Breckenridge Christmas Ale

Clear mahagony with a foamy, almost-cream colored head that stays as a compact 1/2" layer and laces well. Healthy citrus & floral hop aroma with sprucey spiciness, grapefruit and a touch of Windex. Flavor is well-hopped with grapefruit at the start and finish, but this beer shows great balance, centering on sweet bread/muffin malts. Mid- to full-bodied with a buttery mouthfeel. Alcohol shows late with astringence as weak whisky. While this brew isn’t fully decked out for Christmas, it’s still my favorite holiday offering thus far.

<font size=-4><a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/Places/ShowPlace.asp?PlaceID=3776>Binny’s Beverage Depot, Orland Park, IL 60462<font size=-1>

For a christmas/winter ale this was simply non-festive. I expect some spice and fruit aromas and flavors for the style. As an ale its allright, nothing special, but for a holiday brew it seriously lacks some style definiting taste.

On tap @ Breckenridge Brewery. Amber colored body with a pleasant nose of carmel and sweet malt. Similar flavors as in the nose especially the carmel and a mild hop presence near the finish. Quite enjoyable.

One of those beers I hate to say that I like better out of the bottle than in a glass. The flavor and strength don’t quite add up to a strong ale but at least it doesn’t feel like they skimped on the strength of the beer in the process. Leaves you saying, "hmmm that’s a pretty good beer" with no real prominent thoughts as to the flavor.

Not bad for a strong ale, doesn’t taste that much like a strong ale. The flavor seems to recede after a few sips.

On tap@ Falling Rock poured a clear mahogany with a large lasting amber head. Aromas of toffee, raisins and roastiness. Palate was medium bodied and smooth. Flavors of roasted malt, toffee, and dark fruit with a smooth, slightly bitter finish.

Not bad but nothing spectacular. Goes down easy without much aftertaste. Fast disappearing head, golden color.

Very drinkable holiday ale...I like the subdued spicing, not over the top with the Christmas spices like so many others. Some dried fruits and citrus components. Caramel, and toffee as well. Creamy texture with a rich, crisp, clean finish.