2014 beer advent calendar
This is year two of my "advent calendar of beers". Enjoy the reviews!
This is year two of my "advent calendar of beers". Enjoy the reviews!
Dec. 1st
Lebkuchen Christmas Ale
Atwater Brewery - Detroit, Michigan
Woolly Mammoth and Lounge Buddy couldn't wait to get started on the 2014 advent calendar of beer. We all liked this special seasonal brew. It poured with a thick, rich, long lasting head and a pleasant aroma of a nutmeg-like spice. The first sip had a subtle nutmeg or ginger taste, followed by a cherry or cranberry sweetness. This malty, reddish brown treat is not overdone with the season's flavors and sure to please your pallet!
Lebkuchen Christmas Ale
Atwater Brewery - Detroit, Michigan
Woolly Mammoth and Lounge Buddy couldn't wait to get started on the 2014 advent calendar of beer. We all liked this special seasonal brew. It poured with a thick, rich, long lasting head and a pleasant aroma of a nutmeg-like spice. The first sip had a subtle nutmeg or ginger taste, followed by a cherry or cranberry sweetness. This malty, reddish brown treat is not overdone with the season's flavors and sure to please your pallet!
TIP:
Decorating while forming beer reviews is highly encouraged.
Decorating while forming beer reviews is highly encouraged.
Dec. 2nd
Frankenmuth Winter Bock
Frankenmuth Brewery - Frankenmuth, Michigan
This one poured with a thick head that dissipated kinda quick. A nice amber/copper color with an inviting aroma. No special seasonal flavors, just a good malty, mellow beer with a slightly sweet finish. It's not a real heavy brew, so it would be a good choice for a variety of occasions.
Frankenmuth Winter Bock
Frankenmuth Brewery - Frankenmuth, Michigan
This one poured with a thick head that dissipated kinda quick. A nice amber/copper color with an inviting aroma. No special seasonal flavors, just a good malty, mellow beer with a slightly sweet finish. It's not a real heavy brew, so it would be a good choice for a variety of occasions.
Dec. 3rd
King Louie Winter Stout
O'Fallon Brewery - O'Fallon, Missouri
A perfect beer for the season. Enjoy listening to your favorite Christmas music while enjoying this ultra dark beer with a highly carbonated thick head that slowly changes to big, lacy bubbles. The brewer joined with Bissinger's chocolatier to create this nicely blended brew. It has the aroma of chocolate, and this is the first flavor to hit your taste buds. It follows with a light taste of molasses and coffee. It has a lot of carbonation, which makes it feel lighter than it should, and tones down the flavors.
King Louie Winter Stout
O'Fallon Brewery - O'Fallon, Missouri
A perfect beer for the season. Enjoy listening to your favorite Christmas music while enjoying this ultra dark beer with a highly carbonated thick head that slowly changes to big, lacy bubbles. The brewer joined with Bissinger's chocolatier to create this nicely blended brew. It has the aroma of chocolate, and this is the first flavor to hit your taste buds. It follows with a light taste of molasses and coffee. It has a lot of carbonation, which makes it feel lighter than it should, and tones down the flavors.
Dec. 4th
Abita Christmas Ale
Abita Brewing Company - Abita Springs, Louisiana
Abita brews different recipes every year for their special Christmas brew. This year poured with a thick lacy head and the color of dark caramel. It has a light hop aroma which is the first flavor your taste buds experience. The hop flavor is not overdone and is malty smooth. The finish is slightly woodsy. Would be a great beer with a nice cheese, sausage, and cracker board to share with friends.
Abita Christmas Ale
Abita Brewing Company - Abita Springs, Louisiana
Abita brews different recipes every year for their special Christmas brew. This year poured with a thick lacy head and the color of dark caramel. It has a light hop aroma which is the first flavor your taste buds experience. The hop flavor is not overdone and is malty smooth. The finish is slightly woodsy. Would be a great beer with a nice cheese, sausage, and cracker board to share with friends.
Dec. 5th
Santa's Special Reserve
Rogue Ales - Oregon
This smells delicious with a bit of Christmas tree aroma. First taste is heavy on the hops with a bit of a bitter finish. If you like IPAs, you'll enjoy this one. Woolly Mammoth loved it, but Lounge buddy prefers something with less bite. Try this one while wrapping those presents.
Santa's Special Reserve
Rogue Ales - Oregon
This smells delicious with a bit of Christmas tree aroma. First taste is heavy on the hops with a bit of a bitter finish. If you like IPAs, you'll enjoy this one. Woolly Mammoth loved it, but Lounge buddy prefers something with less bite. Try this one while wrapping those presents.
Dec. 6th
Big Shot Seasonal Ale
Fort Collins Brewery - Fort Collins, Colorado
This winter warmer says that its brewed with hazelnut. My taste buds experience a light vanilla flavor followed by a bit of hazelnut and finishes with a little bitterness. It took a few sips to get into it, but I do like it. This dark brown ale goes well with pretzels by the fireplace while watching your favorite movies for this time of year.
Big Shot Seasonal Ale
Fort Collins Brewery - Fort Collins, Colorado
This winter warmer says that its brewed with hazelnut. My taste buds experience a light vanilla flavor followed by a bit of hazelnut and finishes with a little bitterness. It took a few sips to get into it, but I do like it. This dark brown ale goes well with pretzels by the fireplace while watching your favorite movies for this time of year.
Dec. 7th
Celebration Fresh Hop IPA
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. - Chico California
One of my perennial favorites! This special brew IPA captures the taste of winter. With a light gold and copper color, it has the aroma of grapefruit and crisp IPA taste that is slightly piney, yet smooth as honey. Enjoy this brew while chllin' in front of the fireplace and listening to some vintage radio shows or old time "live remotes".
Celebration Fresh Hop IPA
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. - Chico California
One of my perennial favorites! This special brew IPA captures the taste of winter. With a light gold and copper color, it has the aroma of grapefruit and crisp IPA taste that is slightly piney, yet smooth as honey. Enjoy this brew while chllin' in front of the fireplace and listening to some vintage radio shows or old time "live remotes".
Dec. 8th
Juicy Tree experimental IPA
Shorts Brewing Company - Elk Rapids, Michigan
This light gold beer is the perfect choice while putting up the Christmas tree. Why, because it tastes like one. Woolly Mammoth loves this earthy brew with its fresh citrus aroma. First taste is that of chewing on a spruce branch, followed by citrus, then a little tartness of cranberry with a slightly bitter end. For those who like adventures in beer, this one is a little harsh at first, but if you stay with it, you just might like it in the end. I did.
Juicy Tree experimental IPA
Shorts Brewing Company - Elk Rapids, Michigan
This light gold beer is the perfect choice while putting up the Christmas tree. Why, because it tastes like one. Woolly Mammoth loves this earthy brew with its fresh citrus aroma. First taste is that of chewing on a spruce branch, followed by citrus, then a little tartness of cranberry with a slightly bitter end. For those who like adventures in beer, this one is a little harsh at first, but if you stay with it, you just might like it in the end. I did.
Dec. 9th
Christmas Ale
Bells Brewery - Comstock, Michigan
With it's light aroma and reddish, caramel color, this is a mellow holiday choice. No seasonal spices added, just a good flavored malty brew that won't fill you up. Nice and smooth! Goes well with buttery pretzels or popcorn.
Christmas Ale
Bells Brewery - Comstock, Michigan
With it's light aroma and reddish, caramel color, this is a mellow holiday choice. No seasonal spices added, just a good flavored malty brew that won't fill you up. Nice and smooth! Goes well with buttery pretzels or popcorn.
Dec. 10th
Old Man Winter Ale
Southern Tier Brewing Co. - Lakewood, New York
While this beer doesn't have any seasonal flavors added, it does have a nice aroma and color. It starts out with a little bitter hoppyness, followed by a malty smoothness. A great choice after a long day of snowman construction, or even during the process. Would go very nicely with your favorite winter pizza pie!
Old Man Winter Ale
Southern Tier Brewing Co. - Lakewood, New York
While this beer doesn't have any seasonal flavors added, it does have a nice aroma and color. It starts out with a little bitter hoppyness, followed by a malty smoothness. A great choice after a long day of snowman construction, or even during the process. Would go very nicely with your favorite winter pizza pie!
Dec. 11th
Winter Welcome Ale
Samual Smith Old Brewery - Tadcaster, England
A great brew to enjoy with friends while watching the snow fall. This medium bodied ale has malty texture and enough carbonation to tickle your tongue. It's sure to please most of the beer lovers out there. Serve with peanuts, pretzels, and you favorite holiday music!
Winter Welcome Ale
Samual Smith Old Brewery - Tadcaster, England
A great brew to enjoy with friends while watching the snow fall. This medium bodied ale has malty texture and enough carbonation to tickle your tongue. It's sure to please most of the beer lovers out there. Serve with peanuts, pretzels, and you favorite holiday music!
Dec. 12th
Adoration Dark Winter Ale
Ommegang Brewery, Cooperstown, New York
Pour this one slowly, or your mug will runneth over with foam! A cloudy deep copper color that smells inviting. This highly carbonated Belgian ale has nice subtle flavors of citrus and spices. The flavors are complex and not over powering. A very delicious beer with a flavor that changes as you work your way through the bottle. It's what winter tastes like!
Adoration Dark Winter Ale
Ommegang Brewery, Cooperstown, New York
Pour this one slowly, or your mug will runneth over with foam! A cloudy deep copper color that smells inviting. This highly carbonated Belgian ale has nice subtle flavors of citrus and spices. The flavors are complex and not over powering. A very delicious beer with a flavor that changes as you work your way through the bottle. It's what winter tastes like!
Dec. 13th
Heavy Seas Winter Storm Category 5 Ale
Clipper City Brewing Company - Baltimore, Maryland
This caramel and red colored ale was a difficult beer to describe. Starts with a light hop flavor and the usual bitter after taste of a hoppy beer, but it was slightly sweet. Further sampling reveals a malty sweet addition to the light hop flavor. Sometimes the bitterness was there, sometimes the finish was slightly sweet. It has a nice and sweet hop aroma. It is a delicious beer to be enjoyed throughout the winter months.
Heavy Seas Winter Storm Category 5 Ale
Clipper City Brewing Company - Baltimore, Maryland
This caramel and red colored ale was a difficult beer to describe. Starts with a light hop flavor and the usual bitter after taste of a hoppy beer, but it was slightly sweet. Further sampling reveals a malty sweet addition to the light hop flavor. Sometimes the bitterness was there, sometimes the finish was slightly sweet. It has a nice and sweet hop aroma. It is a delicious beer to be enjoyed throughout the winter months.
Dec 14th
Winter Cheers Celebratory Wheat Ale
Victory Brewing Company - Downingtown, Pennsylvania
This cloudy, light golden ale has a fluffy white head and is highly carbonated. The aroma is fruity and slightly sweet. There is a citrus fruit flavor with subtle hints of spice. This winter wheat is a light hearted ale perfect for after dinner, or sharing with friends after a long day of sledding!
Winter Cheers Celebratory Wheat Ale
Victory Brewing Company - Downingtown, Pennsylvania
This cloudy, light golden ale has a fluffy white head and is highly carbonated. The aroma is fruity and slightly sweet. There is a citrus fruit flavor with subtle hints of spice. This winter wheat is a light hearted ale perfect for after dinner, or sharing with friends after a long day of sledding!
Dec. 15th
2XMAS Swedish Glogg Ale
Southern Tier Brewing Company - Lakewood, New York
A seasonal brew that is heavy on the spices. Pours with a festive amber color and light foamy head. A beer to be enjoyed by sipping in front of the fireplace and taking in the shimmering lights on the Christmas Tree. For those who like spiced Christmas brews, you're sure to enjoy this one.
2XMAS Swedish Glogg Ale
Southern Tier Brewing Company - Lakewood, New York
A seasonal brew that is heavy on the spices. Pours with a festive amber color and light foamy head. A beer to be enjoyed by sipping in front of the fireplace and taking in the shimmering lights on the Christmas Tree. For those who like spiced Christmas brews, you're sure to enjoy this one.
Dec. 16th
The Merry Elf
Odd Side Ales - Grand Haven, Michigan
This dark ale is brewed with candy sugar and orange peel. The color is a nice dark brown with very little foamy head. The first sip is bitter, like orange peel followed by a light hop experience. I didn't notice any candiy sugar sweetness but there was a slight hint of Christmas spice. Over all a very good brew to enjoy in front of the fireplace, or watching some favorite holiday movies.
The Merry Elf
Odd Side Ales - Grand Haven, Michigan
This dark ale is brewed with candy sugar and orange peel. The color is a nice dark brown with very little foamy head. The first sip is bitter, like orange peel followed by a light hop experience. I didn't notice any candiy sugar sweetness but there was a slight hint of Christmas spice. Over all a very good brew to enjoy in front of the fireplace, or watching some favorite holiday movies.
Dec 17th
Bah Humbug Christmas Cheer
Wychwood Brewery - Witney, Oxfordshire, England
Woolly Mammoth and Lounge Buddy went ahead without me to review a couple of brews on their own. Woolly liked the Bah Humbug Christmas Ale. It brought on a smile and drove away those Christmas blues. Simply stated, "it's good beer!"
Dec. 18th
Christmas Ale
Great Lakes Brewing Co. - Cleveland, Ohio
Lounge Buddy really likes this copper colored ale, with its well blended seasonal spices and slightly sweet finish, he said "I'll have another, and another!"
Bah Humbug Christmas Cheer
Wychwood Brewery - Witney, Oxfordshire, England
Woolly Mammoth and Lounge Buddy went ahead without me to review a couple of brews on their own. Woolly liked the Bah Humbug Christmas Ale. It brought on a smile and drove away those Christmas blues. Simply stated, "it's good beer!"
Dec. 18th
Christmas Ale
Great Lakes Brewing Co. - Cleveland, Ohio
Lounge Buddy really likes this copper colored ale, with its well blended seasonal spices and slightly sweet finish, he said "I'll have another, and another!"
Dec. 19th
Brooklyn Winter Ale
The Brooklyn Brewery - Utica, New York
This medium bodied foamy brew has a nice malty goodness and excellent flavor that is perfect for those crisp winter evenings in front of the camp fire, reminiscing with friends. Go ahead, build a snowman and stick a brew in his hand to show your appreciation for winter!
Brooklyn Winter Ale
The Brooklyn Brewery - Utica, New York
This medium bodied foamy brew has a nice malty goodness and excellent flavor that is perfect for those crisp winter evenings in front of the camp fire, reminiscing with friends. Go ahead, build a snowman and stick a brew in his hand to show your appreciation for winter!
Dec. 20th
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Ale
Anchor Brewing - San Francisco, California
This 40th edition of the special brew has an excellent reddish, dark brown color with a thick creamy head. The first taste brings light and warming spices, followed by some orange peel bitterness. A well balanced flavorful beer with a slightly sweet finish that is sure to tingle your taste buds.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Ale
Anchor Brewing - San Francisco, California
This 40th edition of the special brew has an excellent reddish, dark brown color with a thick creamy head. The first taste brings light and warming spices, followed by some orange peel bitterness. A well balanced flavorful beer with a slightly sweet finish that is sure to tingle your taste buds.
Dec. 21st
3 Scrooges Winter Ale
Griffin Claw Brewing Company - Birmingham, Michigan
This smooth blend of winter cheer pours a nice copper color with a lightly foamy top. Lounge Buddy says he likes the subtle hints of nutmeg and ginger. It has nice orange peel bitterness at the finish. A great brew to share with friends through the season.
3 Scrooges Winter Ale
Griffin Claw Brewing Company - Birmingham, Michigan
This smooth blend of winter cheer pours a nice copper color with a lightly foamy top. Lounge Buddy says he likes the subtle hints of nutmeg and ginger. It has nice orange peel bitterness at the finish. A great brew to share with friends through the season.
Dec. 22nd
Sticky Toffee Pudding Ale
Wells & Young's Brewing Company - Bedford, United Kingdom
The name is very accurate with its flavor of Toffee and silky pudding mouthfeel. Not overwhelming enough to over power the fact that this is a beer. Very inpressive how the balance is achieved. The after taste is that of slight beer bitterness. A great beer to enjoy while baking those holiday treats.
Sticky Toffee Pudding Ale
Wells & Young's Brewing Company - Bedford, United Kingdom
The name is very accurate with its flavor of Toffee and silky pudding mouthfeel. Not overwhelming enough to over power the fact that this is a beer. Very inpressive how the balance is achieved. The after taste is that of slight beer bitterness. A great beer to enjoy while baking those holiday treats.
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Dec. 23rd
Blitzen Festivus Ale North Peak Brewing Company - Traverse City, Michigan Starts with a great aroma and pours a very dark brown with light head that quickly moves to the edges of the glass. Woolly Mammoth likes the malty character and slightly sweet beginning, ending with an orange peel bitterness. While the brew approaches room temperature, he was treated with flavors of raisins and a hint of rye IPA. An excellent balance of a variety of complex flavors that improve with every sip. |
Dec. 24th
Shiner Holiday Cheer Ale
Spoetzl Brewery - Shiner, Texas
This Christmas Eve, Woolly Mammoth, Lounge Buddy, and I gathered at the underground Christmas lounge for some festive atmosphere. Shiner Holiday Cheer poured a perfect caramel and copper color with a nice tan, bubbly head. It has a pleasant fruity and sweet aroma. With it's taste of peaches followed by the slight taste of almonds it has a smooth and malty character which makes it an excellent after dinner brew.
Shiner Holiday Cheer Ale
Spoetzl Brewery - Shiner, Texas
This Christmas Eve, Woolly Mammoth, Lounge Buddy, and I gathered at the underground Christmas lounge for some festive atmosphere. Shiner Holiday Cheer poured a perfect caramel and copper color with a nice tan, bubbly head. It has a pleasant fruity and sweet aroma. With it's taste of peaches followed by the slight taste of almonds it has a smooth and malty character which makes it an excellent after dinner brew.
Dec. 25th
Beckinridge Christmas Ale
Beckinridge Brewery - Denver, Colorado
This Christmas ale is the perfect choice to celebrate the day, Merry Christmas! It has a nice deep brown and caramel color with a light foamy head. The aroma and flavor is slightly sweet and malty with a nice finish of orange peel bitterness. A very smooth and balanced beer to enjoy with family and friends. No seasonal spices, just plenty of cheer!
Beckinridge Christmas Ale
Beckinridge Brewery - Denver, Colorado
This Christmas ale is the perfect choice to celebrate the day, Merry Christmas! It has a nice deep brown and caramel color with a light foamy head. The aroma and flavor is slightly sweet and malty with a nice finish of orange peel bitterness. A very smooth and balanced beer to enjoy with family and friends. No seasonal spices, just plenty of cheer!