X-Mas 2010 Beer Round-Up

Here it is--your Ferment Nation Christmas 2010 Beer Roundup!

Check out these three Christmas beers this Yuletide.  Make yours the merriest, yes the merriest, and the happiest, yes the happiest.  Drink Safely and don't forget to leave Santa a wee nip of something strong to take the edge off!

Corsendonk Christmas Ale:

This Belgian dark ale comes in a great gift pack (six beers and a glass) for the holiday season. It is very even-tempered as a dark ale and quite tasty. The aroma is just wonderful and complex with hints of dried fruits and some exotic spicing. [Read the Full Review]

Nøgne Ø / Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales / Stone Brewing Co.Special Holiday Ale:

Bearing gifts, they traverse afar... I'm not very familiar with Nøgne Øas a brewery but I'm about to become really interested in this brewery from Grimstad, Norway. This 2009 version of the special collaboration between Kjetil Jikiun and the other two wisemen (Ron Jeffries from Jolly Pumpkin and Mitch Steele from Stone) is worth its weight in rare herbs and glinting riches. This Special Holiday Alepours so dark reddish brown that it is almost black, topped with a generous foamy tan head. [Read the full review]

Anchor Holiday Ale 2009:

Eleven months I wait for this brew to hit the shelves. As soon as the pumpkin ales have all shown their fall finery in liquor stores around town I begin to peek around for the first winter brews. Anchor Brewing offers one of the most solid and stalwart lines of brews and the "Our Special Ale" stands out among these. Every year the recipe is different (and so is the tree pictured on the label) so it's a holiday surprise every time. [Read the full review]

Nøgne Ø Imperial Stout (Presidential Brief)

What: Nøgne Ø Imperial Stout 9% abv
Where: PJ's Pour House (Westmont, NJ)
When: January 1, 2010
What-have-you: "Nøgne Ø Imperial Stout weighs in at 9%. Rich and toasty. Warming but not too boozy. Reminds me of the Finnish porter Sinebrychoff, but w a lil more body. Sublime and drinkable. I'm on the Nøgne bandwagon!"


Click on the image above to see stats at Shelton Brothers.

Nøgne Ø / Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales / Stone Brewing Co. Special Holiday Ale

Nøgne Ø / Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales / Stone Brewing Co. Special Holiday Ale:

Bearing gifts, they traverse afar... I'm not very familiar with Nøgne Ø as a brewery but I'm about to become really interested in this brewery from Grimstad, Norway. This 2009 version of the special collaboration between Kjetil Jikiun and the other two wisemen (Ron Jeffries from Jolly Pumpkin and Mitch Steele from Stone) is worth its weight in rare herbs and glinting riches. This Special Holiday Ale pours so dark reddish brown that it is almost black, topped with a generous foamy tan head. The foam contains many tart, fruity flavors and notes of spice but actually covers up some of the aromas. Sip away some of the foam and let it die down a bit to release the full riches of this fragrant beverage.

What a unique twist on the holiday brewing tradition! Brewed with Michigan chestnuts (rich and hearty Americana), white sage from Southern California (for some sass) and Norwegian juniper berries (probably Santa's favorite), this perfectly crafted dark ale contains all the right flavors to complement any holiday meal. Its medium body won't compete with dinner and it has the rich tartness that could accompany a dessert -- even a rich mince pie. Actually, it would go perfectly with mince since its chestnut, juniper, and sage are an alternate wintry mix: fruit, spice, and bitters with a twist.

This brew is not very hoppy. It's fruity but not a fruit beer by any means. Tart but not sour, Nøgne Ø is a must-try for anyone who has ever tried a holiday beer... ever. Surprisingly accessible, it can be tried by anyone but will be loved by the select few who have discerning palates. The flavors are rich but not over the top.

Other holiday brews like it? Not that I know of. But if you've had Jolly Pumpkin's Noel de Calabaza and come away a bit intrigued yet startled by is bold assault on the tastebuds -- give this puppy a try. You'll be blown away but not confused. And if you love Anchor's Holiday Ale but wish there were just a little more body and festive trappings ... Nøgne Ø is right up your alley. Anchor may be coming close to porter land but Nøgne Ø is an ale beyond measure.

Whether you share the brew at a holiday meal, wrap your hands around it in front of a fire, or share it with shepherds on a silent night -- drink it. Share it if you can, hog it if you must, but go get some this holiday season. If you drink it by yourself keep in mind that it is 8.5% abv, so get a chauffeur for your sleigh or your camel.

By the way, did I mention that this is a collaboration between Stone, Jolly Pumpkin, and Nøgne Ø? Why wouldn't you try it? Sheesh!

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales/Stone Brewing Company/Nøgne Special Holiday Ale:

Representation: 1.0
Accessibility: .95
Style: 1.0
Personal Preference: 1.0

Total Score: 3.95 Flags