I only had room in my suitcase for a couple of small bottles when I escaped Colorado a few weeks ago, and one of the chosen few was this 12-ounce gem from BRECKENRIDGE BREWERY from the ski town of the same name. Their CHRISTMAS ALE is as fine an elixir as you’ll fine anywhere this time of year. It has just this fantastic interaction of malts, and an exceptionally “Christmasy” taste that is coy enough to not overwhelm. It’s mild clove n’ figgy pudding spicing does a great job counteracting what tastes like a massive alcohol wallop, but is in fact a “mere” 7.4% of warming ABV. But hey, don’t believe me, believe the folks over at DRAFT MAGAZINE:This winter, when it is chilly and you are trying to warm your spirit, make sure to get yourself a hearty and strong Christmas Ale from Breckenridge. A clear mahogany color and a frothy beige head are clear indications of the quality brew you are about to enjoy. The spiciness of the hops is apparent in the aroma and is surprisingly evident in the initial taste as well. The flavor soon mellows into a warming malty concoction with some raisin and pear sweetness. The mouthfeel remains full through the entire experience and is balanced well with the carbonation. This beer is best imbibed the year it is made to avoid any oxidation issues that may occur if more than a few months have passed.
Outstanding. Hedonist Beer Jive says 8.5/10.
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3 comments:
DRAFT Magazine descriptions says "this beer is best imbibed the year it is made to avoid any oxidation issues that may occur if more than a few months have passed."
If Anchor Christmas (a much lower ABV if I'm not mistaken) can last years and years (a bar by me is selling bottles of that from '96-current right now), then how would this one not hold up? You think it would stand a change going multiple years?
in that last sentence I meant "stand a chance"
Steve, I'll tell you something - I think the whole "aging beer" thing is mostly BS. Of course I say this not as someone who has aged many beers, but as one who has had multiple spoiled beers - especially recently - that are appx. a year old, and taste like crap. I'm prone to siding with those who say, "drink it as soon as you can". It defies logic that a 6% ABV Anchor Christmas Ale would taste great ten years later. If someone has a '97 they want to share with me to shut me up - please do!
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