Follow Sean Inman to the best in craft beer
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.”
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
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.”
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.”
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!
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.”
Karl Strauss Four Scowling Owls Belgian Tripel / California
“Don’t upset these angry birds: share a bottle of this year’s Holiday Tripel. Four Scowling Owls – the next release from our “Twelve Days” holiday series – is a robust Belgian style strong ale with orange citrus flavors and a spicy aroma. Amarillo and Mount Rainier hops balance out the Vienna malt character. The finish is dry and warm, perfect for those “chilly” San Diego winters. Birds of a feather drink together.”
Evil Genius Beer Company Naughty or Nice? Brown Ale / Connecticut
“A spiced Winter Ale. Brewed with all-spice, cinnamon, and cloves, combined with our house Belgian yeast delivers the Yuletide season in a glass.”
Perennial Artisan Ales Fete de Noel – Missouri
“Fete de Noel, a strong Belgian-style holiday ale with fresh orange zest and rosemary and aged on raisins!”
Snake River Snow King / Wyoming
“Snow King Mountain is Wyoming’s first ski area founded 75 years ago by Neil Rafferty. Generations of Jackson Hole skiers have cut their teeth on the King. Home to the Jackson Hole Ski Club, Snow King is one of the steepest little hills around. Snow King Pale Ale is a copper colored English American hybrid. On tap in the pub, around town and in a commemorative can, this special pale ale will only run through the winter.”