Holiday Ale 2003
Free State Brewing Co.

Chestnut brown hue with slight ruby influences, clear. The white head was served at about a half finger and it had fair retention, a loose bubbly cap lasted for a while. Once consumption commenced, it laced moderately well, albeit in an unorganized fashion. The potency in the nose was lacking and the invitation was unclear, it was sweet like candy with pleasant undercurrents of toffee and spice but I felt confused about the direction of the beer. If I was to make an assumption I’d say this is a Scottish Ale. It has a good aroma yet I wasn’t “wowed.” The palate was plenty tasty however, with sweet maltiness up front, hot alcohol, traces of spiciness, and fruitiness in the middle, which was quickly followed by a dash of taunting sweetness that hardly yielded for the toffee in the finish. There is good flavor depth; I detected a kiss of chocolate. The aftertaste was spicy-sweet and malty. The body could use a tad more strength, i.e., maltiness. Medium in body, give or take, seemingly unnoticeable carbonation, it was slightly slick to drink; I’d say the mouthfeel was rather ordinary but not flawed my any means. Every year Free State changes the recipe for their Holiday Ale. So I’d say my first one, lets call it the “2003 edition” was very drinkable and quite pleasant. Recommended.