So the Christmas season is finally upon us. If you are a friend of mine you know how much I love Christmas and all that goes along with it, the music, the movies, the tv specials, the decorations, the tree, all of it. Also, the beer. I think winter/ Christmas seasonals are my favorite of the year. Nothing against spring, summer, and fall beers, there are certainly many that I love dearly. But the beers that come out this time of year? I can't get enough of them. Rich, dark, malty, spicy, most of them rather boozy. Right up my alley. Today's beer is a favorite in this part of the country, Great Lakes Christmas Ale. It's a winter warmer, which is kind of a nebulous style. Anyways, it checks in at 7.5% ABV, 30 IBUs and is brewed with honey, ginger, and cinnamon. To the beer!
Christmas Ale pours a gorgeous crystal clear bronze amber in color. It's capped by finger of creamy looking dense white foam that leaves some spotty lacing on the walls of the glass. Another word on the look, that photo is not my best work. It's just a bit out of focus. Sorry about that.
Lots of caramel malt aromas are immediately evident on the nose. Spicy hints of ginger and cinnamon come out to play as well. Earthy, somewhat roasty hints add some complexity too. very malt and spice forward.
Christmas Ale is rich, smooth and full bodied. Lots of great sweetness from a robust molasses/ caramel body lays the groundwork. The honey adds a great, full richness and the cinnamon and ginger impart a nice even spiciness without overpowering. Everything here works beautifully in concert. Lots of great sweetness without being cloying, lots of great spiciness without being overbearing. It's incredibly well balanced and drinkable. A lovely and enjoyable warming sensation makes itself known on the pretty dry finish.
This is a delightful beer. Rich, malty, balanced, with a lovely spiciness and a great warming sensation to keep those cold winter weather at bay. If this is an indicator of what's to come for the rest of the year with all of those winter seasonals sitting in my fridge, I'm in for some good drinking in the coming weeks.
HD
Love the photo! My fiance had this beer on draft up in Cleveland where it is commonly served in a shaker pint rimmed with cinnamon and sugar. She convinced me it wasn't just for show and I gave it a shot. WOW! That combination puts this beer over the top and made for a highly enjoyable pint. Pairs great with a sharp cheddar and some salami.
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