The 12 Microbrews of Christmas

Posted by: Darryl, Spencer and Joel // December 19 2009

Every season is a good season for drinking beer. But in our humble opinion none is better than the Christmas season. Even the most un-sly of misers, including some guy named Ebenezer, couldn’t argue with a tasty hop-based libation to close a long day of Scrooging. There’s just something about a nicely spiced, tasty Christmas or winter beer that brings out the merriment.

Let’s face it, no microbrew is truly inexpensive, but in our opinion the majority of them offer far more value for your money than your pint of Mickey’s. The following are the results of our not-so-scientific taste test.

Darryl: I generally like beer, period. I don’t really have a favorite style and I’m usually open to try just about anything, especially seasonals.

Trader Joe’s Vintage Ale 2009 by Unibroue (Belgian Dubbel, 9.00% ABV, $4.99/Pint)

Due to Pennsylvania’s Prohibition Era alcohol laws (beer isn’t sold in grocery stores), I had to travel to Cleveland to sample this beer. Made by Unibroue out of Montreal, this beer was worth the extra effort involved in obtaining it. This Belgian Dubbel has a dark brown color, tan head and is nicely spiced with hints of ginger, chocolate and orange. It comes in at a hefty 9.00% ABV, but the taste isn’t overpowered by the alcohol. Bottom Line: One of the best beers I’ve ever tasted and a good value at just $4.99 per pint.

Troeg’s Mad Elf Ale (Seasonal Ale, 11% ABV, $22-$28/case varies by area)

Harrisburg’s Troegs Brewing Company crafts some of the best beer in the country and Mad Elf is no exception. Ruby red with flavors of cherries, honey and chocolate, this beer tastes like Christmas in a glass. It also goes down easy - too easy in fact. It may look pretty and taste like sugar and spice and all things nice, but beware… this powerhouse packs a punch like Anderson Silva. Bottom Line: A potent, great tasting and festive beer that’s great for sipping on a cold winter night.

Trader Joseph’s Brau Winterfest (Double Bock, 7.50% ABV, $5.99/6-pack in OH)

Here at SlyMiser, we’re all about helping you get the most for your money. That’s why I decided to add two selections from Trader Joes to my list. This dark brown double bock has notes of chocolate and caramel with a malty sweetness. At 7.50% ABV it’s no lightweight, so you’ll want to take it easy when drinking. Bottom Line: Great value, good taste, a really nice winter beer.

Magic Hat Roxy Rolles (Amber Ale, 5.1% ABV, $28/case typically in PA)

Technically Magic Hat lists this as an autumn beer, but it’s always included as part of their winter sampler. This beer is very crisp with floral hops and substantial body. This is definitely my favorite Magic Hat brew. I like it much better than the ubiquitous No.9. I wish more local bars carried it on tap. Bottom Line: Great tasting beer that pairs nicely with a variety of foods.

Spencer: I generally like wheat and Belgian beers year round. I’m learning to like stouts and porters for the winter though. Here are four beers I’m keeping in the fridge.

Breckenridge Vanilla Porter (American Porter, 4.7% ABV, $11/6 pack in PA)

I don’t generally like beers I can chew, but I don’t think Breckenridge makes a bad beer. It’s dark but it’s not heavy. Smooth like Kenny G, and the hint of vanilla is just enough. So good in fact, I had to go back and buy another six. Bottom line: Good dark ale that goes well with bar food – a nice chili or a burger (or both).

Wells Banana Bread Ale (Ale, 5.4% ABV, $7/pint in PA)

Fruit beers? I’m not usually a fan, but I love banana bread. What about a banana bread beer? I’m here to tell you this: don’t doubt it. This beer has a very smooth, nice banana scent and light taste of bananas. Crisp tasting, and not bitter at all, with a pleasant finish. Bottom line: A hearty fruit beer that I’ll definitely keep around for a change of pace.

Moylan’s White Christmas Spiced Winter Lager (Lager, 6% ABV, $5/pint in PA )

My favorite beer year-round is Paulaner Hefeweizen. The Moylan White Christmas Spiced Winter Lager takes this recipe and decides to up the ante with winter spices. Spiced with curacao, mace, cinnamon, coriander and white pepper – so that’s where the “Spiced” in the name comes from. There’s an orange peel taste in there too. Bottom line: If you like light wheat beers in the summer, then you’ll love this in the winter.

Samuel Smith Taddy Porter (Porter, 5% ABV, $5/pint)

I’m currently drinking this out of my Guinness pint glass. Makes sense, because this reminds me a lot of Guinness. Dark black/red, but like Guinness – the darkness doesn’t mean it’s heavy. It’s light tasting, crisp. This is a great, great beer. Bottom line: I hesitate to call this a winter beer because it may be one of the best beers I’ve tasted.

Joel: I’m definitely a moody beer drinker. (Not in the way that it sounds.) I generally crave dark beers like Guinness. On the other hand, I enjoy lighter beers like Stella, Amstel, or Corona. (Let’s keep this between you and me – at times I’ve been known to reach for a fruity beer.) In any case, it’s that jolly ole time of year and I picked four beers that I don’t usually drink and gave ’em a whirl.

Bear Republic Mach 10 (Double Imperial IPA, 8.70% ABV)

The Mach 10 is one of my new favorites. Don’t let the blonde color fool you. It’s hoppy. It’s a little bitter, which I like. However, some would say it’s even a little sweet at times. Make no mistake though: this blonde is very complex. Bottom line: Buckle up folks, this Brew travels at Mach 10. It’s a great beer all around – It’ll be a nice brew for both cold and warm seasons.

Bockor Cuvee Des Jacobins Rouge (Flanders Red Ale, 5.5% ABV)

Very, very interesting beer. It has a green apple flavor with sour notes. And get this – it even has a hint of Cherry. Yep, cherry. It has a nice flavor. Plus, it gives you an excuse to drink this ale to cleanse your palate for your next adventure. Bottom line: It’s a good Ale to pinch hit for something in your starting line-up. If you’re into sweeter beers on a regular basis, it might even make a swell full-timer.

Duck-Rabbit Baltic Porter (Porter, 9.0% ABV)

Believe it or not, this brew hails from North Carolina. It’s malt-ish, a pleasant roasty malt actually. There’s a nice chocolate note right at the end of the swig. Nice change of pace from the fruity brews. Might make a nice porter to enjoy in front of a fire (if you’re into that kind of thing). Bottom line: If you like to drink beer according to the seasons or weather, than this will be a good choice for you. (It may even make you feel a little like a mountaineer.)

Früli Strawberry Beer (Belgian Fruit Beer, 4.1% ABV)

Being born in Belgium, it has to be good, right? Well, I had my doubts about strawberries in my beer. But hey, I’ll try anything. The Früli is a bit sweet and a bit tart. But it’s all nice. To my surprise it was very easy to drink and not overwhelmingly sweet. Well done Früli! I’d recommend this to any who wants to broaden their tastes and try something a tad sweeter. Bottom line: It’s a great brew if you’re in the mood for something a little sweet. It’ll also top off a great meal as a dessert beer.

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