Festivus Holiday Ale
Black Raven Brewing Co.

Festivus Holiday AleFestivus Holiday Ale
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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:
58
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 LiquidAmber:
Photo of LiquidAmber
Reviewed by LiquidAmber from Washington

3.99/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into a Black Raven pint glass. Pours a medium bronze amber with a one finger white head that dissipates to a thick film and lots of lacing. Aroma of light overripe stone fruit, bready malt, citrus and light cranberry. Flavor is earthy mixed light fruit, bready malt, root spices, cranberry tartness and bitterness, which melds with the hops nicely; light citrus hops. An unusually spiced holiday ale, although the galangal root gives the light earthyness of nutmeg and cinnamon (although those spices may be present too). Both spicing and cranberry are at a nice, mellow level. An offbeat, but tasty winter spice ale. I had this on tap last year, but lost my review notes. Glad to find it this year in a bottle. I'll have this again next year. Black Raven does a great job with the classics and made this off beat ale interesting too.
Dec 30, 2014
More User Ratings:
Photo of StonedTrippin
Reviewed by StonedTrippin from Colorado

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, 2024
 
Rated: 3.75 by shelby415 from Oregon

Dec 16, 2023
Photo of stevoj
Reviewed 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
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, 2023
Photo of kemoarps
Reviewed 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
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, 2022
Photo of Iamaskier
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
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, 2021
Photo of backblast
Reviewed by backblast from Alaska

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, 2021
Photo of Scotchboy
Reviewed by Scotchboy from Idaho

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, 2020
 
Rated: 2.6 by Oh_Dark_Star from Washington

May 02, 2019
 
Rated: 3.89 by Mister_Faucher from Washington

Nov 13, 2018
 
Rated: 3.77 by BlueSpader from Washington

Nov 11, 2018
 
Rated: 4 by Taphouse_Traveler from Florida

Nov 04, 2018
 
Rated: 3.84 by grittybrews from Washington

Oct 30, 2018
 
Rated: 3 by 1971bernat from Virginia

Dec 29, 2017
 
Rated: 3.81 by VashonGuy from Washington

Dec 25, 2017
Photo of flagmantho
Reviewed by flagmantho from Washington

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, 2017
Photo of Ninjakillzu
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
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, 2017
Photo of Tilley4
Reviewed 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
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
 
Rated: 3.49 by Donkster46 from Washington

Jan 04, 2017
 
Rated: 4.16 by DoctorEvil65 from Washington

Dec 29, 2016
Festivus Holiday Ale from Black Raven Brewing Co.
Beer rating: 85 out of 100 with 58 ratings