Christmas* Ale

[steveh]

Breckenridge Brewing, Denver, CO. 12 oz bottle, no ABV stated on label - 7.4% by the BB web site.

Deep copper to bronze/walnut color. Cream colored head that settles to a thin, bubbly cap.

Mellow toasted and caramel malt nose. Alcohol and mild citrus fruitiness back.

Roasted and sweetish caramel roasted malts with dry alcohol - near whiskey profile, but not that strong. Crisp, dry hops in finish. Roasted malt and alcohol aftertaste with citrus and mild green apple fruit tartness. Near phenol flavors, but it never gets that harsh.

Medium body with a syrupy, turning dry, mouth-feel.

A hearty winter brew in the Goose Island Christmas* Beer vein. Smoother and more balanced, and definitely more alcohol charged.

S.

*All references to religious holidays are used as solely as marketing props, not meant as endorsement or indictment to any individual or group.

[unkle bik]

Originally posted by steveh
Mellow toasted and caramel malt nose. Alcohol and mild citrus fruitiness back.

Roasted and sweetish caramel roasted malts with dry alcohol - near whiskey profile, but not that strong. Crisp, dry hops in finish. Roasted malt and alcohol aftertaste with citrus and mild green apple fruit tartness. Near phenol flavors, but it never gets that harsh.


A hearty winter brew in the Goose Island Christmas* Beer vein. Smoother and more balanced, and definitely more alcohol charged.

S.

*All references to religious holidays are used as solely as marketing props, not meant as endorsement or indictment to any individual or group.

I rank this holiday brew very highly. Agreed about the similarity to Goose Island. Much smoother.

Although, I disagree about the alcohol flavor. I did not notice it that much. In fact, I was quite surprised it was that high.

Oh yeah, nice disclaimer.:)

[steveh]

Originally posted by unkle bik
Although, I disagree about the alcohol flavor. I did not notice it that much. In fact, I was quite surprised it was that high.

When I drank the 2 previous bottles (not in the same evening, all you lushes!) to the one I noted, I took them straight from the fridge - thus colder, and didn't notice the alcohol as much (maybe the morning after, as higher ABV beers tend to make me foggy the next day, even if I have just one). This one I let warm up well and paid it more sensory attention.

The alcohol isn't overpowering, but it's present. Note that I said near whiskey in profile, but certainly not identical - it was just the best comparison I could make for others.

S.

[chazwicke]

Good thing you used that disclaimer. As a newly ordained minister in the Universal Life Church, I might have taken offense.:D

[steveh]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Good thing you used that disclaimer. As a newly ordained minister in the Universal Life Church, I might have taken offense.:D

I have three friends who have been ordained for years now - one has 2 weddings under under his belt, another has one so far. I think I'm covered...at least as far as offending goes!

S.

[Seymour]

Oh, wow. It's like being told I'm gonna get a new toy AFTER Christmas. My family's headed for Colorado in February, so I'll be seeking out this beer. Thanks for the review, Steveh!

[chazwicke]

I just was ordained on Saturday. I like it because There are only two tenents: Religious Freedom and "To do that which is right". It is basically non denominational and encompasses any and all religions or lack there of such as Agnosticism and Athiesm. In my life I have always tried to do that which is right and it has served me well. Not sure what I'm gonna do with my ordination but it seemed a good idea at the time.

[chazwicke]

Oh and I don't offend easily anyway. I'm probably more offensive than offended.:D

[Bruno_78]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Oh and I don't offend easily anyway. I'm probably more offensive than offended.


I'm offended by that.:)

[steveh]

Originally posted by Seymour
so I'll be seeking out this beer

Please add your own impressions - from that close to the source!

S.