Christmas Ale

Vintage 2011 - bottled on 10/31/11 abv: 6.2% Pours a slightly cloudy amber brown color with a one inch cream white head. Head settles out after a few minutes leaving a thin layer of creamy tightly formed bubbles floating on top. Lacing sheets down the sides of the glass. The aroma is lightly toasted malt, bread, brown sugar and a hint of spice and a dark fruit making an appearance as well. The taste is similar to the aroma with lightly toasted malts, bread, caramel, and brown sugar with a light spice. I am also getting a bit of dark fruit, maybe raisin on the finish. The spice is light and is a nice change as too many of the winter beers over do it with the spices. Medium body with light to medium carbonation. Creamy smooth mouth feel. Overall I would say that this a solid brown ale that fits the winter season well. It is well balanced with nice winter flavors and a mouth feel that is buttery smooth and easy to drink. I have two bottles that I am going to cellar for a few years as the label says that it will age in the bottle up to 5 year. I'll let you know in a few years how it ages, but for now it tastes great!

Pours clear with a huge, tan, frothy foam. Retention is like no other as it hangs around more than I wish as I hate drinking through foam. Lacing begins as the foam slowly recedes: sticky and web like. Aroma is toasted malt, earthy, slight spice, with citrus hops. Not huge on the sniffer but definitely pleasant. Taste is a toasted but sweet malt up front with a touch of roasted malt in the finish. Peppery on the lips. A bit of bitterness throughout with a strong citrus (grapefruit) hop bitterness into the aftertaste. Medium body but thicker than it appears to the eye as it is a bit sticky. Light carbonation. A good beer that I could have each season as it really doesn't come across as that big of a spiced beer. Easy drinking and low enough ABV to have a few. Enjoy! Note: bottled on 10/16/09 1838 (from side of bottle)