Sometimes favorite lists can be fun...

I just thought I would throw my 2 cents into the ring and let you know some of my favorite beers for Christmas time (generally speaking, the holiday season).  I consider these to be some of the best beers to come out around the holidays. I have not tried all of the holiday beers available, but from what I remember, these are what beers I have dancing in my head on Christmas eve.

• Anchor Christmas Ale- a holiday tradition. Started in 1975, this has to be America's longest running Christmas beer (I did no research, but how could one be longer?).  The beer's recipe differs from one year to the next, as does the label- which features a different tree every year.  The beer is always very drinkable and very enjoyable.
• Delirium Noel- This 10% bomb is what is needed on a cold winter's night.  The high abv is well hidden in the beer, which can easily lead to a empty bottle.  The calm spices make this beer enjoyable, and the ceramic coated bottle is a unique feature.
• The Bruery 12 Days /Years of Christmas- There is just something about series, and these beers have been intriguing to me since they came out.  I love the unique ingredients added to make the name.  Two Turtle Doves used turtle chocolates, 3 French Hens was aged in French oak barrels- I cannot wait to see what they do for 12 Drummers Drumming.  The beers so far have been very good, with the Two Turtle Doves as my favorite.  If you see a bottle, you should pick it up.
• Sierra Nevada Celebration- Who doesn't like Celebration?  Are there people out there?  Maybe one or two?  This is the beer that is easy to drink.  Not super high abv (6.5 % is still higher than 4% sessions), not spiced up, not a hop bomb, but a really nice drinking beer.  Now it is even labeled as a "fresh hop".  The hops and malt seem to work so well together.  One sip it is a ton of citrus hops, the next sip it features the nice malt.  Cannot go wrong.

1. Scaldis (Bush de) Noel- the only beer that I put a number to.  I feel that this beer flies so far under the radar, it deserves some spotlight.  The above beers can be rattled off by beer geeks, most have tried them, all have heard of them- but when you ask if they tried Scaldis, many go blank.  This is the most drinkable 12% beer I know of.  It is sweet tasting with dark fruits and raisins.  Sure you can taste the booze (it is 12%), but the booze does not effect the mouthfeel.  I think it actually improves the taste, maybe thins the beer out a bit.  I don't know what it is about it, but everyone who I have had the pleasure of handing some to have all had the same comment.  Usually something like this, "Wow, that's a good beer".

So if you out looking at picking up some beers, maybe give this list a try.  Even better yet, give other beers that you have not heard of a try, they might become your favorite.

New Beer Eve Party

I like to turn ordinary "party" nights into info sessions.  Beer Info.  The best kind. The night started about 1 PM when we loaded the car to run home before the snow and ice could affect the ride.  This lead me to make quick decisions on what beers to grab.  I was happy with my selection.  The valuable cargo consisted of a bottle of He'Brew Jewbelation 13 and Scaldis (Bush) Noel.

We got home in time for a shower and nap before the beginning of the drinking.  After arriving at our friend's house, and convincing them to turn the temperature above 55 degrees, I popped open my first brew.  I wanted to start with something simple and clean tasting.  Brewer's Alley Pilsner it is.  It is a great tasting pilsner that is not offensive to future beers.  Nice way to start the night.  After a round of two of Yuengling, central PA- you must drink Yuengling, we decided to see what the Jewbelation 13 holds for us.

Right from the pour you could tell it was special.  We weren't too sure whether that is a good special or a bad special, but it was special.  The darkness to it (reminded us of Old Engine Oil) scared off a couple of friends who try crafts, but rarely drink to the extent of some of us. The sweet smell gets a kick in the behind by the alcohol, you can definitely tell it is 13%.  The taste is sweet from the get-go, fading away as it goes down.  Again, the alcohol is very present, and a slight touch of bitterness comes alive.  The beer leaves a slight coating in your mouth, like a fine liquor.  I would go for another drink of Jewbelation (I poured a second helping from the bottle), as long as I am not driving.

We gave it a rest, and went back to our 4.5% Yuengling, fulling knowing the Scaldis would be coming up soon.  And the time came.  Scaldis is one of my favorite christmas beers, and something I look forward to every year.  The Scaldis poured much lighter than the He'Brew did.  This also gives off a sweet, alcoholy smell, but a better balance between the two.  Upon tasting, I find the major difference to be the bit of carbination breaks the beer up, and makes it an easier drink.  The sweetness and very slight hop character to it.  The spices are aligned and do not overpower the beer.  Still the sweet caramel taste remains, without the major alcohol taste (unlike the Jewbelation).  This beer is easily drinkable, and I force myself to a limit of one bottle when I go shopping. Great beer.

After a 13% and 12% beer, I stayed on the Yuengling train.  I was inclined to bring my Bell's Sparkling Ale for midnight, but it was forgotten.  I had that a few days later, and it was an absolutely delightful triple, with a bit more carbination than usual (for a triple), it was a sparkling ale. Very nice beer.

I hope you had a pleasant New Beers Eve, and can share your story as well.