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Online Tasting: Holiday Beers! (Dec 16-18)

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by thebeers, Dec 3, 2022.

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  1. thebeers

    thebeers Grand Pooh-Bah (5,151) Sep 10, 2014 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Seasons Greetings, BAs!

    With only two weeks left, it’s time to start gathering bottles, cans and growlers for one of the most beloved online tastings of the the year: Holiday Beers!

    The tasting goes from December 16 - 18. Any and all Christmas, Hanukkah and other festive winter beers are welcome.

    For those who prefer a guiding star, this year there’s a totally-optional “drink ‘em if you’ve got ‘em” suggestion for each day of the tasting:
    • Friday, 12/16: Samichlaus Classic — an Austrian doppelbock brewed on St Nicholas’ Day and once considered the strongest beer in the world
    • Sunday, 12/18: Anchor Our Special Ale — an American winter warmer brewed since 1975 (and reportedly the first holiday beer in the US since Prohibition)
    Three styles. Three countries. Three winter classics. What better way to get the holidays going?

    Reviewing the same beers on the same day is a chance for BAs to compare notes and toast the season together — but the choice is yours.

    Prefer to drink a different holiday brew those days? Do it! Tell us what you’re considering here and/or post pictures of your hauls.

    It’s likewise cool to drink one of the recommended beers on a different day than suggested. Or to do a one-day side-by-side. Or a multi-year flight. Or a beer-and-cookie pairing. As long as a winter holiday beer is involved, it’s all good.

    Celebration? Old Fezziwig? Delirium Noel? Mad Elf? Avec les Bon Voeux? Sleigh’r?

    Whatever your favorites, let’s get our wassail on! :beers:

     
    #1 thebeers, Dec 3, 2022
    puck1225, MacMalt, larryi86 and 38 others like this.
  2. EdmundExley

    EdmundExley Grand Pooh-Bah (4,244) Dec 10, 2015 France
    Regional Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    I’ll chime in, Delirium Noël, French Goudale or the Belgian Leffe also have their Christmas iteration.

    Thanks for sparing us Mariah Carey “all I want for Xmas…” as a YouTube video by the way. That is too painful at this point.

    Cheers!
     
    #2 EdmundExley, Dec 3, 2022
    puck1225, MacMalt, GreenBayBA and 16 others like this.
  3. ATL6245

    ATL6245 Pooh-Bah (2,688) Aug 16, 2018 Georgia
    Pooh-Bah Society

    I'll second this!
     
    #3 ATL6245, Dec 3, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, Bitterbill and 7 others like this.
  4. Giantspace

    Giantspace Pooh-Bah (2,757) Dec 22, 2011 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Have fun all, I am working again during a tasting. I have one Anchor left and might buy another pack. That could be my one and done for this tasting. I do enjoy trying these holiday beers and will see if singles are available of the other two.

    Going to watch the USA win and then off to work.

    Enjoy
     
    #4 Giantspace, Dec 3, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, Bluecrow and 8 others like this.
  5. beer_beer

    beer_beer Pooh-Bah (2,115) Feb 13, 2018 Finland
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Then you must have this! (sorry... :beers:)



    jk, having a bottle saved for this!
     
    #5 beer_beer, Dec 3, 2022
    MacMalt, Limazulu, GreenBayBA and 10 others like this.
  6. Resistance88

    Resistance88 Pooh-Bah (2,426) Apr 9, 2015 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    [​IMG]
     
    #6 Resistance88, Dec 3, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, jzeilinger and 18 others like this.
  7. BigIronH

    BigIronH Grand Pooh-Bah (3,526) Oct 31, 2019 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Definitely gonna knock down a New Holland “Holiday Ale” BBA spiced winter warmer. Already drank one and sent a couple out. Nothing says Christmas more than this beer. Cheers!
     
    #7 BigIronH, Dec 3, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, Blogjackets and 14 others like this.
  8. ChicagoJ

    ChicagoJ Grand Pooh-Bah (3,891) Feb 2, 2015 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Planned Attack of the Beer, Attack

    [​IMG]

    Friday:     Side By Side Comparison Anchor Our Special Christmas Ale 2022 vs. Sierra Nevada Celebrator

    Saturday: Full Review Anchor Our Special Christmas Ale 2022 (Cross-post with New Beer Weekend)

    Sunday:     Full Review Trader Joe's 2022 Vintage Spiced Ale (Cross-post with New Beer Sunday)

    Merry Christmas Everyone from Chicago J!
     
    #8 ChicagoJ, Dec 3, 2022
    puck1225, MacMalt, larryi86 and 23 others like this.
  9. thebeers

    thebeers Grand Pooh-Bah (5,151) Sep 10, 2014 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Can’t wait to find out which one will have more spices this year :beers:
     
    #9 thebeers, Dec 3, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, beergoot and 10 others like this.
  10. BMBCLT

    BMBCLT Grand Pooh-Bah (3,353) May 9, 2014 South Carolina
    Pooh-Bah

    I have a can of Santa's Black Blood by Abomination and a can of Christmas Eve At A New York City Hotel Room: Royal Suite Edition by Evil Twin. :sunglasses:
     
    #10 BMBCLT, Dec 3, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, beergoot and 11 others like this.
  11. ATL6245

    ATL6245 Pooh-Bah (2,688) Aug 16, 2018 Georgia
    Pooh-Bah Society

    :flushed::grimacing: Nooooooooooo!!!! Son of....:joy:
     
    #11 ATL6245, Dec 3, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, beergoot and 5 others like this.
  12. ATL6245

    ATL6245 Pooh-Bah (2,688) Aug 16, 2018 Georgia
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Shoot me now.:joy:
     
    #12 ATL6245, Dec 3, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, beergoot and 4 others like this.
  13. sulldaddy

    sulldaddy Grand Pooh-Bah (4,500) Apr 6, 2003 Connecticut
    Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Im excited for this tasting and to watch the variety of beers that roll throught th thread

    Gonna have to do a little shopping to what I can dig up!

    Thanks for coordinating @thebeers !!
     
    #13 sulldaddy, Dec 3, 2022
    MacMalt, larryi86, GreenBayBA and 14 others like this.
  14. richOutsidePhilly

    richOutsidePhilly Devotee (379) Jan 27, 2021 Pennsylvania

    I'm in. Already have 2 of the 3 "suggestions ". About 6 or 7 years ago I picked up a Samiclaus and an EKU 28. Drank the Sami, the EKU has been gathering dust in the cellar; maybe break it out for this trip.
    But wait, there's more, lots more. Corsendonk Christmas, Chouffe N'ice, Gouden Carolus Christmas, and hoping to have some Scaldis Noel by then (still hard to find). The list goes on...
    And that's not to mention all the Winter Warmers (do they count ?).
    Definitely the best drinking season of the year, altho gotta admit this Fall/Octo was outstanding.
     
    #14 richOutsidePhilly, Dec 3, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, BitteNochEinWeissbier and 13 others like this.
  15. GoldenWort

    GoldenWort Aspirant (298) Apr 17, 2009 Pennsylvania

    I'm sorry... I'll try to catch up to be relevant, but I'm already halfway through my 4th case of Celebration Ale, and almost into my second case case of Anchor's Christmas Special Ale... running out of both time and money... but I'll try...
     
    #15 GoldenWort, Dec 4, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, beergoot and 8 others like this.
  16. Rug

    Rug Pooh-Bah (2,898) Aug 20, 2018 Massachusetts
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Well now I'm thrilled that I splurged on the magnum of this years!
     
    #16 Rug, Dec 4, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, AlcahueteJ and 9 others like this.
  17. sulldaddy

    sulldaddy Grand Pooh-Bah (4,500) Apr 6, 2003 Connecticut
    Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Id definitely include winter warmers as part of the holiday beer party!!
     
    #17 sulldaddy, Dec 4, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, Rug and 9 others like this.
  18. BeerVikingSailor

    BeerVikingSailor Grand Pooh-Bah (3,391) Nov 19, 2009 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Count me in on this tasting for sure.....have lots of holidays beers on hand, and have a 2022 (and 2021 as well) Anchor Our Special Ale holiday glass out for delivery today....I collect these lovely glasses and have them going back to 2014....
    NE Ohio has no shortage of holiday beers, with Great Lakes celebrating their 30th year of the Christmas Ale; also Fatheads Holly Jolly, and Pimp my Sleigh, Thirsty Dog's 12 Dog of Christmas, Hoppin' Frog's Frosted Frog, Masthead's Sleigh All Day, etc etc
    Happy / Hoppy Holidays!!
     
    #18 BeerVikingSailor, Dec 5, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, BitteNochEinWeissbier and 12 others like this.
  19. thebeers

    thebeers Grand Pooh-Bah (5,151) Sep 10, 2014 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    The artwork on the Our Special Ale bottles is among the best in beer overall, and certainly among Christmas beers. I’m glad the 2022 Our Special Ale design didn’t change with the Anchor Steam label redesign.
     
    #19 thebeers, Dec 5, 2022
    MikefromDormont, MacMalt, bcm119 and 16 others like this.
  20. TongoRad

    TongoRad Grand Pooh-Bah (3,826) Jun 3, 2004 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    So far I've got the St. B on hand, so I guess that means that I'm now officially buying holiday beers. :wink: Hopefully I'll get a few classics and some other locals that catch my eye. See you then! :beer:
     
    #20 TongoRad, Dec 7, 2022
    puck1225, MacMalt, GreenBayBA and 15 others like this.
  21. jonphisher

    jonphisher Grand Pooh-Bah (3,094) Aug 9, 2015 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    I had my first one of the year the other night...it never gets old around this time of the year.

    Such a beauty to look at and oh so balanced; I'm hoping to grab a few beers for the tasting but that will be first on the list without question.
     
    #21 jonphisher, Dec 8, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, Bitterbill and 10 others like this.
  22. thebeers

    thebeers Grand Pooh-Bah (5,151) Sep 10, 2014 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    One week to go. I definitely have some shopping to do.
     
    #22 thebeers, Dec 9, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, TCgenny and 9 others like this.
  23. Luscious_Malfoy

    Luscious_Malfoy Grand Pooh-Bah (5,177) Oct 5, 2016 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    i picked up Anchorage Our Special Holiday Ale 2022 and St Bernardus Christmas Ale yesterday. of course i already have some SN Celebration Ale. should be set for a fun tasting.
     
    #23 Luscious_Malfoy, Dec 9, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, TCgenny and 8 others like this.
  24. thebeers

    thebeers Grand Pooh-Bah (5,151) Sep 10, 2014 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Those first two are the main ones I’m missing. I have a friend searching out some singles for me. Otherwise, it’ll be six-packs — which I really don’t need.

    I’m sort of jonesing for some Pennsylvania Tuxedo, too.
     
    #24 thebeers, Dec 9, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, beergoot and 5 others like this.
  25. beergoot

    beergoot Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,689) Oct 11, 2010 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    ...it would be nice if winter warmers would count...
     
    #25 beergoot, Dec 9, 2022
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  26. Luscious_Malfoy

    Luscious_Malfoy Grand Pooh-Bah (5,177) Oct 5, 2016 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    question: is the Samichlaus Classic widely distributed / easy to find? i am assuming it is since it’s the specific beer of day 1, but i’ve never seen it around…
     
    #26 Luscious_Malfoy, Dec 9, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, ChicagoJ and 2 others like this.
  27. beergoot

    beergoot Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,689) Oct 11, 2010 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    I do have a '12 Dogs of Christmas Ale' (courtesy of @BeerVikingSailor) and a Great Lakes 'Barrel Aged Christmas Ale' left, and several winter warmer / winter ales...I may pick up Anchor's 'Our Special Ale' plus a local - Pikes Peak Brewing Co.'s 'AdAmAn Holiday Ale'.

    I don't really 'need' any more beers, but the Anchor and Pikes Peak holiday beers are two of my favorites, plus they drink nicely well into the January - March winter time frame as well.
     
    #27 beergoot, Dec 9, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, BitteNochEinWeissbier and 9 others like this.
  28. Snowcrash000

    Snowcrash000 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,765) Oct 4, 2017 Germany
    Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    The only Christmas song worth listening to.
     
    #28 Snowcrash000, Dec 9, 2022
    MacMalt, GreenBayBA, augustgarage and 3 others like this.
  29. Snowcrash000

    Snowcrash000 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,765) Oct 4, 2017 Germany
    Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Bough a few German holiday lagers the other day, hopefully I will be able to pick up some Belgian ones as well next week. I missed out on one or two of these tastings recently, looking forward to this one.

    [​IMG]
     
    #29 Snowcrash000, Dec 9, 2022
    crazyspicychef, puck1225, MacMalt and 23 others like this.
  30. thebeers

    thebeers Grand Pooh-Bah (5,151) Sep 10, 2014 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Yes, winter warmers count

    My impression is that it is widely available, but there are probably some Samichlaus deserts. Are others having a hard time finishing it? (If so, remember any holiday beer is welcome any day of the tasting.)

    [EDIT: I just checked Binnys website and it shows it available in Joliet, Geneva and Evergreen Park. Most locations don’t have it though. :grimacing:]
     
    #30 thebeers, Dec 9, 2022
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  31. beergoot

    beergoot Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,689) Oct 11, 2010 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    ...excellent, glad winter warmers are part of the tasting...I'll add Brasserie de l'Abbaye du Val-Dieu 'Winter Ale' and Santa Fe Brewing Co. 'Adobe Igloo' too the mix (and still need to acquire some Anchor 'Our Special Ale' and Pikes Peak Brewing Co. 'AdAmAn Holiday Ale')...

    [​IMG]
     
    #31 beergoot, Dec 9, 2022
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  32. thebeers

    thebeers Grand Pooh-Bah (5,151) Sep 10, 2014 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Great line up. I’ve had B-Bomb and a couple others of that ilk, but not sure I’ve had a BBA straight-up Christmas beer before. Something else to add to the shopping list.
     
    #32 thebeers, Dec 10, 2022
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  33. beergoot

    beergoot Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,689) Oct 11, 2010 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    ...the first beer I bought in Mansfield, Ohio (my home town) even before I got to my motel room...I've had Great Lakes regular Christmas Ale and like that, so I jumped at the chance for this one...I initially reviewed it November 28th. Gave it a 4.09 overall, a few points higher than the regular...and a few of the sixer wound up used in beer exchanges and NBW BIF #16...had to share the love...should have bought two sixers...:grin:
     
    #33 beergoot, Dec 10, 2022
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  34. Resistance88

    Resistance88 Pooh-Bah (2,426) Apr 9, 2015 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Gotta go find Fremont Winter Ale:sunglasses:
     
    #34 Resistance88, Dec 10, 2022
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  35. Wasatch

    Wasatch Grand Pooh-Bah (5,344) Jun 8, 2005 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I just might be in on this.

    Cheers!
     
    #35 Wasatch, Dec 11, 2022
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  36. beergoot

    beergoot Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,689) Oct 11, 2010 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    ...apparently there is no distributorship of Anchor beers at the moment in Colorado Springs...but, I've got plenty of other holiday / winter beers...
     
    #36 beergoot, Dec 11, 2022
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  37. BitteNochEinWeissbier

    BitteNochEinWeissbier Zealot (737) Aug 19, 2021 Pennsylvania

    Count me in!

    I have some Holiday/Christams beers on hand, though only 1 of the suggested 3.

    Harpoon Winter Warmer
    Anchor Christmas Ale
    Corsendonk Christmas Ale
    St. Bernardus Christmas Ale
    Sly Fox Christmas
    Bell's Christmas Ale
    Penn Brewing St Nickolaus Bock
    Penn Brewing Nut Roll Ale (this looks to be a wintertime beer. I've not had yet.)
    Sam Adams Old Fezziwig
    Sam Adams Chocolate Bock (is this one a Christmas/Holiday beer? I'm not sure)
    Schlenkerla Eiche (Schlenkerla's site describes this a "doppelbock for Christmas")
    Southern Tier 2xMas Ale

    Founders Imperial Stout 2016 and 2019 (I know these aren't technically xmas beers, but Founders used to release these in December and mention 'winter warmer' in their description :wink:)

    There is no way that I'll be able to sample thru all of these in 3 days. :innocent: I guess that I'll just have to pick and choose. :grinning::beer:
     
    #37 BitteNochEinWeissbier, Dec 11, 2022
    Last edited: Dec 11, 2022
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  38. bbtkd

    bbtkd Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,304) Sep 20, 2015 South Dakota
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    I'll have a Drekker Up On The Housetop Prrrt Prrrt Prrrt Eggnog Style Ale
     
    #38 bbtkd, Dec 11, 2022
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  39. thebeers

    thebeers Grand Pooh-Bah (5,151) Sep 10, 2014 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    [​IMG]

    Not sure I’ll pick up any more, but I at least have enough to make a decent showing. :beers:
     
    #39 thebeers, Dec 12, 2022
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  40. jonphisher

    jonphisher Grand Pooh-Bah (3,094) Aug 9, 2015 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    I’ve never had that beer but man I love the design of that can. Assuming it’s still the pine cone one.

    An altar for beer, also is that a screwdriver bottle opener? If so, awesome.
     
    #40 jonphisher, Dec 12, 2022
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