Christmas Beer

[wnmayor]

My favorite Christmas beer comes from the Pittsburgh area. Penn Brewery offers each year St. Nikolaus Bock Bier. It is rich dark and full of the holiday. The Bavarian Hallertau hops and roasted barley wed well. This beer is for those who are both naughty and nice.
WN MAYOR

[tjthresh]

I had last year's. I have a buddy that lives in Pittsburgh that is hooking me up with a case for Christmas. I can't wait. I enjoy most of Penn's brews.

[Beer Nazi]

Thanks for mentioning that beer, I'll have to give it a try.

I have a co-worker who's mother sends him a couple cases of Iron City every Christmas. I'll se if he can get a couple bottles of it along with his IC.

[wnmayor]

I hope that my choice becomes one of your favorites. Happy Holidays!

[Danimal]

Gents.

I need to go with a few of the national micros for this review... The best I have seen this season were both ales from CA, the Anchor "Special Ale" and the Sierra Nevada "Celebration Ale". I am not, by any means, blinded by the lack of competition in this area - but these two are great ales. In the past, I have chosen heavier import beers - this year it is American ales...

Dan

[wnmayor]

In Greensburg, Pa. there is a brew pub called the Red Star. Prior to Thanksgiving they presented their Voodoo Larger. In less than three weeks it was gone. If you are ever in the Pgh area (Greensburg about twenty miles east) Try their holiday gifts!

[tavernjef]

Finally found some Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barlel Style Ale that everyone seems to be talkin' about.
I must say it is quite good, lots of texture and very full of flavor.
Its got a bit of everything. Good call ya'all.:D
I just like seeing what everyone likes and suggest, cuz then it gives me the opportunity to try new stuff.

[Danimal]

Jef.

I too recently found Bigfoot - about a week ago - and am also now a fan. Great taste, hoppy and yet does not taste like a brew that is pushing 10%... I am toying with the idea of picking up some Bells Third Coast Ale as a comparison - though the local brewmonger has a $14+ price on a sixer of this barleywine...anyone know if it is worth it? I am a big fan of Kalamazoo brewing, especially the Two Hearted Ale which arguably is the best IPA I have ever had, so I may take the jump - though over ten bucks a six is a big ledge...especially if I like the stuff :-)

[davesarman]

Bell's Third Coast Old Ale? Definitely try it!!! I had the pleasure of meeting Larry Bell at a homebrew competition last year in St. Cloud, MN. Great down to earth guy! Had him sign a six pack carrier of the Two Hearted Ale which I gave to my boss. (How's that for sucking up?) The 3rd Coast is spendy, to be sure, but worth it. I bought some a few years back with the intention of laying them down for several years. Well, you know how it goes. I only have one left. I think I need to re-stock! Bell's has one of the best lineups of beer of any brewery in the country. If you've never had their Expedition Stout (Imperial stout), that's also a spendy must try. Cheers!

[tavernjef]

Yep, definately try the third coast, yes its spendy, but worth a try. I also agree the two hearted ale is one of the best IPA's. If it gets put in the tournament I'm sure it'll go far.I have yet to be dissappointed with anything by Bell's. Besides the Imperial Stout, try the Special Double Cream Stout, I've been stickin' with that and the Bigfoot the last week or so.
Cheers, and have fun.:)

[Danimal]

Thanks for the info - Third Coast ale is on the shopping list for next week... I am also a big fan of Bells, my affliction started with the pale and porter and moved from there. Either of you try the Java Stout? Sounds interesting....thought I understand the Expidition is the best of the Stouts from them. Another on the list...

[tavernjef]

Yep, I had the Java Stout about a month ago, wow, what a taste. Bell's has some goodies that's for sure. You won't be dissappointed with the Third Coast.
Check this out. Anyone who's currently or recently been drinkin the Bigfoot 'Sierra Nevada' ever notice the bottle cap, underneath? It has a little illustration of two campers enjoying a campfire with the Bigfoot himself. Kinda funny.
Enjoy your Bell's, Danimal:)

[tavernjef]

Hey Bell's fans, the Cherry Stout just released.
Look for it, buy it, drink it, it's damn good.
I couldn't stop buying it last year, this year is
no exception. Yum.

[drstandley]

Pete's Wicked Winterfest was pretty good this year.
I hear you on the Bells. It's one of my favorite breweries.