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Festivus Holiday Ale
Black Raven Brewing Co.
- From:
- Black Raven Brewing Co.
- Washington, United States
- Style:
- Winter Warmer
Ranked #75 - ABV:
- 7.6%
- Score:
- 85
Ranked #20,834 - Avg:
- 3.76 | pDev: 10.11%
- Reviews:
- 18
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Jan 08, 2024
- Added:
- Dec 14, 2013
- Wants:
- 2
- Gots:
- 5
No description / notes.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by mactrail:
Reviewed by mactrail from Washington
4/5 rDev +6.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
4/5 rDev +6.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Citrusy with a sweet mellowness and bitter edge. The spices are all fairly subtle and it whole melange mixes well. Tangy but thick and substantial. An herbal bitterness for the finish, but not overpowering. Citrus peel astringency along with the malt. Interesting aromatics. Label says it's brewed with citrus peel, cranberries, spices, and galangal root.
Attractive orangey-amber color in the tulip. Modest foam but plenty of spritz on the tongue. Quite delicious sipping brew that's not too strong. From the 22 oz bottle purchased at Bottleworks in Seattle.
Nov 30, 2014Attractive orangey-amber color in the tulip. Modest foam but plenty of spritz on the tongue. Quite delicious sipping brew that's not too strong. From the 22 oz bottle purchased at Bottleworks in Seattle.
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by StonedTrippin from Colorado
4.1/5 rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.1/5 rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
this is exceptional, one of the better winter warmer types ive had this season, and really a remarkably drinkable spiced ale, not two things that usually come together, i was impressed with this for sure. cranberry and orange in this too, but it doesnt read like a fruit beer. slightly frosted amber color with a tall off white head from the tap with nice retention, doesnt look as thick as a lot of these, nice carbonation visible. the nose is intriguing but subtle when cold, light clove and cinnamon warmth, a good toasted malt backing without a ton of sugar, more zest than anything else from the orange, perhaps slightly candied or something, very little tartness from the cranberry which keeps the richness in place, and some subtle layers of smoke, raisin, fig, and toffee, really nice, quite striking really, wonderful proportions, and the flavor is even more pronounced. the malt is perfect for the spices and fruit, nothing overdone at all, such a hard line to walk but they do it here. a nutmeg thing, faint vanilla, the essence of the orange and no more, a white pepper thing making it lean almost belgian for a second, and in some respects this has traditional pumpkin ale elements too, a baked pie type vibe, really inviting, drinkable, and unexpected. i love the finish and the aftertaste too, some great complexity to this, but in a softer voice for the style. no alcohol presence at all, uplifting carbonation, and definitely a pint beer. subtle on the fruit, all so tastefully done. fantastic!
Jan 08, 2024Reviewed by stevoj from Idaho
3.5/5 rDev -6.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.5/5 rDev -6.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
16oz can from Hops & Bottles. Clear amber, patchy head. Aroma is gingerbread and winter spice. Bigger gingerbread presence in the taste, snappy, orange peel.
Jun 26, 2023Reviewed by kemoarps from New York
3.58/5 rDev -4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.58/5 rDev -4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Nice clear copper body with a finger or so of white foam that eventually settles down to a ligght dusting with piles int he corner. Decent lacing.
Nose is a bit sweet for my taste. Candied orange/sweet bread (thankfully not sweetbreads!)... like chelsea buns. Or some sort of frosted citrus bun. Not a huge amount under that. Some earthiness in there as well.
Flavour leans that direction, but has more depth to it as well. Sweet citrus and sticky buns sure, but with some pine and raisin in there as well. Honey/caramel elements to the sweetness as well. Finish is bitter from both piney hops as well as the pithiness from orange peels. There's an element of what I often associate with decoction to the profile as well, whether that's actually present or not.
Feb 17, 2022Nose is a bit sweet for my taste. Candied orange/sweet bread (thankfully not sweetbreads!)... like chelsea buns. Or some sort of frosted citrus bun. Not a huge amount under that. Some earthiness in there as well.
Flavour leans that direction, but has more depth to it as well. Sweet citrus and sticky buns sure, but with some pine and raisin in there as well. Honey/caramel elements to the sweetness as well. Finish is bitter from both piney hops as well as the pithiness from orange peels. There's an element of what I often associate with decoction to the profile as well, whether that's actually present or not.
Reviewed by Iamaskier from Idaho
4.23/5 rDev +12.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.23/5 rDev +12.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Really attractive appearance- amber body and big sudsy head. Smell is lots of spice- lots of ginger, some coriander and cracked pepper. Floral notes too, and a hint of orange peel. Taste is just as good- ginger, coriander and sweet lemon grass and malt balanced by a citrusy bitterness with orange and cranberry. Feel is smooth, with light carbonation, and a light tongue coating. What a treat this is- the spice profiles and orange are fantastic together. I really hope I can find more of this.
Dec 04, 2021Reviewed by backblast from Alaska
4.24/5 rDev +12.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.24/5 rDev +12.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Tastes of orange rind and coriander with mild ginger and spice. Nice citrus-pine hop presence and a malty, lingering aftertaste. Rich mouthfeel that does not disapoint.
Feb 13, 2021Reviewed by Scotchboy from Idaho
4.15/5 rDev +10.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75
4.15/5 rDev +10.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75
A surprising 16oz can, poured into a can-shaped nonic; pours a dark golden amber with a fluffy off-khaki head that dies slowly; the nose leads with a balance of those winter hops and warm spices, as well as a good dose of citrus rind and cranberries and caramel malt; very seasonal on the palate with a delicious balance in the can-boasted adjuncts...there is an almost ginger-like note in the spices, and the orange peel and cranberries are identifiable as well... piney hopping is welcome alongside the bready malt backbone. All the way down to the canning message underneath (“For the rest of us”) - this beer delivers some holiday cheer.
Dec 27, 2020Reviewed by flagmantho from Washington
4.05/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.05/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured from 22oz bomber into a dimpled mug. Bottled 10/31/17.
Appearance: rich amber hue with just the tiniest hint of haze and a thick finger of frothy ivory foam. Festive indeed!
Smell: interestingly spicy; the combination of orange peel, earthy bitterness and galangal are reminiscent of a craft cocktail. The orange peel is especially pungent right at the top of the aroma; I really like it.
Taste: the bitter orange peel is super far forward in the flavor, and it complements the earthier undertones so well. This feels like a very well-executed example of a mulled beer. Very good.
Mouthfeel: medium body with a good carbonation and creaminess.
Overall: man, I just want to drink this thing by the fireside with a good book. Wonderful.
Dec 01, 2017Appearance: rich amber hue with just the tiniest hint of haze and a thick finger of frothy ivory foam. Festive indeed!
Smell: interestingly spicy; the combination of orange peel, earthy bitterness and galangal are reminiscent of a craft cocktail. The orange peel is especially pungent right at the top of the aroma; I really like it.
Taste: the bitter orange peel is super far forward in the flavor, and it complements the earthier undertones so well. This feels like a very well-executed example of a mulled beer. Very good.
Mouthfeel: medium body with a good carbonation and creaminess.
Overall: man, I just want to drink this thing by the fireside with a good book. Wonderful.
Reviewed by Ninjakillzu from Washington
4.65/5 rDev +23.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
4.65/5 rDev +23.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Poured into a pint defiance tulip. Body is clear red, with a finger white head. Aromas consist of spices, candied citrus fruits, mild earthiness, and mild caramel. Hops aren't really apparent for a pale ale, but It's been a couple months since I got this. It reminds me of a spiced amber ale now, but it's still pretty good. Flavors follow the nose. The feel is medium bodied with medium carbonation, and mild bitterness on the finish.
Mar 03, 2017Reviewed by Tilley4 from Tennessee
3.6/5 rDev -4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.6/5 rDev -4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A nice offering from these guys.., it grew on me more and more as I drank it and sort of wish I had another bottle of it now... Spices and citrus peel bring a bitterness that seems unusual at first but turn the tide as the beer warms... Getting some cranberry too... Nice Christmas beer!
Jan 14, 2017
Festivus Holiday Ale from Black Raven Brewing Co.
Beer rating:
85 out of
100 with
58 ratings
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