To Øl is the next in the spotlight of holiday ales with their Shameless Santa. This Belgian Strong ale is brewed at De Proefbrouwerij and will surely get shamefull glances from whoever takes the last sip.
Holiday Ale # 20 – Winter Bourbon Barrel from Grand Canyon Brewery
We peer over the precipice of the canyon to find wax dipped bottles of snowy white from the Grand Canyon Brewing Company as the Beer Search Party Advent Calendar of Holiday Ales, re-starts with Winter Bourbon Barrel which they describe as, “Our seasonal brown ale brings the warmth back to the winter. Brewed with maple syrup, and aged on bourbon oak. Note: This bottle also contains our flavor bomb. This revolutionary product changes everything you know about beer! The flavor bomb is packed with bourbon barrel oak sticks, then placed in the bomber to condition with the beer.”
Up From the Cellar – Christmas Ale from Anchor (2012-2013)
Up from the Cellar for December will be focusing on multiple vintages of the Anchor Christmas beer. I will be covering the years 2008-2014.
(You can check out last years review HERE)
2012 pours a dark brown color. There is a caramels sweetness here with an almost cola like sweetness. Getting a toasted bread type of note in the background too. A hint of the cherry note is underneath there lurking. But this year has held up nicely.
2013 The tree, pine, spruce notes are back! Good amount of spice and the cherry notes are gone! The cola note is in the back as well. Still lively as well. Good amount of bubbles which really helps the beer. Nice espresso foam lacing as well. Way in the back are some leafy hop notes too.
OK, I am changing the rules. 2012-13 are the winners. I will compare them to the latest incarnation. Previous to 2012, Our Special ale is just too cherry and slightly tangy to really recommend.
Holiday Ale # 19 – CoHoHo from Midnight Sun
That is one hop crazed fish on the label from Midnight Sun. Or maybe crazed from the juniper berries? “CoHoHo begins with generous measures of pale two-row and specialty malts along with spirit-boosters like brown sugar and honey. Hefty doses of Cascade, Centennial and Simcoe hops beautifully balance that outrageous malt bill while juniper berries heighten the festive character of this exuberant beer.”
Holiday Ale # 2 – Christmas Ale from West 6th
Christmas in a can from Lexington, Kentucky and West Sixth Brewing. “The West Sixth Christmas Ale is spiced ale with aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg with a sturdy malt backbone that will hold up to the chilliest of nights.
It’s a higher gravity beer weighing in at 9% ABV. This is our slightly darker take on a holiday beer – perfect for evenings by the fire.”
In the Tap Lines for November 2014
Last November this blog went dark as I focused on my first attempt at NaNoWriMo. AKA, National Novel Writing Month. I will be running that word gauntlet again this year so there will be less posting than usual but enough to keep you informed about great new beers and events in the Los Angeles area. Plus I will again start my annual Christmas Beer Blog Advent Post Calendar. AKA, an assortment of Holiday ales from around the country and the world. But only AFTER Thanksgiving (which is later this year).
~ e-visits to three breweries from cities that may challenge for the NBA crown this year
~ video reviews of two gluten-free beers from the Canadian brewer, Glutenberg
~ two more beers will come up from the BSP cellar to be reviewed.
~ Heads-Up on Los Angeles Beer Events
~ Three suggested beers to buy this month. One light, one medium and one dark
~ I will tap the Firkin and give my no holds barred opinion on the craft beer world
~ … and Session # 93 will converge bloggers onto a single topic, this month it is beer travel
Here are two events to get your November started in the Los Angeles craft beer world:
1) November 8th Alosta Brewing 1 Year Anniversary
2) November 11th Friends of Local Beer photography exhibit at Mohawk Bend
Holiday Ale # 24 – Silent Night from Mother Earth Brewing
Mother Earth Brewing Silent Night / North Carolina
“Embellished with a hint of coffee and a touch of molasses, you’ll enjoy a bold, yet delightfully smooth brew. I pronounce this Barrel Aged Imperial Stout a sipper.”
Holiday Beer # 22 – Holiday Ale from Two Roads
Two Roads Brewing Holiday Ale / Connecticut
“Two Roads Holiday Ale is inspired by the little known Biere de Noel style, on subset of Biere de Garde, both of which originated on small farmhouse breweries in the north of France. Biere de Noel, which translates as “Christmas Beer”, tends to exhibit a more malty profile than a typical Biere de Garde.”
Holiday Beer # 21 – Big Country from Breakside
Breakside Brewery Big Country / Oregon
“Our take on a winter ale is something uncommon in the Northwest: a rich and balanced strong ale inspired by the starkbiers and weinnachtsbiers sold in winter in the open air markets of Germany. Malt driven notes of orange, cocoa, candied fruit, and toast dominate the aroma and flavor of this beer. the body is luscious and full and gives way to a refreshing, spicy finish.”
with thanks to Samurai Artist!
Holiday Beer # 20 – Xmas from Sly Fox
Sly Fox Christmas 2013 / Pennsylvania
“This malty, full-bodied red ale is made with traditional mulling spices: Ginger, Clove, All Spice, Cinnamon & Nutmeg. If this one doesn’t get you into the Christmas spirit, you truly are a Scrooge.”