holiday

Anderson Valley Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale

08 Jan 2010
Posted by bhouse
Where is it Brewed?: 
Boonville, CA
Style: 
Amber/Red Ale

Anderson Valley Brewing Company is one of my favorite small California microbreweries - their beers are consistently outstanding across the board. Finding a fresh six-pack on the East Coast is always a treat. With that, I couldn't pass up a chance to try their Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale.

Your rating: None Average: 4.3 (3 votes)
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Brooklyn Winter Ale

12 Dec 2009
Posted by bhouse
Where is it Brewed?: 
Brooklyn, NY
Style: 
Scottish-Style Ale

Brooklyn Winter Ale is a Scottish Ale, a rich malty beer brewed for cold, winter nights on the heather. Rich amber color with a deep red hue. The pour was just ok, a bit lacking in foam head despite all the malt in the beer.

The aroma is sweet, with hints of caramel and almond, no noticeable hop presence.

Your rating: None Average: 3.5 (2 votes)
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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.

Your rating: None Average: 5 (1 vote)
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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.

 

Your rating: None Average: 3 (1 vote)
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Magic Hat Roxy Rolles

05 Dec 2008
Posted by bhouse
Where is it Brewed?: 
Burlington VT
Style: 
Amber/Red Ale

Magic Hat's Roxy Rolles is a middle of the road take on the specialty holiday beer. Where some holiday beers are loaded up with hops or thick with spices and malty goodness, Roxy Rolles is a pretty straightforward amber ale. Deep amber in color with a sweet nose, spicy start and sweet, malty finish, this beer is a pretty well-balanced American Amber. While it won't wow your holiday party guests, its a very drinkable option on a cold Vermont night.

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Your rating: None Average: 3 (1 vote)
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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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