Beers of Christmas Past
This page is intended to be a review of my Christmas beers from years gone by. It will be a challenge to remember the flavors and what I liked about them. I saved the bottles for a reason, even if I only liked the bottle.
I'm sure the reminiscing will be fun.
This page is intended to be a review of my Christmas beers from years gone by. It will be a challenge to remember the flavors and what I liked about them. I saved the bottles for a reason, even if I only liked the bottle.
I'm sure the reminiscing will be fun.
Elfin Ale - pre-1996
Star Brewing Co. - Portland, Oregon
Not quite sure of the year on this one, but from my research, the brewery closed in 1996. I distinctly remember pouring this into a glass and about half way, there was an explosion of foam over flowing the glass. What a great snow maker! Following up with a much slower and careful pour, I was pleased with it's aroma, and flavor. It left me with a fond Christmas memory!
Star Brewing Co. - Portland, Oregon
Not quite sure of the year on this one, but from my research, the brewery closed in 1996. I distinctly remember pouring this into a glass and about half way, there was an explosion of foam over flowing the glass. What a great snow maker! Following up with a much slower and careful pour, I was pleased with it's aroma, and flavor. It left me with a fond Christmas memory!
Delirium Noel - circa 2006
The Huyghe Brewery - Melle/Ghent, Belgium
From a brewery established in 1654, this Belgian-style Christmas ale is an annual release. I wasn't sure about the date I sampled this one, but I do remember it had a nice foamy head with traditional fruity flavors and candy sweetness. Belgian ales are not for everyone, but I certainly enjoy the ones brewed for Christmas. They usually have some spices of the season added and make a good sipper while enjoying my favorite Christmas music.
The Huyghe Brewery - Melle/Ghent, Belgium
From a brewery established in 1654, this Belgian-style Christmas ale is an annual release. I wasn't sure about the date I sampled this one, but I do remember it had a nice foamy head with traditional fruity flavors and candy sweetness. Belgian ales are not for everyone, but I certainly enjoy the ones brewed for Christmas. They usually have some spices of the season added and make a good sipper while enjoying my favorite Christmas music.
Winter Bock - 2003
Frankenmuth Brewery, Frankenmuth, Michigan
A special holiday brew for the 2003 season featured six varieties of roasted malts, a thick rich head, and deep carmally color. A thick brew with a toffee finish brought holiday cheer to all!
Frankenmuth Brewery, Frankenmuth, Michigan
A special holiday brew for the 2003 season featured six varieties of roasted malts, a thick rich head, and deep carmally color. A thick brew with a toffee finish brought holiday cheer to all!
Christmas Town Ale - 2013
From the Frankenmuth Brewery - Frankenmuth, Michigan
This beer has its own glass! What better way to start the remembrance of past holiday beers than with last year. It was a very good beer!
From the Frankenmuth Brewery - Frankenmuth, Michigan
This beer has its own glass! What better way to start the remembrance of past holiday beers than with last year. It was a very good beer!
Celebration Ale - 1996
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company - Chico, California
The celebration ale is a special brew that has become a traditional selection at the lounge. Consistently good, it always brings cheer to the season.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company - Chico, California
The celebration ale is a special brew that has become a traditional selection at the lounge. Consistently good, it always brings cheer to the season.
Special Christmas Brew - 1995 edition
Anheuser-Busch, Inc - St. Louis, Missouri
This limited edition Lager was a special brew, just for the holidays. What a great way to celebrate. Better than the average mass produced beer recipes, this one was a nice example of an American Lager that was perfect for a season of caring and sharing!
Anheuser-Busch, Inc - St. Louis, Missouri
This limited edition Lager was a special brew, just for the holidays. What a great way to celebrate. Better than the average mass produced beer recipes, this one was a nice example of an American Lager that was perfect for a season of caring and sharing!
Gouden Carolous Noel - Belgian ale
Het Anker brewery - Mechelen, Belgium
A beer sampled 3-5 years past (from before 2014). My memory fails me as to my liking it or not. The bottle was worth keeping! The description on the label states that this is brewed especially for Christmas by the brewery established in 1369. A traditional Belgian ale, which is high gravity, top fermentation, coppery in color, and has warmth and body. Sounds delicious and festive. with 10% alcohol volume, it would age gracefully. I think it must have been good. Wish I could remember...
Het Anker brewery - Mechelen, Belgium
A beer sampled 3-5 years past (from before 2014). My memory fails me as to my liking it or not. The bottle was worth keeping! The description on the label states that this is brewed especially for Christmas by the brewery established in 1369. A traditional Belgian ale, which is high gravity, top fermentation, coppery in color, and has warmth and body. Sounds delicious and festive. with 10% alcohol volume, it would age gracefully. I think it must have been good. Wish I could remember...
Pete's Wicked Winter Brew
Pete's Brewing Company, St. Paul, Minnesota
Back in the mid 90s, this was my favorite Christmas beer. Brewed with nutmeg and raspberries, this medium dark amber ale had a festive flavor and great aroma.
Pete's Brewing Company, St. Paul, Minnesota
Back in the mid 90s, this was my favorite Christmas beer. Brewed with nutmeg and raspberries, this medium dark amber ale had a festive flavor and great aroma.
La Chouffe Belgian Golden Ale
Brasserie D'Achouffe - Achouffe, Belgium
From around 2005-2006, this was a champagne style beer. It even came in a magnum bottle. It was a highly carbonated brew with a thick white head that lasted. From what I remember, it was a cloudy, medium dark ale. It had a typical fruity aroma and flavor. It was sweet like a champagne, and I don't remember the flavor level of any seasonal spices added, and not sure how much I liked it. The bottle is cool and festive. The label is baked on the glass, so it's permanent.
Brasserie D'Achouffe - Achouffe, Belgium
From around 2005-2006, this was a champagne style beer. It even came in a magnum bottle. It was a highly carbonated brew with a thick white head that lasted. From what I remember, it was a cloudy, medium dark ale. It had a typical fruity aroma and flavor. It was sweet like a champagne, and I don't remember the flavor level of any seasonal spices added, and not sure how much I liked it. The bottle is cool and festive. The label is baked on the glass, so it's permanent.
