December 24 - Sam Adams Merry Maker

We've made it to Christmas Eve!  Thank you all for joining us this year in the 24 DoB and a special thank you to all that blogged!  I hope all of you have enjoyed the beer tasting experience and have found a couple beer to add into your beer rotation.  Merry Christmas to you all! - Tony, Katy, Mark, and Tom 

Why we picked it:  It's become a tradition that we enjoy a 22 ouncer on Christmas Eve.  I believe this is also the first time a Sam Adams' beer has made an appearance in the 24 DoB.  22 ozs, 9.0% ABV, and gingerbread...what else could you ask for on Christmas Eve!

About Sam Adams' Merry Maker:  This rich dark gingerbread stout entices with the aromas of the holidays.  The flavor of gingerbread comes alive, beginning with the smooth sweetness and heartiness of dark roasted malts and a touch of wheat.  But it’s the intensity and spices of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, & ginger that add a wicked kick for a jolly playful brew full of merry mischief.

Beer Advocate Score: 83 pts

Hop Varieties:  East Kent Goldings and Fuggles

MALT VARIETIES:  Samuel Adams two row pale malt blend, wheat, Special B, Paul’s roasted barley, and flaked oats 

YEAST STRAIN:  Samuel Adams ale yeast
 
COLOR: Deep mahogany / 75 SRM
 
SPECIAL INGREDIENTS:  Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, & ginger
 
ABV:  9.0%

IBUs:  25

Case Cost:  $6.99 per bottle

*website: http://www.samueladams.com/craft-beers/merry-maker

December 23 - Great Lakes Christmas Ale

Why we picked it:  Recommendation from Andy at Norm's.

About Great Lakes' Christmas Ale:  

Name Origin:  This one’s for the annual gift exchange.  For warm, crowded living rooms and steamy kitchen windows. For roasts in the oven, long meandering toasts, and longer dining room tables. For a safe homecoming. For keeping Santa secret. For horrible sweaters and footie pajamas. For wrapping paper fights, snowball fights, and the peace that comes from watching the snow fall from a cozy chair. Christmas Ale is our tradition, and we’re thankful for everyone who’s made it a part of theirs.

Style Origin:  The tradition of holiday brews has its origins in the Middle Ages when spices were
commonly used instead of hops to add flavor and medicinal qualities to beer. The style re-emerged in
the early 1900s in the northern countries of Western Europe when local brewers began creating specialty holiday brews for their favored patrons. Today, most breweries make their holiday beers darker and more potent and often add spices like ginger and cinnamon for a more pronounced holiday flavor.

Flavor:  Brewed with honey and spiced with fresh ginger and cinnamon
 
Ingredients:

MALT
Harrington 2-Row Base Malt: Allows color and flavor from other specialty malts to come through; makes for very clean beer 
Wheat:  Adds body and head retention
Crystal 45:  Contributes to copper color and adds sweet caramel aroma and flavor
Special Roast:  Contributes subtle hints of toasty and biscuit flavors
Roasted Barley:  Added in small amounts to contribute to overall complexity and color without overwhelming
 
HOPS 
Mt. Hood:  Provides subtle spicy and earthy aromas
Cascade:  Used as an aroma hop; citrusy aroma complements beer’s heavy spices
 
SPICES 
Honey:  An adjunct to add strength and fresh floral notes
Cinnamon:  Imparts festive aroma and flavor
Fresh Ginger:  Adds spicy aroma and flavor
 
Pairs With:  A perfect complement to all holiday fare, toasts, and cheers
Shelf Life:  126 days

Beer Advocate Score:  89 pts

ABV:  7.5%
IBUs:  30 

Case Cost:  $50

*website: https://www.greatlakesbrewing.com/beer/an-exceptional-family-of-beers/seasonal/christmas-ale

December 22 - Anchor Steam Christmas Ale

Why we picked it:  Recommendation of Tommy D.  We have tried this beer in a past 24 DoB.  That one did not get great reviews. However, they change the recipe on this every year and this year's is supposed to be great!

About Anchor Steam's Christmas Ale:  2014 Anchor Christmas Ale. New tree. New recipe. Same traditions.

This is the fortieth annual Christmas Ale from the Anchor brewers. It is sold only from early November to mid–January. The Ale's recipe is different every year, as is the tree on the label, but the intent with which we offer it remains the same: joy and celebration of the newness of life.

This is the fortieth annual Christmas Ale from the Anchor brewers. It is sold only from early November to mid–January. The Ale's recipe is different every year, as is the tree on the label, but the intent with which we offer it remains the same: joy and celebration of the newness of life.

Our tree for 2014 is the Giant Sequoia. It was hand-drawn by James Stitt—who has been creating Christmas Ale labels for us since 1975—to look as a "Big Tree" planted in 1975 might look today.

"The Big Tree is Nature's forest masterpiece, and…keeps its youth far longer than any of its neighbors. Most silver firs are old in their second or third century, pines in their fourth or fifth, while the Big Tree growing beside them is still in the bloom of its youth, juvenile in every feature at the age of old pines, and cannot be said to attain anything like prime size and beauty before its fifteen hundredth year, or under favorable circumstances become old before its three thousandth."–John Muir

We chose the Giant Sequoia for our fortieth Christmas Ale in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite Act. Signed into law by President Lincoln during the Civil War, it granted the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Big Tree Grove to the State of California "for public use, resort, and recreation." The first such land grant in American history, it marked the beginning of the California State Parks.

- See more at: http://www.anchorbrewing.com/beer/christmas_ale#sthash.qpAYQ43y.dpuf

2014 Anchor Christmas Ale. New tree. New recipe. Same traditions. - See more at: http://www.anchorbrewing.com/beer/christmas_ale#sthash.qpAYQ43y.dpuf

2014 Anchor Christmas Ale. New tree. New recipe. Same traditions. - See more at: http://www.anchorbrewing.com/beer/christmas_ale#sthash.qpAYQ43y.dpuf

2014 Anchor Christmas Ale. New tree. New recipe. Same traditions. - See more at: http://www.anchorbrewing.com/beer/christmas_ale#sthash.qpAYQ43y.dpuf

2014 Anchor Christmas Ale. New tree. New recipe. Same traditions. - See more at: http://www.anchorbrewing.com/beer/christmas_ale#sthash.qpAYQ43y.dpuf

2014 Anchor Christmas Ale. New tree. New recipe. Same traditions. - See more at: http://www.anchorbrewing.com/beer/christmas_ale#sthash.qpAYQ43y.dpuf

2014 Anchor Christmas Ale. New tree. New recipe. Same traditions. - See more at: http://www.anchorbrewing.com/beer/christmas_ale#sthash.qpAYQ43y.dpuf

This is the fortieth annual Christmas Ale from the Anchor brewers. It is sold only from early November to mid–January. The Ale's recipe is different every year, as is the tree on the label, but the intent with which we offer it remains the same: joy and celebration of the newness of life.

Our tree for 2014 is the Giant Sequoia. It was hand-drawn by James Stitt—who has been creating Christmas Ale labels for us since 1975—to look as a "Big Tree" planted in 1975 might look today.

"The Big Tree is Nature's forest masterpiece, and…keeps its youth far longer than any of its neighbors. Most silver firs are old in their second or third century, pines in their fourth or fifth, while the Big Tree growing beside them is still in the bloom of its youth, juvenile in every feature at the age of old pines, and cannot be said to attain anything like prime size and beauty before its fifteen hundredth year, or under favorable circumstances become old before its three thousandth."–John Muir

We chose the Giant Sequoia for our fortieth Christmas Ale in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite Act. Signed into law by President Lincoln during the Civil War, it granted the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Big Tree Grove to the State of California "for public use, resort, and recreation." The first such land grant in American history, it marked the beginning of the California State Parks.

- See more at: http://www.anchorbrewing.com/beer/christmas_ale#sthash.qpAYQ43y.dpufThis is the fortieth annual Christmas Ale from the Anchor brewers. It is sold only from early November to mid–January. The Ale's recipe is different every year, as is the tree on the label, but the intent with which we offer it remains the same: joy and celebration of the newness of life.

Our tree for 2014 is the Giant Sequoia. It was hand-drawn by James Stitt—who has been creating Christmas Ale labels for us since 1975—to look as a "Big Tree" planted in 1975 might look today.

"The Big Tree is Nature's forest masterpiece, and…keeps its youth far longer than any of its neighbors. Most silver firs are old in their second or third century, pines in their fourth or fifth, while the Big Tree growing beside them is still in the bloom of its youth, juvenile in every feature at the age of old pines, and cannot be said to attain anything like prime size and beauty before its fifteen hundredth year, or under favorable circumstances become old before its three thousandth."–John Muir

We chose the Giant Sequoia for our fortieth Christmas Ale in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite Act. Signed into law by President Lincoln during the Civil War, it granted the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Big Tree Grove to the State of California "for public use, resort, and recreation." The first such land grant in American history, it marked the beginning of the California State Parks.


Beer Advocate Score: 83

First Brew:  1975
First Bottling:  1975
Alc. by Volume:  Varies
Availability:  Nov.-Feb.
Malt:  Top Secret
Hops:  Top Secret
Dry Hops:  Top Secret

First Brew

1975

First Bottling

1975

Alc. by Volume

Varies

Availability

Nov.-Feb.

Malt

Top Secret

Hops

Top Secret

Dry Hops

Top Secret

- See more at: http://www.anchorbrewing.com/beer/christmas_ale#sthash.qpAYQ43y.dpuf

Case Cost:  $44

*website: http://www.anchorbrewing.com/beer/christmas_ale

December 21 - Flying Dog K-9 Winter Ale

Why we picked it:  Wanted to try another offering from Flying Dog.

About Flying Dog K-9 Winter Ale:  They call it winter warmer for a reason. K-9 Cruiser is the perfect beer to cozy up with by the fire, with or without an attractive companion.

If it tastes like Christmas, it probably works with K-9. Flavor notes: Sweet malt base with roasted, nutty, and spicy flavors Pairs with: Buttery cheeses; sweet breads; spice cake; squash, yams, and sweet potatoes; hearty meats and stews

Beer Advocate Score: 77 pts.

ABV: 7.4%
Availability: Winter release
IBUs: 30
Specialty Malts: Changes with each release
Hops:  Changes with each release
Yeast:  English Ale

Case Cost:  $38

*website: http://flyingdogbrewery.com/beers/k-9-winter-ale/

December 20 - North Coast PranQster

Why we picked it:  Recommendation from Tommy D.

About North Coast's PranQster:  Belgian Ales represent the height of the brewers' art. Sophisticated brewing techniques, yeast blends, and unique flavoring elements have elevated the beers of Belgium to the status enjoyed by wine in other countries.

PranQster follows in this tradition using a mixed culture of antique yeast strains that produce a floral nose, a full fruity flavor, and a clean finish. Available in 12 oz 4-packs and 750 ml traditionally corked and wired bottles.

Beer Advocate Score: 91 pts.

Style: Belgian Style Golden Ale
Color: Soft Gold
ABV: 7.6%
IBUs: 20

Case Cost:  $60

*website: http://www.northcoastbrewing.com/beer-Pranqster.htm

December 19 - Troegs Mad Elf

Why we picked it:  The Mad Elf has become a staple in our annual 24 DoB.  Watch out for that 11% ABV!  That's why this is a Friday beer.

About Troegs' Mad Elf:  The Mad Elf is a cheerful creation to warm your heart and enlighten your tongue. The combination of cherries, honey, and chocolate malts delivers gentle fruits and subtle spices. Fermented and aged with a unique yeast, this ruby red beer has significant warming strength that underlies the pleasant character of this intriguing yet delicious Ale. The Mad Elf is a jolly and delicious beer for the holidays.

Serving Suggestions:  Temp: 50-55° F | Glassware: Chalice or Tulip 

Beer Advocate Score: 87 pts.

ABV: 11.0%
Hop Bitterness (IBUs): 15
Color: Ruby Red
Availability: Seasonal (October - December)
Malts: Pilsner, Munich, Chocolate
Hops: Saaz, Hallertau
Yeast: Spicy Belgian
JuJu: Pennsylvania Honey, Sweet and Sour Cherries


Case Cost:  $57

*website: http://www.troegs.com/our_brews/mad_elf_ale.aspx

December 18 - Flying Fish Grand Cru Winter Reserve

Why we picked it:  Recommended by Tommy D.

About Flying Fish's Grand Cru Winter Reserve:  This Belgian-style strong golden ale showcases a variety of the ingredients and brewing methods that help differentiate Flying Fish beers. The Grand Cru is fermented at a higher temperature than our other beers adding an undercurrent of fruitiness and clove (although there is no fruit or spice in the beer). Very lightly filtered, the Grand Cru exhibits complex mouthfeel, strong malt flavors, a spicy hop presence and a soothing alcohol warmth, followed by a clean, dry finish. It is excellent with food as well as served by itself.

Beer Advocate Score: 83 pts.

Malts: Two-Row Pale, Cara-8, White Wheat, Demerera Sugar, Acidulated
Hops: Styrian Golding, Columbus
Yeast: Belgian Abbey Style
Original Gravity: 15.7 plato
ABV: 6.9%
IBU's: 10.4
Formats: 12 oz. bottles,1/2 kegs, 1/6 kegs, cask-conditioned
Availability: November 1 to February 1

Food pairings:  Richer dishes, meats, cheeses, stews, smoked foods. As an after-dinner drink.

Case Cost:  $32

*website: http://flyingfish.com/beers/seasonals.html

December 17 - Allagash Dubbel

Why we picked it:  The Allagash beers we've tried in past 24 DoB have been great.  This is one we have not tried yet.

About Allagash's Dubbel:  Allagash Dubbel boasts a deep red color and a complex malty taste. The finish is dry with subtle hints of chocolate and nuts. The yeast asserts itself by lending a classic Belgian fruitiness.

Beer Advocate Score: 86 pts.

Description: Belgian Style Dubbel
ABV: 7%
Profile: Deep Red, Dry, Nutty
Serving Temperature: 40°-50°F
Availability: Year Round

Case Cost:  $50

*website: http://www.allagash.com/beer/year-round/dubbel

December 16 - Innis and Gunn Rum Aged

Why we picked it:  Recommended by Andy at Norm's and sounds interesting.

About Innis and Gunn's Rum Aged:  Our Rum Aged is a fighter. Its popularity saw it throw off the shackles of Limited Edition status to clinch a place in our Core Range.

Matured over oak heartwood infused with specially selected rums, its spicy, full-bodied qualities make it a lively sparring partner for a round or two.

Food match:  Meats, like venison or duck, or mature cheese and a good-quality chutney

Beer Advocate Score: 86

Color: Ruby red
Smell: Lots of fruit and mulled spice
Taste: Surprisingly light. Soft fruits and rich malt with aromatic spiciness from the rum.
Finish: Warming and mellow

Malt:  Innis & Gunn Ale Malt, Crystal Malt, Roasted Barley, Chocolate MaltHops:  Super Styrian
Maturation:  57 days. Over Demerara Rum-infused heartwood in our Oakerators®

ABV:  6.8%

Case Cost:  $64

*website: http://innisandgunn.com/our-beers/favourites/rum-aged

December 15 - Terrapin Wake n Bake

Why we picked it:  This was a recommended beer as well.

About Terrapin's Wake n Bake:  Black as night, this coffee stout is thick, rich and full of real coffee flavor. Brewed with a special blend of beans from all over the world developed and roasted specifically for Terrapin by our friends at Jittery Joe’s Coffee right here in Athens, Ga. This unique blend of coffee produces a robust and flavorful beer that will leave you asking “Why not Beer?” for breakfast!  The high alcohol content of this beer makes it perfect for cellaring… hide a few away and pull one out for a special event 2-3 years later!

The Jittery Joe’s Wake-n-Bake coffee blend is available for sale in our gift shop online and at the brewery!

Beer Advocate Score: 96

Coffee: Premium blend of Costa Rican, Guatemalan, & Zimbabwe : Premium blend of Costa Rican, Guatemalan, & Zimbabwe

Availablity: Winter

ABV:  9.4%

Case Cost:  $70

*website: http://terrapinbeer.com/brew/monster-beer-tour/wake-n-bake-coffee-oatmeal-imperial-stout/

December 14 - Left Hand Fade to Black

Why we picked it:  A recommendation from Tommy D.

About  Left Hand's Fade to Black:  That time of year when the day seems to fade away. Drifting further into the darkness with each passing day. Volume 1 – Foreign Stout – Pours black with licorice, espresso bean, molasses, and black cardamom notes that give way to a feeling of self loathing, burnt opportunities and smoked relationships

Beer Advocate Score: 91

Collection: Seasonal
Style: Foreign Stout
Color: Black with Ruby Edges
Body: Medium
ABV: 8.5%
IBU's: 30
PLATO: 18°
Malt: Pale 2-row, Roasted Barley, Black Malt, Chocolate Malt, Cara-Aroma and Malted Wheat
Hops: Magnum and US Goldings

 Case Cost:  $40

*website: http://lefthandbrewing.com/beers/fade-to-black-vol-1/

December 13 - Flying Dog Gonzo

Why we picked it:  This beer came highly recommended.

About Flying Dog's Gonzo:  Gonzo is big, bold, and beautiful like the man it was brewed in honor of – Dr. Hunter S. Thompson.

Flavor notes: Roasted chocolate, coffee, and vanilla malt flavors balanced with a unique hop bite

Pairs with: Mushrooms; smoked meats, BBQ, and chili; hard cheese; chocolate and coffee desserts 

Beer Advocate Score: 90

ABV:  9.2%
Availability:  Limited distribution
IBUs:  85
Specialty Malts:  120L Caramel, Black, Chocolate
Hops:  Warrior, Northern Brewer, Cascade
Yeast:  Two yeast strains

Case Cost:  $39

*website: http://flyingdogbrewery.com/beers/gonzo-imperial-porter/

December 12 - Schlafly Christmas Ale

Why we picked it:  The Schlafly's beers we've tried in past 24 DoB have been good so lets give the Christmas beer a try!

About Schlafly's Christmas Ale:  Our Christmas Ale is a warming winter ale that blends the spices of the season with sweet caramel malt.  Orange peel, juniper berries, ginger root, cardamom and cloves are added for spiciness.  We use honey in the fermentation process, which raises the ABV without producing too much heat from the alcohol content.

Many breweries produce richer, higher alcohol beers for the winter holiday season, bolder than their year-round offerings.   The inspiration for this beer came from spiced holiday beverages such as wassail and mulled wines. Around the holidays, the sweet and spicy aromas, not to mention the booze, in such libations tend to smooth the rougher edges of enjoying each other’s company and spreading goodwill.  Available November-December 

Beer Advocate Score: 94

Appearance: Deep copper, bright
Process: Spiced with orange peel, juniper berries, ginger root, cardamom and cloves
Hops: Magnum (PL)
Grains: Pale, Caramel, Munich, Chocolate, Honey
Yeast: American Ale
OG: 18.7
SRM: 30

ABV:  8.0%
IBU: 30 

Case Cost:  $46

*website: http://schlafly.com/beers/styles/christmas-ale/

December 11 - Bell's Christmas Ale

Why we picked it:  Bell's brewery has become a staple in our 24 DoB. It's one of my top 5 breweries.  We had this 2 years ago and it was time to bring it back.  We'll compare this on back to back days to Schlafly's Christmas offering. Plus it has a nice tree on the label.  It's Christmas time, get in the spirit!

About Bell's Christmas Ale:  The basic inspiration for Bell's Christmas Ale was to create a sessionable holiday beer, using locally grown malt, which would stand apart from the array of spiced winter warmers that are typically introduced this time of year. In contrast to many other seasonals, Christmas Ale doesn't contain any spices: all of the dry, toasted notes & subtle toffee flavors come from the 100% Michigan-grown barley, custom malted by Briess Malting, while a blend of hops from Michigan & the Pacific Northwest lend earthy, herbal aromas. At 5.5% ABV, it stands as a smooth, highly drinkable beer intended to complement holiday menus, not overshadow them.

Beer Advocate Score: 82

Alcohol by Volume:  5.5%
Original Gravity:  1.058
Shelf Life:  6 months
Dates Available:  Winter seasonal

Case Cost:  $43

*website: http://bellsbeer.com/brands/27-Christmas%20Ale

December 10 - Highland Gaelic Ale

Why we picked it:  We've never tried it, sounded like it might be interesting, and Norm's had 3 cases of it.

About Highland's Gaelic Ale:  A deep amber-colored American ale, featuring a rich malty body. Cascade and Willamette hops add a complex hop flavor and aroma. This ale is exceptionally balanced between malty sweetness and delicate hop bitterness. It has a universal appeal and is our workhorse, accounting for about half of our total production.

This was our first beer and was originally named Celtic Ale in honor of the Scots and Irish who originally settled the Appalachian region. We had to change the name – unbeknownst to us, Bert Grant Brewery had trademarked “Celtic Ale." The term "Gaelic" more commonly refers to the language of the Celtic peoples in Scotland and Ireland and particularly to the Scottish Highlanders. The dark amber color is similar to a Scottish Ale but the flavor and body is more in the style of American Amber.

Beer Advocate Score: 86

Grains:  2 Row Brewers Malt, Munich, Caramel 40, Caramel 60 & Extra Special Malt
Hops:  Chinook, Willamette, & Cascade
ABV:  5.6%
IBU:  30
Calories:  167
Case Cost:  $35

*website: http://www.highlandbrewing.com/craft-brews/style/gaelic-ale

December 9 - Boulevard Tank 7

Why we picked it:  A recommendation from Andy at Norm's. We've heard good things about this beer.

About Boulevard's Tank 7:  Most breweries have at least one piece of equipment that’s just a bit persnickity. Here at Boulevard we have fermenter number seven, the black sheep of our cellar family. Ironically, when our brewers were experimenting with variations on a traditional Belgian-style farmhouse ale, the perfect combination of elements came together in that very vessel. You could call it fate, but they called it Tank 7, and so it is. Beginning with a big surge of fruity aromatics and grapefruit-hoppy notes, the flavor of this complex, straw-colored ale tapers off to a peppery, dry finish.

Style: Saison/Farmhouse Ale

Availability: Year-round, Draught and both 750 mL and 4-Pack Bottles


Beer Advocate Score: 93

Color (EBC):  12
Bitterness (IBUs):  38
Original Gravity (Plato):  17.3
Terminal Gravity (Plato):  2.5
Alcohol (ABV):  8.5%

Sensory Profile:  A straw colored, light to medium bodied beer with an earthy, spicy, grapefruit aroma and flavor, a soft, sweet malt flavor and a prominent hop bitterness.

Aroma:  Floral, citrusy hops, Belgian yeast esters
Malt:  Soft, light, sweet flavor
Hops:  Prominent hop bitterness and citrusy, grapefruit, peppery flavor
Balance:  Hops
Body:  Light/medium to medium

Ingredients:

Malt: Pale Malt, Malted Wheat
Adjuncts: Corn Flakes
Hops: Magnum, Bravo, Amarillo

Glassware:  Goblet

Pairings:  Herb-roasted chicken, Pork, Taleggio cheese

Case Cost:  $60

*website: http://www.boulevard.com/BoulevardBeers/tank-7-farmhouse-ale/

December 8 - Hardywood Singel

Why we picked it:  Another Virginia Brewery that we have not tried yet in the 24 DoB.

About Hardywood's Single:  Unfiltered, unpasteurized, and uninhibited, Hardywood Singel is a feat in balance. Sunshine golden with a fluffy head and a veil of Belgian ale yeast, Singel’s tropical fruit esters complement its spicy hop aromatics. Delicate in body, Singel’s mellow, dry finish culminates a truly ethereal experience. Hardywood Singel's stylistic inspiration originates with the Trappist brewers of western Europe, who are often celebrated for their gloriously complex dubbels and tripels, and whose devotion to crafting heavenly libations is second to none. Unknown to many, some of the Trappist brewers also brew a milder ale for daily consumption within the walls of the monastery. Hardywood Singel is our interpretation of this style.

Beer style: Belgian Abbey-style Blonde Ale

Best with: Hardywood Singel is the perfect complement to savory southern fare like fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, crab cakes and shrimp and grits, yet it's refreshingly delicate enough to tame the hottest Virginia summer day. A diverse food-pairing beer, Hardywood Singel is outstanding with a wide range of seafood, particularly steamed mussels, sautéed scallops, lobster with drawn butter, fresh local oysters and most white fish. Also great with fried chicken, hush puppies and pastas with white wine, butter, or olive oil based sauces. Cheese recommendations include Edam, Gouda, Havarti and Brie.

Beer Advocate Score: 94

Original Gravity (O.G.):  1.056

Strength (ABV):  6.2 % ABV

Color (SRM):  4 °L

Bitterness (IBU):  30 IBUs

Availability:  Year Round

Case Cost:  $43

*website: http://www.hardywood.com/content/hardywood-singel

December 7 - New Belgium Accumulation

Why we picked it:  No special reason.  It's New Belgium's winter selection.

About New Belgium's Accumulation:  This winter, IBUs start accumulating like snow in Colorado with our new Accumulation White IPA. Brewing a white IPA was not only a way to salute the white beauty falling from the sky, but a direct revolt to the longstanding tradition of brewing dark beers for winter. At least that’s what our rebellious brewer Grady Hull likes to claim as he shovels in plenty of new hop varietals and a bit of wheat for a smooth mouthfeel. Stack up a few cases of Accumulation White IPA to keep your long nights glowing blizzard white.

Beer Advocate Score: 84

Visual: Cloudy haze, pale golden. Billows of white foam and gorgeous foam.

Aroma: Strong hop aroma that displays all of our hop varieties: tropical fruits, bright citrus, spicy/herbal from the heavy dry hopping. This beer is a hoppy wonderland!

Flavor: Big and bitter, just what this IPA ordered. Sweetness just barely dents its IBU armor. Nevertheless the addition of wheat really smooths out the rough bitter edge.

Mouthfeel: Resinous and slightly cloying from all those hop oils but finishes as clean and crisp as all of our seasonal family does and should.

Body:  Medium-light body.

ABV:  6.2%

IBU:  70

Yeast:  Ale Yeast for bright, fruity notes

Calories:  170

Hops:  Target, Centennial, dry hopped with Mosaic and Amarillo

Malts:  Pale, Wheat

Case Cost:  $39

*website: http://www.newbelgium.com/beer/detail.aspx?id=bb436b19-1df5-40a3-be8c-273701c4c3d3

December 6 - Sierra Nevada Celebration

Why we picked it:  It's been in the 24 DoB before, it's good, and it's back! 

About Sierra Nevada's Celebration:  Festive fresh hop holiday fun.  The start of Celebration season is a festive event. We can’t start brewing until the first fresh hops have arrived, but once they have the season is officially under way! First brewed in 1981, Celebration Ale is one of the earliest examples of an American-style IPA and one of the few hop-forward holiday beers. Famous for its intense citrus and pine aromas, Celebration is bold and intense, featuring Cascade, Centennial and Chinook hops—honoring everything we have at Sierra Nevada.

Beer Advocate Score: 93

Alcohol Content: 6.8% by volume
Beginning gravity: 16.0° plato
Ending Gravity: 4.0° plato
Bitterness Units: 65 

Yeast: Ale yeast
Bittering Hops: Chinook, Centennial
Finishing Hops: Cascade, Centennial
Malts: Two-row Pale, Caramel 
 
Cuisine: Fish and Chips, Roasted Turkey and Dressing, Polenta and Grilled Vegetables
Cheese: Parmagiano Reggiano, Manchego  

Case Cost:  $39

*website: http://www.sierranevada.com/beer/seasonal/celebration-ale

December 5 - 3 Brothers Drift

Why we picked it:  A recommendation from Andy at Norm's and a Virginia beer. Oh and it's a 16 oz can.  Enjoy the extra 4 oz on this Friday night! 

About 3 Brothers' Drift:  Escape the mundane with this citra-based, session IPA, the perfect beer to end a workday or to carry you through a weekend with friends.  A heavy dry-hop and pristine finish make Drift the ideal indulgence for any time, every time. Serve cold and enjoy with friends.

3 Brothers Brewing is located in downtown Harrisonburg, VA.

Beer Advocate Score: 91

ABV: 5.0%

Case Cost:  $48

*website: http://threebrosbrew.com/beer/drift/

December 4 - Victory Winter Cheers

Why we picked it:  This is a winter beer that we have not tried in past 24 DoB.

About Victory's Winter Cheers:  Winter weather may drive us indoors but cannot dampen our spirits when hearth, home and hops meet in jubilation. Hoisted high in its golden glory, Winter Cheers lives up to its name, fueling festive times and chasing winter’s chill. Glowing and glimmering, frothy and shimmering, our celebratory wheat ale features luscious fruity and spicy notes, making it a perfect brew to brighten spirits even on the deepest of nights.

Light in body, this fruity and warming holiday brew delivers a crisp finish, with spicy hints of banana, clove and citrus. 

Food Pairings: Cheese and seafood

Beer Advocate Score: 82

ABV: 6.7%
Malt: German wheat and barley malts, and oats
Hops: Whole flower Tettnang and Citra hops

Case Cost:  $39

*website: http://www.victorybeer.com/beers/winter-cheers/

December 3 - Evolution Secret Spot

Why we picked it: A winter seasonal from a semi-local brewery (Salisbury, MD) that we had not tried yet. 

About Evolution's Secret Spot:  Our winter seasonal is a nod to the classic altbiers of Dusseldorf. A full, toasty malt profile is countered by generous additions of German Hops. Well balanced but assertively hopped, this complex but approachable beer is ideal for shaking off the chill of winter. 

Beer Advocate Score: 82 pts

ABV: 6.3%
IBU: 40
OG: 15
Hops: Tettnang, Halletaur
Malt: Pale, Pilsner, Caramunich, Munich

Case Cost:  $37

*website: http://evolutioncraftbrewing.com/BreweryTastingRoom/Beers.aspx

December 2 - DC Brau Tradition

Why we picked it:  Local beer from DC.  Brewed for DC United. Fairly cheap case cost to balance out some of the higher cost beers.

About DC Brau's The Tradition:  The Tradition is a limited-release D.C. United specific beer - the only one of its kind in the DC sports world.

The special DC Brau craft beer will be a unique, one-of-a-kind brew, crafted specifically for D.C. United and its fans to enjoy. One thousand gallons of the beer will be produced and will be made available exclusively at participating D.C. United official bar partners and at the DC Brau Brewing Company.

"My motivation for making this particular beer with D.C. United came from a willingness to make an ale that all soccer fans can enjoy," said DC Brau President and Head Brewer Jeff Hancock. "United fans drink all kinds of different beer, and with this particular ale I wanted it to reach a broad spectrum of palettes from those who drink everything from light lagers to hoppy pale ales. There's a little something for everybody in this Golden Ale!"

Beer Advocate Score: 79

Style: Golden Ale
Color: Gold
ABV: 5.0%
IBU’s: 15
Hops: U.S. Fuggle, U.S. Cascade
Malts: Pale, CaraPils

Case Cost:  $39

*website: http://www.dcbrau.com/our_brau.cfm?brau=18#

December 1 - Schlafly's Pumpkin Ale

Why we picked it:  The Schlafly's beers we've tried in past 24 DoB have been good. 24 DoB participants have asked for pumpkin beers to be included. We've heard this is one of the best pumpkin beers out there.

About Schlafly's Pumpkin Ale:  Our Pumpkin Ale blends the spices of the harvest with full-bodied sweetness for a beer that tastes like pumpkin pie. Pounds of pumpkin form a malty foundation that supports the fall flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.

While pumpkin beers were produced in the early days of the American colonies, they were different from the pumpkin beers we know today.  Colonists used pumpkin and squash as the fermenting medium, since malted barley was scarce.  Once malt became more readily available, it replaced these alternatives to grain.  In the 1990’s, American craft brewers reintroduced the style to the delight of pumpkin beer drinkers.  Available August-October

Beer Advocate Score: 94

Appearance: Copper-colored, bright
Process: Brewed with pumpkin squash and a blend of spices
Hops: Marynka (PL)
Grains: Pale, Crystal, Munich, Wheat, Chocolate
Yeast: American Ale

ABV:  8.0%
IBU: 16
OG: 18.2
SRM: 27 

Case Cost:  $46

*website: http://http://schlafly.com/beers/styles/pumpkin-ale/