malty ale that derives from a long boil time, cool fermentation and extended aging. Silver City uses a malt bill of NW Pale, British Pale, Caramel, and Munich with Columbus and Willamette hops.”