If the Anchor Christmas ale is the original Christmas beer, today's isn't far behind. Sierra Nevada first brewed Celebration in 1981. Also making it special is the fact that this beer is a wet-hopped IPA, certainly unique for a Christmas beer. I know I'm intrigued. To the beer!
Celebration pours hazy with plenty of hop particles. A beautiful Christmassy deep scarlet in color. A bit of an overzealous pour yielded a tall layer of sturdy white head that's awfully resilient and leaves some spectacular lacing as it slowly recedes.
Pungent floral, resinous, and citrusy hop aromas pop out of the top of the glass. The hops are balanced by malty notes of toasty baked bread and sweet toffee.
Celebration is full bodied with a great creaminess. Loads of fresh, bitter, piney come out swinging first. The pine flavors are joined by plenty of fruit as well. Hints of grapefruit, mango, pear, and apple. Sierra Nevada truly knows their way around these wet hopped ales. Just like in the Northern Hemisphere Harvest, Celebration is exceptionally well balanced. This time around, by a great biscuity malt sweetness. The balance makes this beer wonderfully drinkable.
I'm not sure that Clelebration really screams Christmas Ale. It's lacking in the spice, and hearty warming body that are the usual hallmarks of a winter seasonal. What it does scream however, is damn good IPA. And for that reason, this is a beer worth seeking out. It's pretty fantastic.
HD.
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