Whats the 411 on X mas ale release?

[jb]

One thing to add, and don't think it condescending: In both the Willoughby and Madison Giant Eagle there was no Xmas Ale in the beer fridge/section but there was plenty of Xmas Ale.

In Willoughby they put a display of it over near the produce and seasonal shit and in Madison (just an hour ago as a matter of fact) I found the beer section empty of Xmas Ale but a nce display of it (though warm) over near the wine and liquor store.

Don't assume they're out if you see none next to the Coors Light and Sam Adams stuff in the fridge.

Pretty sure my Mom used to read you.

http://www.heloise.com/images/heloise_blog.jpg

[motherscratcher]

The Eagle has landed

[jclvd_23]

Didn't want to start a new topic, but I have a quick question concerning "christmas ales" and figured I'd come to the beer experts for advice.

I live in Florida and unfortunately can't get my hands on the Great Lakes Christmas Ale. Any other holiday or christmas ales out there worth a shot? I've noticed Sierra Nevada puts out a Celebration Ale and was going to give it a shot, but other than that, I've got nothing.

Some around here would agree I am knowledgeable in this area so here's my input. The first group lists traditional "winter warmer/christmas ales" with more spice and hop character. The 2nd list are the belgian dark ales that are traditionally associated with the Christmas season and have more port/dark fruit/booze notes.

BTW - SN Celebration is FANTASTIC, but don't expect something like Great Lakes. Sierra Nevada's take is more subdued on the spice side and more pronounced on hops.

Cigar City Winter Warmer (being in Florida, I'd think you can get this stuff)
Avery Old Jubelation
Breckinridge Christmas Ale
Goose Island Christmas Ale (more of a spicy brown ale)
Sam Smith Winter Welcome
Highland Winter Ale (North Carolina, probably well distributed down south)
Thirsty Dog 12 Days of Christmas (a local favorite out of Akron)
Hitachino Nest Celebration Ale
Sam Adams' Old Fezziwig

Corsendonk Christmas Ale - My personal favorite out of all X-mas styles/rotationals
Troegs Mad Elf (sh!t is crazy boozy, but has a great cherry draw to it)
Brassarie Caracole Nostradamus
De Dolle Oerbier
Delerium Noel
St. Bernardus X-mas Ale

Cheers!

Was able to find the St. Bernardus x-mas ale this past weekend and really enjoyed it. Before I knew it I had finished the bottle and had a slight buzz going on which surprised me. I went back and looked at the bottle and noticed it was 10% abv....it went down so smooth I had no idea.

Back to RNE or Mother, how does the Corsendonk x-mas ale compare with the St. Bernardus? I really enjoyed the St. B and will definitely hit up another bottle or two in the coming weeks.

On a side note I also got a six-pack of Winterbraun (Lost Coast Brewery) and thought it was enjoyable,but there are plenty of other x-mas ales I want to try out so I probably won't give it another go this season. It is a brown ale with a taste of roasted chocolate and caramel malts. Not too bad, but not really one of my favorites.

[GodHatesClevelandSport]

If you actually make it to GLBC, try their Rackhouse beer on tap. Now that's heckuva beer. Slight spicy taste, kinda like ginger or cinammon. Something like 10.7%. Drink up!

[peeker643]

If you actually make it to GLBC, try their Rackhouse beer on tap. Now that's heckuva beer. Slight spicy taste, kinda like ginger or cinammon. Something like 10.7%. Drink up!

That was one I didn't like when I had it GHCS.

I thought it was horribly sweet. It is potent for sure, just way too sweet for my tastes.

[peeker643]

Gentlemen, if you show up at a store(s) and can't find what is certainly the best batch of Christmas Ale that GLBC has made in years, do yourself a favor and grap Thirsty Dog's "12 Dogs of Christmas".

I happen to have a 12 of each. And the Thirsty Dog is unbelievably good too. Try it and tell me I'm lying. Not as hoppy as the Rogues or Goose Island offerings and very close to the line GLBC took.

Just an FYI.

[swerb]

Recently had two other Christmas Ales at Deagan's in Lakewood, my new favorite bar. They have six different Christmas Ales - on tap.

Bell's Xmas Ale and Anchor Steam XMas Ale. Both very good. Still haven't tasted one that can hold the jock of Great Lakes.

[Naxos]

Finally. Finally has GLCA made it to the Philly area. Got a case today and it finally feeels like the holiday season.

Was trying to find a backup plan for tomorrow if I could not find it. The distributors were recommending Troegs Mad Elf and Ancor Christmas as popular sesonal favorites.

Got the Leinenkugel Winter variety pack to round off the home selection for guests. I have not tried any of those as of yet.

[RickNashEquilibrium]

GLBC and Thirstydog are both great, but when you have a chance, you really need to try Corsendonk Xmas Ale. Its a different style (belgian dark ale/winter warmer) but still has the spice/aroma to compare to GLBC.

[motherscratcher]

I have yet to locate any 'Donk Christmas Ale. And, i didn't even know that Bells made any, although I should probably have assumed. I'm embarrassed.

Frankly, I think I need to get my priorities in order.

[RickNashEquilibrium]

I have yet to locate any 'Donk Christmas Ale. And, i didn't even know that Bells made any, although I should probably have assumed. I'm embarrassed.

Frankly, I think I need to get my priorities in order.

Bell's isn't bad, but its nothing special. Had a few bottles of it weeks ago. Mother, since you live in Avon, hit up The Wine Room on Chester Road or Rozi's Wine House in Lakewood. They have it there. If not , plenty of places here on the eastside have it. I know it sounds silly to take a drive, but I venture all the way to Chuck's in Chagrin Falls when I have an itch for rare stuff.

BTW below is the link for Rozi's. Click on the link that reads "Click for New Beers." That is their entire lineup and it is impressive.

http://www.rozis.com/A55A01/Rozis.nsf/59a3d643f4721dc085256d8c00530f4c/3a081d50c0f91d478525761d00794592?OpenDocument

[swerb]

My office is like 60 yards from Rozis. I love that place.

[Love child of shawn kemp]

Had a friend grab me two cases while he was up in cleveland on business last week. Also have two cases sitting in the manager's office at the local Kroger that were pulled for me when they got their most recent shipment. I may be developing a problem.

[jb]

Tell you what; Troeggs is the baddest elf this side of the Brownie.

Wow. APV makes GLCA look like Nati lite.

Shout out to Peeker - found a beer distributor about 5 feet into PA across the border from me. 10 minute drive to ponies of Yuengling in my keggorator 24/7 for the price of mid-level A-B products.

Eat your heart out Bambie killer.

[motherscratcher]

@RNE - Just got back from the Wine Room. Thanks for the recommendation. It's very close. Actually, I'd been there before but it's been a long time and din't realize they had that beer selection.

Alas, no Corsendonk.

However, as a consolation prize, I picked up:

1. Thristy Dog - 12 Dogs of Christmas
2. Delerium Noel
3. Bells - Hell Hath No Fury Ale
4. Bells - Christmas Ale
5. Dogfish Head - 90 Minute IPA

The only one of those I've had before is the 90 Minute.

Good Times Ahead

[peeker643]

Tell you what; Troeggs is the baddest elf this side of the Brownie.

Wow. APV makes GLCA look like Nati lite.

Shout out to Peeker - found a beer distributor about 5 feet into PA across the border from me. 10 minute drive to ponies of Yuengling in my keggorator 24/7 for the price of mid-level A-B products.

Eat your heart out Bambie killer.

Bastard. Yeungling is the best utilitarian beer made. It's a tool, like a good truck or gun. You have to have it.

BTW, two less deer roaming the hills of southern Ohio. You'da been proud of the second shot JB: 50 yards through brush and like a Sopranos .22 under one ear and exited out under the other ear.

Beautiful for me and him. Never moved an inch except downward.

First one? Ughh... that was throat-slitting messy. Literally.

And yeah, Mad Elf is wicked. 11% will do that. Almost justifies the $16/6-pack cost.

[jb]

Tell you what; Troeggs is the baddest elf this side of the Brownie.

Wow. APV makes GLCA look like Nati lite.

Shout out to Peeker - found a beer distributor about 5 feet into PA across the border from me. 10 minute drive to ponies of Yuengling in my keggorator 24/7 for the price of mid-level A-B products.

Eat your heart out Bambie killer.

Bastard. Yeungling is the best utilitarian beer made. It's a tool, like a good truck or gun. You have to have it.

BTW, two less deer roaming the hills of southern Ohio. You'da been proud of the second shot JB: 50 yards through brush and like a Sopranos .22 under one ear and exited out under the other ear.

Beautiful for me and him. Never moved an inch except downward.

First one? Ughh... that was throat-slitting messy. Literally.

And yeah, Mad Elf is wicked. 11% will do that. Almost justifies the $16/6-pack cost.

BTW - open invite to come south lives on. You can do stuff here you can't do at home and there's durr in the back yard.

No questions asked in Y town.

[Naxos]

Well I have tried all the Leinenkugel's in the winter variety pack.

Fireside Nut Brown - not a fan. Like drinking a bowl of nuts. Not my thing.
Honey Weis - thumbs up. Blend of wheet and pale ales nice.
Creamy Dark - an american dark lagor with some hints of chocolate.
Classic Amber - like the name says with a hint of citrus in it's finish

And the Winner is the Great Lakes Christmas Ale

[motherscratcher]

Well I have tried all the Leinenkugel's in the winter variety pack.

Fireside Nut Brown - not a fan. Like drinking a bowl of nuts. Not my thing.
Honey Weis - thumbs up. Blend of wheet and pale ales nice.
Creamy Dark - an american dark lagor with some hints of chocolate.
Classic Amber - like the name says with a hint of citrus in it's finish

And the Winner is the Great Lakes Christmas Ale

That sound you just heard was CDT slamming his car door on his way to pick up some Fireside Nut Brown. If there's something that CDT can't turn down it's a mouthful of nuts.

[Erie Warrior]

Tis' the season. Had my first Christmas Ale yesterday. And again today. And again tomorrow. Wrangled up a few extra sixers to make the journey south. A merry christmas indeed.