Santa's Helper
Free State Brewing Co.

Beer Geek Stats
From:
Free State Brewing Co.
 
Kansas, United States
Style:
Belgian IPA
ABV:
8%
Score:
Needs more ratings
Avg:
3.95 | pDev: 11.39%
Reviews:
3
Ratings:
8
Status:
Active
Rated:
Nov 16, 2013
Added:
Dec 17, 2008
Wants:
  0
Gots:
  1
Also known as Belgian Muse IPA.
Recent ratings and reviews.
Ratings by bros:

  None found.

 
Rated: 4.04 by jaydoc from Kansas

Nov 16, 2013
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.5 by sammo from Kansas

Jun 25, 2012
 
Rated: 4.5 by theminutemen from Missouri

Mar 24, 2012
 
Rated: 3 by RWNewhouse from Montana

Jan 20, 2012
 
Rated: 4 by Grebdioz from Texas

Dec 28, 2011
Photo of dirtkilla
Reviewed by dirtkilla from Kansas

4.05/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
On tap in my basement, a unique beer I had the option of buying a 1/6 barrel of. After a taster at BRGR in PV I decided to jump on it.

Appearance - Nice thick off white head, varying size of bubbles. Beer color is golden with a touch of amber.

Aroma - Yeasty biscuit, a hint of hop aroma including citrus and slight green apple. Grassy as well.

Taste - Belgian IPA for sure with a subtle Winter spice with mostly clove overtones.

Mouthfeel - Nice and smooth.

Will I buy another keg? Nah, however this one was popular with the friends, including those who don't like "dark beers" as they say.

This offering from Free State reminds me of Boulevard Tank 7. Albeit a 2nd cousin twice removed relationship.
Jan 02, 2011
Photo of eclaycamp
Reviewed by eclaycamp from Kansas

4.22/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
On tap at the brewery. Was hoping to nab a growler but alas, this is draft only. Color is crystal clear, with a nice fizzy head. Mouthwatering aroma of Belgian yeast and hops. Nicely carbonated. Medium body. Pine by way of Belgium taste. Semi sweet aftertaste, that's not too bitter. Malt takes a back seat to yeast and hops, but that's okay. Really well balanced for the style ... isn't fighting itself. Really damn good.
Dec 26, 2010
Photo of JEdmund
Reviewed by JEdmund from Kansas

4.3/5  rDev +8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
(from website) "Inspired by a Belgian beer that itself was inspired by American craft brewers and their propensity for hoppy beers, this Belgian Holiday IPA illustrates the ever-evolving brewing landscape. This beer starts with a generous portion of pilsner malt augmented by an addition of cane sugar to the kettle. Judicious amounts of Simcoe, Centennial, Sterling, Amarillo, Chinook, and Columbus hops contribute to the uniquely American citrus and pine characteristics of this international brew. The Belgian yeast strain adds fruity and earthy overtones that meld harmoniously with the complex hop bill. O.G.17.6/1071, IBUs - 48"

What a treat to come back to Free State and find a Belgian IPA on tap! Had this two different times and really enjoyed it.

Appearance
Golden yellow, hazy body, healthy thick head

Smell
Here's where Belgium meets United State. Lovely spicy American hops dance around the familiar Belgian yeast fruit notes. A really nice aroma that doesn't smack you in the face, but certainly invites you in.

Taste & Mouthfeel
Flavors follow nose closely and it is good. The hops dominate here but they are kept in check by the sweet and fruity malts and yeast base. Extremely drinkable for a higher ABV beer. The body is full and silky.

Overall
I would be disappointed if Free State didn't make this the regular winter seasonal. I think they did a great job with an emerging new style. Looking forward to having this again one day.

Had this again on November 30, 2009
Still the same great beer, but they seemed to up the aroma hops because those American hops were jumping out of the glass at me. Really drinkable, tasty stuff.
Dec 17, 2008
Santa's Helper from Free State Brewing Co.
Beer rating: 3.95 out of 5 with 8 ratings