Christmas Beers still on shelves

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by Chelsea1905, Apr 4, 2013.

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  1. Chelsea1905

    Chelsea1905 Initiate (0) Sep 3, 2008 Washington

    In picking up some stuff for a trade over the past few days I noticed one beer shop I go to still has a few Christmas release beers on their shelf. The one place never really puts them on sale, but I wanted to know if there are some that I should be looking out for that if they go on sale they'd be worthwhile Some of the ones I have seen are Pelican's Bad Santa, Jubilation, Wreck the Halls by Full Sail, and I am sure I saw a few others.

    Anyway, are Christmas brews still worth looking out for
     
  2. Budinetz

    Budinetz Initiate (0) Dec 29, 2010 Pennsylvania

    Troeg's Mad Elf ages well...
     
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  3. YieldToNothing

    YieldToNothing Initiate (0) Mar 13, 2013 New York

    you can get some good deals on christmas beers this time of year. some places are just looking to dump their remaining stock.

    i saw a 6 pack of corsedonk xmas that came with a glass for $6 today
     
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  4. 57md

    57md Grand Pooh-Bah (3,009) Aug 22, 2011 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society

    I have had Avery Old Jubilation and liked it, but I am not sure how it would taste with some age on it.

    Two years ago I had a bomber bottle of Port Brewing Santa's Little Helper. I really liked it, but definitely thought it would taste even better with some age on it. I have yet to locate another bottle. If I did, I would cellar it for a year. You may want to get that if you see it.
     
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  5. olfolxholme

    olfolxholme Initiate (0) Feb 13, 2011 California

    At this point, possibly. (Of course) it's going to vary from beer to beer. Storage conditions at the store will play a big role. Higher ABV's are your best bet.

    I don't think Wreck the Halls ages very well, since it is a Dry-Hopped Winter Warmer... but it's not that old at this point. Jubelale (I think that's what you meant) should still be good. Never had Bad Santa.

    Depending on what you are looking for, any beer that you liked at Christmas could be interesting to try a few months out. Could be educational, could be delicious. If you have the cash and the fridge space... go for it.
     
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  6. 57md

    57md Grand Pooh-Bah (3,009) Aug 22, 2011 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Agreed. I definitely liked Mad Elf much better with age. Fegley's Rude Elf as well. That said, I don't think that Chelsea would find either one of those PA beers in Washington state.
     
  7. aasher

    aasher Grand Pooh-Bah (4,471) Jan 27, 2010 Indiana
    Pooh-Bah

    Goose Island Christmas ages pretty well, says it can age for up to five years in the bottle. Don't know if you get that though.
     
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  8. litheum94

    litheum94 Initiate (0) Dec 29, 2008 California

    Jubilation ages well. Anchor Our Special Ale also ages extremely well.
     
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  9. Budinetz

    Budinetz Initiate (0) Dec 29, 2010 Pennsylvania

    True Story...You could look for some Santa's Reserve from Rogue...that's pretty tasty and usually there is some left over...not one to age though..
     
  10. Michigan

    Michigan Initiate (0) Oct 24, 2012 Michigan

    I wish I could still pick up a few St. Bernardus Christmas Ales.
     
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  11. Mandark

    Mandark Zealot (575) Apr 8, 2008 Illinois

    I'm a nerd and so can attest that the 2012 version states that it will remain fresh for 180 days from bottling, whereas the 2011, which was a great beer, claims it will develop up to five years. Thanks to a great local store I was able to get a few four packs of the 2011 last week and it still tastes superfine.
     
  12. CoolEthan

    CoolEthan Initiate (0) Jan 9, 2013 California

    I hoard St Bernardus Christmas Ales like a squirrel/nuts.
     
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  13. Chelsea1905

    Chelsea1905 Initiate (0) Sep 3, 2008 Washington


    Sorry, missed the "Old"

    http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/30/3295
     
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  14. Chelsea1905

    Chelsea1905 Initiate (0) Sep 3, 2008 Washington

    Thanks guys. I had a Mad Elf as part of a trade that involved Nugget Nectar, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Shame it was only one! But Troegs stuff in my cellar is still calling my name
     
  15. Chelsea1905

    Chelsea1905 Initiate (0) Sep 3, 2008 Washington

    Thanks for the input guys. I am totally with olfolxhome that I'll probably just test it out as an experiment, I mean, why not?

    Other than I'm trying to cut back on the amount of drinking this month due to an agreement with my wife that she's letting me buy a plane ticket to Chicago for my buddy's wedding. I'll try stock up on some Chicago brews while I am there, so I'm not complaining too much.
     
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  16. Scrylol

    Scrylol Initiate (0) Sep 16, 2010 Canada (AB)

    There's still a few 2012 Anchor Christmas ales around here, will pick up a bottle or two to do a comparison when 2013's version come along.
     
  17. RochefortChris

    RochefortChris Grand Pooh-Bah (3,017) Oct 2, 2012 North Carolina
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    There's a bunch of St. Bernardus Christmas ale left over where I work. Also we have Jubilation and Hibernation left on tap.
     
  18. Chelsea1905

    Chelsea1905 Initiate (0) Sep 3, 2008 Washington

    damn man, I'd grab some of that St Bernardus if I were you.

    Total Wine has Old Jubilation and Jubelale for 99c a bottle. I grabbed a couple and they're still alright.
     
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  19. SirBottlecap

    SirBottlecap Initiate (0) Jan 28, 2013 California

    'Shelfs' works better when talking about a Christmas beer
     
  20. djsmith1174

    djsmith1174 Pundit (991) Aug 21, 2005 Minnesota

    Trader Joe's still has 2102 Vintage Ale (Unibroue) on the shelves some places for $4.99 a 750. Great deal on a good beer.
     
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