3.1 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 6/10 PALATE 2/5 OVERALL 12/20
From notes: Poured clear red-amber with a small, bone-colored head. Aroma was mild, but complex, with notes of malt, spice and ginger. Body was medium-to-light and a bit fizzy, with a brief finish. Flavors of ginger and maybe cola, with a mild spice note in the finish that becomes stronger as it warms.
3.7 AROMA 6/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 15/20
Bottle. Poured a medium amber color with a small white head. Aroma was fairly sweet with some caramel and just a touch of spice. The flavor was more of the same with a couple different spices in there. Cinnamon and perhaps allspice? I like it. I’ll definitely look for it this holiday season.
4 AROMA 9/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 16/20
Originally reviewed: 12/1/08. Pours a ruby red with a nice foamy head resting comfortably on top. Great retention and lacing. Smells of cinnamon and other spices, some pine, caramel, and fresh bread. This really does smell like Christmas. Smells inviting.
Mouthfeel is a little thin and watery. This tastes of the holidays all over! Nice minty spice mixed with some caramel. Slight tangy bite at the end, but it’s pleasant, not overbearing. This is a great holiday brew that I hope to have again really soon.
5 AROMA 10/10 APPEARANCE 5/5 TASTE 10/10 PALATE 5/5 OVERALL 20/20
The best beer on the market, bar none. Referred to as "Christmas Crack" by the locals for both how people act when it is released and how fast you get tippsy.
---Rated via Beer Buddy for iPhone
4.1 AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 5/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 16/20
2011 version, Bottle
Aroma: Primarily floral hops with hints of ginger.
Appearance: Clear dark orange with nice, white head.
Taste: Medium sweetness with a slight bitterness in the finish.
Palate: Medium body, sticky texture, soft carbonation, long finish.
Overall: Too sweet for my taste, but it’s still a very well thought out and fun beer. I could see quaffing a few of these over Christmas dessert, or even Christmas morning with some rich pastries and lots of presents.
3.6 AROMA 6/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 6/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 16/20
Dark gold color, mostly malt aroma. Very malty, some ginger & cinnamon. maybe a little clove or allspice or pepper? Warming alcohol. Thick mouthfeel. Not much hops character. Not my favorite Christmas beer, but it’s readily available here.
2.4 AROMA 5/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 5/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 8/20
Not one of my favorites, but I can see why others would enjoy this brew. Very heavy pine, sweet, tart finish. Well balanced beer, but I couldn’t drink too many of these. In fact, it was difficult for me to finish this one.
4.5 AROMA 9/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 9/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 19/20
A great Christmas ale that's hard to find. One of my favorites for the holiday season if you can find it.
---Rated via Beer Buddy for iPhone
2.6 AROMA 4/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 5/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 11/20
On tap at Dexter’s. I think this is a keg that was pulled awhile back as it was on special then and now. Just too much odd spice going on in this one...
2.3 AROMA 4/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 4/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 9/20
On tap at Dexter’s - Pours light brown with a thin off-white head. Nose is baking spice-forward, with menthol, anise, lemongrass, and a bit of body odor. Nutty taste--hazelnut--with a touch of milkiness, dark bread malt, and really no hopping to speak of. Pretty flat in the mouth, with a medium body. Meh.
|
