christmas

Vintage Beer Tasting

30 Jan 2009
Posted by bhouse

One of my favorite beer moments of the year is the release of Anchor's Christmas Ale. During the 1990s when I was brewing for a living, I would annually buy an extra six pack to cellar in the basement in order to compare vintages. Each year's recipe is unique and this was one of the beers that would hold up for a few years.

All was good until my cellar started expanding - and then I had kids.

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Full Moon Winter Ale

24 Dec 2008
Posted by bhouse
Where is it Brewed?: 
Toronto, ON
Style: 
Abbey Ale

In the midst of last minute shopping on Dec 24th, I stopped to pick up some holiday beers to bring along on the Christmas party circuit.  Based on how much I liked Wachusett's Green Monsta Ale, I was eyeing their Winter Ale - but scotch ale's just don't do it for me.  While looking for alternatives, the clerk at the package store recommended Blue Moon's Full Moon Winter Ale.

 

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Beer on Bourbon St

14 Dec 2008
Posted by bhouse

I spent this week in New Orleans at the Do It with Drupal conference and enjoying some of Dixie's outstanding local beers. 

It was my first trip to New Orleans and Bourbon St lived up to expectations (good and bad), but I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the local brews too.  Mix in a bourbon sampler trays, lots of oysters, alligator sausage, po' boys and mechanical bull rides - good times all around.

Your rating: None Average: 2.8 (4 votes)
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Anchor Christmas Ale 2008

27 Nov 2008
Posted by bhouse
Where is it Brewed?: 
San Francisco
Style: 
Other

Anchor Brewing Company's annual Christmas Ale is a highly anticipated treat in the holiday beer season and the 2008 edition marks its 34th annual release.  The hook that makes this beer so much fun is that the beer & its label changes every year and its ingredients are top secret.

Anchor Christmas Ale 2008
Your rating: None Average: 4.3 (3 votes)
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Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale

26 Nov 2008
Posted by bhouse
Where is it Brewed?: 
Chico, CA
Style: 
Other

A hop lovers beer for cold winter nights, Celebration is like a combination between a bitter IPA with a malty Altbier finish. It got a very aromatic nose, with strong pine, floral notes and a very bitter flavor - all hop bite, heavy on the cascades. However, the thing that makes this beer for me is the rich malty finish. Once you get through the bitter start, its got a rich malty flavor with a sweet finish. Reddish orange in color, this beer is a perennial highlight of the holiday season and the 2008 edition is no exception.

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
Your rating: None Average: 5 (2 votes)
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