Christmas Break
El Segundo Brewing Company

Handsome dark coppery brown brew with plenty of beige foam in the Tripel Karmeliet tulip. Quite aromatic with an assortment of spices, like ginger (but maybe that's the nutmeg) and cloves. Quite sweet as well. This was originally entered as a Baltic Porter, but others have called it a Strong Belgian. Overall this reminds me of the Anchor Christmas Ales, but this is more robust and stronger, not to mention the amped-up spices. OK, it's an Imperial Christmas ale and quite a decent sipper for a winter evening. From the 16 oz can purchased at O'shea's Brewing. "Best by" date is 4/27/2024.

Best by 5/15/2024 (I think?) - poured from a pint can into my Westvleteren goblet. This batch is 9% ABV. Reviewed as a Belgian Specialty Ale.

Clear titian red body supports a thin beige finger receding to a collar and burbling surface slick. Dense creamy lacing; average retention.

Malty aroma with fig/raisin/grape and hints of spice/toffee.

Malt-forward palate entry with some eccentric herbal/woodsy notes. Chicory, root beer, and cherry pits lead into a lengthy, evolving, medium-dry finish. Alcohol flavors suggest brandy and glögg.

Medium bodied, fizzy, gently warming.

Adequate winter warmer, but won't be a repeat purchase for me.

I found various descriptions of this beer on line, most often it was a “ spiced Christmas Ale” but that is not a BA category. To me this is more of a strong Belgian than the BA listed category of Baltic Porter. Pours crystal clear dark amber with a small fraction of a finger of head that leaves no lacing. The head is very short lived. Smell is relatively faint version of the taste: malty goodness with the merest hint of holiday spice plus some dried dark fruits. Mild carbonation. Overall quite nice but the claims of holiday spice are exaggerated.

 

the taste is heavy olives. smell is kinda rubbery. it’s good. good quality. however, it’s only for fans of porters and dark ales. it does deliver a unique and very enjoyable experience, again, only if you’re already into it.