I took a new job a few weeks ago in San Francisco’s South of Market district, only a mere block away from the 21ST AMENDMENT BREWERY – which most beerheads seem to think is one of this town’s 2 quality breweries (along with MAGNOLIA). So anyway, being a local and all, I signed up for their email list, and yesterday received word that they not only had a new HOLIDAY SPICED ALE on tap at the pub, but were bottling it in 22-oz. bottles for the “take-home” market. I did a fly-by after work and picked one up – and have to say, this is seriously one of the best holiday beers I’ve ever had. It balances 8% alcohol with the most lush batch of spices known to man – jeez, I don’t know what they are, but I tasted just about everything in there – cinnamon, nutmeg, toffee, and maybe even some cocoa dust or something. It’s got a medium body that makes it go down really easily, and yet is most certifiably a strong ale, made both for beer lovers and lovers of beer. I can see this going in a few stockings this year, and it’s big enough to crowd out any room for other things, thus reducing my holiday “spend”. I cry in howling pain for those of you who don’t live within driving distance of San Francisco. Perhaps you can call them up and have one shipped to you for $15? A knockout beer – 9.5/10.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
21ST AMENDMENT’S HOLIDAY SPICED ALE - THE ONE TO BEAT
I took a new job a few weeks ago in San Francisco’s South of Market district, only a mere block away from the 21ST AMENDMENT BREWERY – which most beerheads seem to think is one of this town’s 2 quality breweries (along with MAGNOLIA). So anyway, being a local and all, I signed up for their email list, and yesterday received word that they not only had a new HOLIDAY SPICED ALE on tap at the pub, but were bottling it in 22-oz. bottles for the “take-home” market. I did a fly-by after work and picked one up – and have to say, this is seriously one of the best holiday beers I’ve ever had. It balances 8% alcohol with the most lush batch of spices known to man – jeez, I don’t know what they are, but I tasted just about everything in there – cinnamon, nutmeg, toffee, and maybe even some cocoa dust or something. It’s got a medium body that makes it go down really easily, and yet is most certifiably a strong ale, made both for beer lovers and lovers of beer. I can see this going in a few stockings this year, and it’s big enough to crowd out any room for other things, thus reducing my holiday “spend”. I cry in howling pain for those of you who don’t live within driving distance of San Francisco. Perhaps you can call them up and have one shipped to you for $15? A knockout beer – 9.5/10.
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7 comments:
I used to work over near 21A, also, and love them not only for their beer, but their food, also. My favorite brewpub in San Francisco, without question.
I'm not generally a fan of spiced Xmas beers, but will be at 21A next week and will be sure to check out this brew. I have to find out what a 9.5 beer tastes like.
That's not cocoa dust it's MAGIC DUST!
I was looking at their beer list. Why do they package so many of them in cans? I can see it with the watermelon wheat (take to the beach or a picnick), but I noticed others like that as well.
I'm guessing I can't get these things in Texas.
I'll be there tomorrow night while on business from Philly. Maybe you'll be, too, for the event they're having at 6pm? Looking forward to a couple of home take home goodies!
Hmmm. Somewhat underwhelmed with the holiday ale, especially after the review. It was nice, but didn't strike me as all that complex. The cask IPA was nice, though.
--Tim
Had it on Tues. night at the pub and taking some home with me. Definitely a good beer, but the jury is out on whether it's a great beer. Will need further review at home with the bottle :)
Had on tap at the pub on Tuesday night. Was very good, but the jury is still out on whether it's great. Will need to do further review at home with my take-home bottles :)
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