It truly is the most wonderful time for a beer. It only
comes a couple months each year, but for those few months, the beer is warming
and full of cheer. So without further ado, here’s a review of a few of this
year’s festive brews.
Mikkeller Hoppy Lovin’ Christmas
This Denmarkian IPA is the beer equivalent to saddling up the
old four wheel sleigh and heading off to find the Griswold Family Christmas tree.
Seriously, HLC tastes just like someone tapped an evergreen and served up a
nice cold glass of piney deliciousness. This extreme hop taste isn’t as bitter
as one comes to expect from such an intense tasting IPA, quite the opposite,
actually.
Brewed with ginger, this Christmas ale delivers a strong
taste but finishes smoothly. Quite possibly one of the most well balanced IPA’s
I’ve had the pleasure of tasting. One warning though, be careful when pouring
this beer. The head that comes on top this beer is like a snow storm in your
pint glass.
Mikkeller Hoppy Lovin’ Christmas comes in at 8 mugs out 10.
Boulevard Nutcracker Ale
My biggest regret from last year’s holiday season was my
general neglect for Holiday beers. I drank a decent amount but failed to
broaden my horizons past 3 or 4 brews. I missed out on Boulevard’s winter ale
because of this, a choice I am now regretting. This beer embodies what I like
to see in a Christmas brew, a very full flavor.
You really have to pay close attention
while you’re drinking to fully appreciate all the different tastes. I
definitely picked out caramel, orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, and possibly even
clove. I instantly full in love with this winter warmer and will probably make
it a mainstay in my holiday future. Another great brew from this Kansas City
brewery!
Boulevard Nutcracker Ale comes in at 8.5
mugs out of 10.
