HOLIDAY BEER LIST, Part 2
11 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment
in american ale, beer, dundee festive ale, Summit Brewing, wassail, Yuengling beer
The re-introduction of Yuengling beers to Ohio has brought about renewed interest in beer in general. The fact that many special beers have found their way into grocery stores is an affirmation of this. Although there are memorable beers from past holiday seasons that are no longer available, all in all, there has never been a better time for beer. Especially not having to go on a safari-like beer search (although there was a limited charm in that eternal quest) is very welcome indeed. And the pleasant surprise of seeing quality beers at the grocery and convenience stores is a blessing I do not take for granted. As always my only prayer is thank you.
The arrival of Summit Winter Ale fits the bill quite nicely. An English nut brown ale approach with a new world dimension, this has an unmistakable flavor profile, that I am certain I would be able to identify in a blind tasting. The smooth rich malty quality of this recipe I have grown to cherish over the years, where 2-row Pale, Caramel and Carafa II malts are combined with Willamette. Fuggle, and Tettnanger hops. To put it succinctly: this ale is like the return of a long absent friend.
Something I never tried before this year is Full Sail Wassail from the Full Sail Brewing Company in Hood River, Oregon. Seeming to take a note from Belgian Christmas beers, this has a complex flavor profile: orange citrus, a touch of dark chocolate notes combine with a very solid finish. An outstanding spiced ale, where the emphasis is on the finish, which is long and very festive.
Speaking of festive, the return of Dundee Festive Ale, is for myself, a very joyous occasion. A remarkably underrated Holiday beer, the recipe achieves a balanced presentation that makes it a joyous drink. A bah humbug eraser from start to finish.
Home For The Holidays Part 4
05 Dec 2009 Leave a Comment
in american ale, beer, christmas, dundee festive ale, genesee brewery, holiday beer, wassail
THE HOLIDAY BEER SEARCH CONTINUES might be the headline in a newspaper. The arrival of Dundee Festive Ale, from Rochester, New York, is indeed a welcome sight. One of the more affordable holiday offerings also happens to be one of the best. This is wassail that keeps the emphasis on being ale, with spices for support, rather than vice versa. In fact, I will not be coy about this, having tasted quite a few spiced ales this season, this is far better than that concoction Harpoon Brewery calls Winter Warmer.
I have always enjoyed Dundee Festive Ale, since it was introduced, but this year’s version is the best so far. There is plenty of flavors here, quite drinkable and smooth.
That’s all for now, Saint Nikolas day approaches. Prosit!
INTO THE NEW YEAR
08 Jan 2009 Leave a Comment
in beer, bock, dundee festive ale, genesee brewery
New Year’s celebration turned out to be a blast. Not only were there many holiday offerings to choose from, the reappearence of the Genesee Beer 30 can pack, turned out to be quite handy during the endless college bowl football games. Also, I was fortunate to get a hold of the Rochester, New York brewery’s Dundee Festive Ale, a quite good wassail with substantial strength (6.2% abv), made to seem more exotic at this locale, because of its limited availability.
With still plenty of winter to endure, I still have bottles of Avery’s Old Jubilation ale, and a couple of Goose Island’s Christmas Ale to toast things up a bit. I look forward to the season of bock (just around the corner) including this year, a first sampling of Leinenkugel’s 1888 Bock, using the recipe from that year.
This post is short and sweet. Here’s hoping everyone has a peaceful and prosperous New Year. Later… Beer Doctor. Thank You.
