Thomas Nast Christmas Ale
Glenbrook Brewery

 

Pint on draught at the brewery. It pours a cloudy, deep cola color with a fizzy, ecru-colored cap that dissipated quickly leaving a thin sheen of lacing. On the nose there is cola, chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. The aromas are unique but modest. What surprises me with the taste is the amount of chocolate. Glenbrook seems to use a chocolaty malt in many of its beers. The Christmas spicing is subdued but distinct with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. As the glass warms I'm tasting honey which adds depth to the flavor. While the ale isn't overly sweet there is little bitterness. The mouthfeel is crisp and lively with significant carbonation, and it's very easy to drink at 5.4% ABV. Overall, the takeaway from this beer is the chocolate malt. The Christmas spicing is appropriate but mellow. This beer has a dessert character.