Must try holiday beers

Avery Old Jubilation deserves a shoutout

 

Never had it, but I'm willing to try even though the elf freaks me out.

 

I just picked up my favorite holiday seasonal - Celebration and I have a log for the kegerator coming this week of it. Besides that I really like great divides hibernation, ST old man winter ale, anchor Christmas ale, ST krampus, and the Sam Adams holiday 12 pack.

 

Lots of seasonal beer available now. I live in a state where over 6.2% ABV must be sold in liquor stores and it really hampers getting lots of quality beer. That being said, I did pick up the SN Celebration last night, with Victory Winter Cheers at the liquor store. The grocery store had Anchor Xmas Ale, Abita, Bridgeport (this has 6.4% on label), and a stout by Magic Hat.

 

Heart of Darkness? Actually a very good stout IMO

 

I will be honest. I think most of them are crap. I not a fan of super spicy beer or winter warmers....
I used to buy some Real Belgians, but the prices are just too high to justify now. I buy a Orval for my xmas present maybe and be happy with that.

 

Great Lakes Christmas varies from year to year but is always solid.
Looking forward to trying Fat Head's Holly Jolly.
All time favorited though is Hoppin Frog Christmas, worth the extra $$.

 

Like many others on here, I really like St. Bernardus Christmas. N'Ice Chouffe is also very good. I picked up a four-pack of Ommegang Adoration this week, but haven't tried it yet.

 

Boy was I excited last night when I stopped at Whole Foods on the way home, and lo and behold, they had a bunch of Alesmith Yulesmiths in stock. Only after I got home did I realize there are two different versions, and they had put a bunch of summers out. I should have noticed the month was scratched off the bottle date, but I was too giddy about trying it for the first time... I believe I've overpayed for this $10 bottle of shelf aged IPA.

 

I can see that living in Florida might give you a different outlook on enjoying winter warmers. Up here it's nice to enjoy one in front of the fireplace on those days when 12 inches of 'partly cloudy' is on your doorstep.

 

Bells Christmas Ale
Dark Horse 4 Elf
Anchor Christmas
Great Lakes Christmas Ale

 

Jolly Pumpkin - Noel de Calabaza
Hair of the Dog - Doggie Claus
St Bernardus Christmas Ale
Sierra Nevada Celebration - There is a place in portland that does 8 year vertical tastings every few years. Awesome!

 

Anchor Christmas Ale
Southern Tier 2XMAS
Sierra Nevada Celebration
Shiner Cheer

Cheers!

 

Is that much different than their Abt 12?

 

Here's my list:
Saranac Winter pack
Sam Adams Winter pack
2XMAS
Celebration
Will give Mad Elf a try if I can find it...

 

My tops as well. Must be an Ohio thing

 

You could tell they are related, but the Christmas Ale has less fruity character and more holiday spice, which is at just the right level. It's complex and inviting, an excellent beer.

If you were to compare it to some other top Belgian holiday beers- Gouden Carolus Noel (very prominently spiced, especially with anise) or Affligem Noel (more subtly spiced, but overdone with medicinal phenols), St Bernardus is the one to get.

 

This year I'm looking forward to August Schell's Framboise du Nord more than anything.

http://www.schellsbrewery.com/newsevents_info.php?id=80

 

boulevard nutcracker ale
sierra nevada celebration

both of theseare fixtures in my fridge when in season

 

The Bruery's XMAS beers because I love the concept and can't wait to try all of them.