If you haven’t noticed by now, Christmas beers are really starting to pour in. I’ve seen some that I’m really interested in…and then I’ve seen some others. I’m looking forward to Affligem, St. Bernardus Christmas, and Delirium Noel. I’m sure that I’ll be picking up some others, but in some sense, it’s beginning to look a lot like fall/pumpkin ales. One thing is for sure, the spices will be flowing. At any rate, I just want to post a quick reminder that your favorite Christmas ales will be coming out soon, so be on the look out for them, and I hope we can all avoid the pitfall of buying the bad ones.
What are you looking forward to? What were your bad Christmas Ale experiences? Tell us your mindset when it comes to the Christmas Ales.
I’m going on record as saying that St. Bernardus Christmas is not only my absolute favorite Christmas beer, but one of my favorite all-time beers. Soo good.
It’s already on tap at Max’s Taphouse here in Baltimore!
Bad Christmas Ale experiences? Last winter, I had a year-old bottle of Anchor’s “Our Special Ale” (Merry Christmas, Happy New Year)… usually one of my faves. Delicious on tap. But this bottle either didn’t age very well or I got a skunked one. Not sure what happened but it was not drinkable.
Luckily I had one more bottle of St. Bernardus in the ‘fridge
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I want to try St. Bernardus Christmas this year but to me I look forward to Sierra Nevada Celebration.
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The aforementioned Celebration and Delirium Noel are on my list, but to only list Christmas beers is severely short-changing this beer season. In the next month or two, I will be stocking my pantry with a one-years supply of:
Bell’s Expedition Stout
Founders Backwoods Bastard (Bourbon barrel aged Scotch Ale, YUMMY!)
Founders Imperial Stout
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine
I’m sure I’m forgetting more, but this is “kid in a candy store” season for me!
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Delirium Noel is on my list. I also have a year old bottle Nogne O Winter Ale I’m anxious to open.
I’d love to find the Jolly Pumpkin / Nøgne-Ø / Stone collab.
My own Christmas Ale is what has me really excited though.
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Corsendonk’s Christmas is certainly on my list again. Schlafly’s Christmas will not be, however. I agree with you Howard…I’ve got the kid in a candy store going on, too. The Abyss will be out soon. Goose Island is a must. I think I’ll also try to get a little of that Backwoods also, if I can find it.
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@ Brad. I’m picking up the St. Bernardus for sure this year. It lovingly looks me in the eye whenever I see it.
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I am excited about trying this year’s Goose Island offering. I always get the Anchor ale because it is usually solid and a good way to get non-beer people interested but what I am really looking forward to is some Double Mountain Fa La La La La.
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I just bought Anchor’s Christmas in a their 50 ounce bottle. Can’t wait to sip it with some family.
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I always wind up getting into the spirit of the season too late, after all the good ones are gobbled up. Not just Christmas, mind you, but every beer season! I’ve completed most of my Christmas shopping for the kids, so perhaps I need to turn my attention to the seasonal beers before it’s too late.
@howardf: You seem to have a fine list of priorities there, sir!
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Certain ones really require you to be on the ball. Others sit until the next Christmas. I want to buy a few that we have at my job…good selection. However, I don’t think I’ll be buying any Santa’s Private Reserve this time around.
@Howard. It’s that kind of season for me, too.
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I forgot to mention the few bottles of The Bruery’s Two Turtle Doves. Now I’ve got to track down a couple bottles of Partridge in a Pear Tree!
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I kinda missed the boat last year only having the Celebration Ale which wasn’t thrilling to me. I’ll keep a look out for some of the above mentioned brews. (Can’t beleive its Christmastime already either.)
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