Bad Santa
Kern River Brewing Company

 

Bad Santa. Now that's a curious name. There are some 20 Bad Santas that kick up on a BA beer search. Only one seems successful in its number of ratings. But Kern's Bad Santa also should be considered a success. Why?

Well, not judging by Looks which are only slightly above the average in this dark lager style. However, Smells are full-on malt, mostly sweet dark fruits and nuts. Tastes are well-balanced with hops penetrating just enough in the finish. Warm and full-mouthed. I like this style every winter and am glad that Santa has finally gotten involved to bump drinking up to December. An impressive brew, close to the Bavarian masters.

As for the excellent Overall Hugs, that's for KRBC for having started an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. ESOPs are an excellent way to do something concrete for average Americans to counter how messed up the U.S. economy and government has become. Brewing is small potatoes, but it is our potatoes. Cheers to the past and new owners of KRBC.

Canned on date is printed across the bottom rim making it hard to see - best guess it says 10/30/24.

It's got the look, smell, flavor and feel that combine to make this one really enjoyable. Very well done, I'll be buying more of these soon!

Pours an effervescent amber/copper with a thumb of cream-colored head. Some head retention & lacing

S: Brown bread & toffee

T: Brown bread, a little brown sugar & toffee, some leafy & woody hops up front. Dryness, brown sugar, brown bread & a little grassy hoppyness as this beer warms up. Finishes dry with toffee, brown sugar & woody hops


MF: Medium body, slight carbonation, slightly warming

Solid Doppelbock

Handsome coppery-amber color with plenty of foam in the Leute Bokbier glass. Roasted malt is the flavor. Peasant caramel taste as well but not too sweet and a little scratch of hoppy bitterness in the finish. The body is actually kind of watery and light, with plenty of spritz. It's an ideal winter brew. This is really one of the best Doppelbocks I've had. I used to be quite fond of the style, but it's about as out of favor as a Brut IPA. From the 16 oz can dated 10/30/23.

 

Let’s be real: Santa has to be bad. Because any person that says, “Ho” that many times has to be. I wouldn’t be surprised that if you went to the North Pole you found an elf sweat shop laboring away. Santa probably doesn’t even play fetch with Rudolph either. This beer is ok though. Nothing amazing, but good enough.