The 24th and Final Day: Samuel Smith Winter Welcome

Why we picked it: Traditionally, we go big for Christmas eve, and Samuel Smith fit the bill and truly stands out as a holiday brew. Plus, at 550 ML, you could - in theory - share with relatives... or at least drink enough that they are more tolerable to you.

What Samuel Smith has to say: This seasonal beer is a limited edition brewed for the short days and long nights of winter. The full body resulting from fermentation in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ and the luxurious malt character, which will appeal to a broad range of drinkers, is balanced against whole-dried Fuggle and Golding hops with nuances and complexities that should be contemplated before an open fire.

ABV: 6%
IBU: 32


Fun Fact: Traditional methods of brewing have been retained at The Old Brewery.  The Samuel Smith brewery still has its own cooper making and repairing all its oak casks; all Samuel Smith’s naturally conditioned draught beer is handpulled from oak casks. The original well at The Old Brewery, sunk in 1758, is still in use, with the brewing water being drawn from 85 feet underground.If you want to see what it looks like...https://vimeo.com/153806647

Day 23: Breckenridge Christmas Ale

Why we picked it: My colleagues has rave reviews for Breckenridge Brewery, and this seems like a nice precursor to the big day!

What Breckenridge has to say: The chill of winter calls for a beer with extra flavor and strength, and this take on a classic strong ale does just that—it soothes the soul and warms the spirit. Flavors of caramel and chocolate are derived from an abundance of carefully roasted malts. Chinook and Mt. Hood hops contribute a spiciness, lending balance and a clean finish. Christmas Ale is a cozy holiday companion worthy of sharing.

ABV: 7.1%
IBU: 22


Fun Fact: Breckenridge Brewery In 2017, Breckenridge Brewery launched a cross-country tour to bring Colorado-inspired beer education and culture to 12 cities in 11 months.

Day 22: Flying Dog / Otterbeins

Why we picked it: It was part of the Flying Dog collaboration mix pack, and for me the most appealing. Definitely B'more inspired, hon!  Probably goes great with Royal Farms fried chicken

 What Flying Dog has to say: “Mommy, why aren’t we leaving milk out for Santa?” Virginia asked. “Because milk is for babies”, mother replied. A cookie-inspired ale made for Christmas day pairing, brewed in collaboration with the family from Otterbein’s Cookies, a Baltimore mainstay since 1881.


ABV: 6.8%
IBU: 40

Fun Fact: The people of Baltimore have been enjoying Otterbein’s cookies since 1881, when Adam Otterbein arrived from Germany and opened a small bakery near Fort McHenry. Although he made all sorts of traditional German breads and pastries, his thin sugar cookies, cut by hand, were what propelled his modest bakery to success. Today the bakery is run by Adam’s great-grandson, Mark, who spent his teen years competing with other employees to be the fastest cookie-cutter in the bakery.

24DOB - The Survey: Which Beer Is Best!

All,

It is the last three days of the 24 Days of Beer! I hope you have all enjoyed the beer and maybe made some new discoveries that you can add to your list of favorites. We've had some great comments, but it has waned a bit. So let's finish strong (or at least as much as we can with all of the holiday hubub.).

However, I also know that occasionally there is not time to comment or we simply don't know what to say. Therefore, we are doing out first ever 24DOB rating poll. As memory allows, let us know what you have thought of the beers on a scale of 1 to 5 jingle bells (or Santas or Bernies or Matthew Brodericks or whatever your scale may be). Just remember that more is better.

Take the survey now!

Note: You can add and edit the survey as much as you need, so you will not need to wait to drink all 24 beers before responding.

Day 21: Uinta Rise & Pine

Why we picked it: Hoppy dark ale sounds good to us. Plus, its a Utah-based brewery. Always intriguing.

What Uinta has to say: Juniper and piney hops build the framework for this bold dark ale. With its assertive bitterness and sweet malt finish, this beer stands tall above the rest..


ABV: 7.5%
IBU: 85

Fun Fact: Despite it's cutural history (or maybe because of it), there are more than 20 breweries and brew pubs in Utah.  You can even design your own Utah brewtrail if you wish.

Day 20: Heavy Seas Winter Storm

Why we picked it: A local brewery with a winter themed brew. The ESB category made it a nice addition to the mix.

What Heavy Seas has to say: Winter Storm may be Hugh's [Hugh Sisson, Founder & Managing Partner] favorite beer in the Heavy Seas catalog. Our winter ale draws on hops from the West Coast and the UK for its pronounced bitterness. A mix of pale and darker malts give it its tawny color and its bigger body. True to the style, Winter Storm's aroma is nutty malts and earthy hops. This is a perfect fall beer, especially because of its warming qualities.


ABV: 7.5%
IBU: 50

Fun Fact: Heavy Seas recently named Dan Kopman, co-founder of St. Louis’ Schlafly Beer, as its new CEO. It also announced that the brewery will add 20,000 square feet via an adjacent building to its current 40,000-square-foot facility, which will allow a reorganization of its operations. This includes a completely renovated taproom, approximately 10 times the size of the current space.

Day 19: Troegs Blizzard of Hops

Why we picked it: Another regular member of the 24 Days of Beer, Tröegs is a high-qulity brewery and Blizzard is usually a reliable and quality IPA that fits in the seasonal theme.

What Tröegs has to say: We created this Winter IPA to toast hop growers around the world for another successful harvest. This storm of hoppy citrus and pine notes is a bright reminder the end of the Hop Cycle is only the beginning.


ABV: 6.4%
IBU: 80

Fun Fact: Tröegs Independent Brewing, based in Hershey, has emerged as one of America's leading craft brewers. In 2016, thew brewery ranked 38th in size among America's craft breweries and is sold in 10 states. The company has won 18 medals at the Great American Beer Festival since 2006. In 2012, the festival honored Troegs as the Mid-Size Brewer of the Year.

Day 18: Ninkasi Sleigh'r

Why we picked it: Ummmm, did you see name and label? How could we not?

What Ninkasi has to say: Seize the season with Sleigh'r. Layers of deeply toasted malt are balanced by just enough hop bitterness to make it deceivingly drinkable. Paired with a dry finish, Sleigh’r is anything but your typical winter brew.

Tasting Notes: An Alt ferments with Ale yeast at colder lagering temperatures. This effect gives Alts a more refined, crisp lager-like flavor than traditional ales. The Alt has been “Ninkasified” raising the ABV and IBUs. Sleigh'r has a deep, toasted malt flavor that finishes dry and balanced.

Food Pairings: Beef, Lamb, Duck, Steamed Shellfish, Strong Cheeses, Chocolate Torte


ABV: 7.2%
IBU: 60

Fun Fact:  Now in its tenth year, the brewery continues to grow while remaining fully independent and continuously focused on community. A team of two has increased to a family of over 100 employees who operate Ninkasi’s tasting room, production and lab facilities, sales force, marketing teams, local distribution arm, and a donations program. Ninkasi maintains a year-round Flagship Series of seven beers, including Total Domination IPA, followed by seasonal, special release, and R&D offerings.  

Day 17: Victory Storm King

Why we picked it: We are in a run of stouts and Victory is a nice regional brewery. So why not?

What Victory has to say: A thundering hop presence collides with massive espresso and dark chocolate flavors in our dense and full-bodied imperial.


ABV: 9%
IBU: 95

Fun Fact:  Victory Brewing Company starts on a school bus in 1973 when fifth-graders Ron Barchet and Bill Covaleski stepped aboard, on their way to a new school. The two became fast friends and remained so, even as they grew up and went to college on opposite coasts.

Day 16: Bell's Arabicadabra

Why we picked it: Two-Hearted is an amazing beer, so we thought this should be included. Personally, I was wowed by a milk stout last year (DuClaw's), so may be this too could breakthrough my negative perception of stouts.

What Bells has to say: A little brewers' magic transforms locally roasted Arabica beans and a variety of specialty malts into a creamy, intense coffee stout. Enjoy before it disappears.

Arabicadabra is brewed with a cold coffee extract made at the brewery using a combination of fair trade, organic Nicaraguan coffee beans and Sumatra coffee beans. Lactose is also used for creaminess (those with dairy allergies or sensitivities should take note). It was inspired by Milchkaffe, another specialty Bell's beer.


ABV: 5.5%
IBU: 0

Fun Fact:  We are probably all getting accustomed to food pairings for beer. But what about candy pairings? Seems weird to me, but Bell's is all about that concept around Halloween. You can see it here and here. For Arabicadabra, apparently peanut butter cups are the thing.

Day 15: Sierra Nevada Celebration

Why we picked it: Simply, Celebration is the godfather of holiday-themed microbrews, and we simply couldn't have a 24 days of beer without it. Plus, its a fine beer.

What Sierra Nevada has to say: 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. 


ABV: 6.8%
IBU: 65


Fun Fact:  To gt us into the spirit of the season:

Day 14: Peak Winter IPA

Why we picked it: Because its organic, and if you don't like it then that means you hate the earth. Why do you hate the earth?! Stop hating the earth! Also, IPAs are awesome and a winter IPA was just to good to resist.

What Peak Brewing has to say:  Winter IPA is a hazy, hop-bursted New England Style IPA, brewed to brighten things up a bit as the colder weather sets in. Infused with a juicy blend of Calypso, Azacca, Simcoe, and Citra hops, we hope this beer helps keep you warm and happy as we wait for Spring. 


ABV: 6.2%
IBU: 23


Fun Fact: Based in Portland, Maine, Peak's mission is to source the finest ingredients to brew the best beer. We work with amazing farmers around the Northeast who are truly growing some of the most fantastic hops, barley, and wheat in the United States. Sourcing directly from farms, we're able to help drive an amazing resurgence in sustainable agriculture in the Northeast, farming practices that put quality and flavor first and foremost. 

Day 13: Harpoon Winter Warmer

Why we picked it: Returning to the winter theme, Harpoon is a solid brewery out of New England. 

What Harpoon has to say:  Cinnamon and nutmeg in a beer. When we first introduced this beer, let’s just say that people weren’t exactly sure what to make of it. But after close to three decades of brewing this classic, there is no greater fervor for any of our seasonal beers than this one right here. Bring on the spice!Brewed since 1988, this beer has become a New England seasonal classic.  Cinnamon and nutmeg dominate the aroma.  The taste is a rich combination of the holiday spices and the hearty malt backbone.  There is a mild sweetness to the finish along with the lingering flavor of the spices.  .


ABV: 6.2%
IBU: 23


Fun Fact: In August 2014, Harpoon became an employee-owned company, with 48% of the company given to employees through the establishment of an ESOP. An E-what? ESOP stands for Employee Stock Ownership Program. It is a mechanism by which a company contributes to its employees’ retirement by allocating shares to them which it repurchases…..yadda, yadda, yadda… Here’s what it means: we are employee owned, we are an independent craft brewer, and you bet we’re damn proud of it. 

Day 12: Brooklyn Winter Lager

Why we picked it: In a reutrn to your regularly scheudled winter theme, Brooklyn is a well-respected brewery and none of us seemed to have had this one before. It seemed obvious.

What Brooklyn has to say:  Brooklyn Winter Lager is our answer to the heavy ales and stouts that emerge in wintertime. Though dark in color with a sturdy presence, our Schwarzbier-inspired lager layers notes of chocolate, roasted barley, and dark bread into a 5.6% ABV frame that finishes surprisingly light and pleasantly dry. Winter means different things depending where you live, but Brooklyn Winter Lager is ready for any chill.


ABV: 5.6%
IBU: N/A

Fun Fact: Brooklyn has a program with the Culinary Institute of America to "bring beer back to its rightful place at the table." There is now a Brooklyn Brewery at the CIA , and the Brooklyn brewmaster is a James Beard Award winner.  

Day 11: Southern Tier Nu Skool IPA

Why we picked it: As a native of Jamestown, NY, I am a sychophant for Southern Tier, my hometown brewery (We don't have much else). Unfortunately, they were out of the figgy goodness that is the STB 2XMas. However, I thought NuSkool would be a nice way to break up all the stouts and winter brews my cohorts were grabbing.

What Southern Tier has to say:  After over a year of prototyping R&D batches of Nu Skool IPA, this final version is one special beer. It’s an approachable, well-balanced IPA with slight malty sweetness that’s brimming with tropical, fruity, spicy, piney & citrus character. To contrast our IPA (brewed since 2002), which most closely resembles a traditional English IPA in malt & hop bills, we wanted to brew an IPA in a new way. Like craft brewers, hop farmers have come a long way.

This beer showcases just how far we’ve come with alluring aromas & explosive flavors using only new American & experimental hops. There’s no need to add anything else. It’s time to graduate to the next level of hop flavors with Nu Skool IPA.!


ABV: 6%
IBU: 55

Fun Fact: Technically, the brewery is in Lakewood, which adjacent and so small it viewed Jamestown as the big city. Started in 2002, they used the slogan: "Start a brewery in Western New York? Why the hell not!" Why the hell not, indeed!

Day 10: Ommegang Lovely, Dark and Deep

Why we picked it: Because Ommegang makes delicious cool beers, but this is an interesting step outside of the normal Belgian-style beers. Too tempting not to include in 24 days of beer.

What Ommegang has to say: !For the next few months, there will be plenty of snow-filled woods by which to stop and ponder in Ommegang’s Upstate New York, Cooperstown home. It only seemed fitting therefore to seek inspiration from Robert Frost’s famous poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” when name-storming monikers for the brewery’s new winter-warmer seasonal. Lovely, Dark and Deep, an oatmeal stout, is set to reach retail in early November.

“Winter is lengthy in Upstate New York and we wanted to brew a beer that we could enjoy throughout the long, cold months,” says Mike McManus, Ommegang’s Innovation Manager. “Lovely, Dark, and Deep not only reflects well the nature of our winters here, but also the beer. At 5.3% ABV the second follows easily after the first, while the chocolate, roast, and coffee characters provide enough to explore. It should be perfect during, or after, a day of winter fun.”

Lovely, Dark and Deep pours deep black with a tan, creamy mousse-like head. Aromas of roasted malt and coffee with cream, coupled with subtle notes of chocolate and dark fruit from Ommegang’s house yeast prevail. Flavors of rich chocolate milk, and coffee and cream are impeccably balanced with restrained sweetness and hints of roastiness. The finish is silky smooth with a medium to full body.

Brewed with a rich blend of malts including chocolate malt, midnight wheat, and flaked oats, and given a small addition of lactose, Lovely, Dark and Deep has a hint of sweetness and a smooth body. The beer is hopped with Bravo and Styrian Golding hops and Ommegang’s signature house yeast is used in both primary and secondary fermentation.

Lovely, Dark and Deep is the perfect beer to pair with a light meal by a hot, crackling fire on a cold winter’s night. Cozy up and watch the flames while you pair sips with aged cheddar, a hunk of dark bread with natural sweetness like pumpernickel, and slices of cold meats, like rare roast beef, with stone ground mustard. Or even, with some roasted chestnuts.  Four-packs of 12 oz. bottles and draft will be available across Ommegang’s 43-state distribution area (I love this press release!)

ABV: 5.5%
IBU: 0


Fun Fact: Ommegang or Ommeganck (Dutch: "walk around" (the church, village or city), Dutch pronunciation:[ˈɔməˌɣɑŋ]) is the generic name for various medieval pageants celebrated in what is now Belgium, in the Netherlands, and in northern France.


Fun Fact II: You are not allowed to look up Lovely, Dark and Deep on the Chuck E. Cheese wifi. That's probably a good thing.

Day 9: Union Snow Pants

Why we picked it: A high-quality Baltimore-based brew and this is its signature winter brew. Plus, an oatmeal stout was a nice addition to the variety.

What Union has to say: Snow Pants Oatmeal Stout is an 8% abv, full-bodied ale packed with flavor. This jet black beer warms the palate with the roasty chocolate flavors of rich dark malt complimented by a gentle, creamy body from a hefty dose of oats. A generous addition of Cascade & Columbus hops provides balance and a bit of a piney character to this tasty winter brew. Winter is here – Its Snow Pants season!


ABV: 8%
IBU: 55


Fun Fact: Situated along the Jones Falls river, in the historic Woodberry neighborhood of Baltimore, the Union Craft Brewery makes great beer and great company. With reverence for tradition and place, Union brews beers that unite old and new ideas, the science and craft of brewing, and boldness and balance of flavor. Founded in the fall of 2011 by Kevin Blodger, Adam Benesch and Jon Zerivitz, brewing operations officially began in the spring of 2012 with the installation of a 20 barrel brewhouse and the initial launch of Duckpin Pale Ale.

Day 8: Flying Dog/Fisher's Popcorn Caramel Lager

Why we picked it: Another part of the high-value of  mix pack of collaborations from Flying Dog. Plus popcorn influenced beer! What could go wrong!

What Flying Dog has to say: Whoever started wasting good popcorn by stringing it up on a tree deserves a good ass whoopin’. This Caramel Lager was brewed with a little help from our friends at Fischer’s Popcorn, family owned and operated for 80 years. If you can spend that much time with family and stay sane, you know the popcorn has to be good. 

ABV: 6.8%
IBU: 23


Fun Fact: Fisher’s Popcorn was opened in 1937 by Everett Fisher on the corner of Talbot Street and the Boardwalk in Downtown Ocean City, Maryland. Everett took great pride in choosing quality ingredients to make his secret caramel recipe, and today we stay true to this assertion. We are still a small family business run by the third generation of Fisher’s and each batch is still made as it was when the store first opened; in copper kettles under the watchful eye of our trained 🍿 chefs.

*** All: My deepest apologies. I thought I had published yesterday, but it never took. Please post!

Day 7: Long Trail Hibernator

Why we picked it: While I've never been a fan, Bill abides by Long Trail and they truly are one of the forefathers of the microbrewery movement. Plus, this seems like an appropriate selection as we shift into winter brews. we do have back to back scoth ales to compare 

What Long Trail has to say:  A Vermont classic returns in 2017! Built to take the bite from a cold winter night, Hibernator features a rich malt base highlighted by warming notes of caramel and toffee. Don't sleep on this rich, robust winter brew.  Last year we awoke the bears with a limited run of cans offered at our brewery in Bridgewater Corners. In 2017, we're culminating a year of throwing it back to our roots, by sending Hibernator out for a full run of distribution in 6pks and 12pks of 12 ounce bottles and on draught.  Keep your eyes out for it as the weather cools down!


ABV: 6%
IBU: 32

Fun Fact: The first batch of Long Trail Ale® rolled off the line in 1989. Back then the brewery—known as the Mountain Brewers—was a modest brew house tucked into the basement of the Old Woolen Mill in Bridgewater Corners, with the goal to brew an affordable, American-made alternative to the pricey German and English exports that filled the shelves.  At the time, the craft brewing industry in America was on the rise and Vermont was better known for maple syrup than beer. In 1989, Long Trail Ale® hit the taps at local watering holes; blazing the trail for Vermont's craft brewing industry.

Day 6: DC Brau The Stone of Arbroath

Why we picked it: DC Brau is a fantastic local brewery, and this is a fall/winter brew none of us has had (which is kind of remarkable). It's also long boiled ABV. 

What DC Brau has to say:  Stone of Arbroath has a rich, sweet malty aroma with mellow notes of plum and brown sugar. The mouthfeel has a creamy softness with highlights of toffee and intense caramel that are derived from a lengthy 90 minute boil which encourages caramelizing of dense wort sugars. These complemented by a subtle roast character that finishes with a mild acridity that pleasantly coats ones mouth. Coming in at a warming and subdued 8% ABV it will definitely ruffle many a kilt this spring.


ABV: 8%
IBU: 30

Fun Fact: Arbroath is a former royal burgh and the largest town in the council area of Angus in Scotland, and has a population of 23,902. It lies on the North Sea coast, around 16 miles of Dundee and 45 miles from Aberdeen.

Day 5: Flying Dog/Salazon Chocolate Milk Stout Stout

Why we picked it: It was a good value of a nice Flying Dog seasonal collaboration pack, and I was surrounded by stout lovers. I also have heard some people out there kind of like chocolate. 

What Flying Dog has to say:   Chocolate - because Lord knows the world doesn’t need another fruitcake. This Chocolate Milk Stout takes inspiration and ingredients directly from our friends at Salazon Chocolate Co. Roamers of the earth, pioneers of salted chocolate.

ABV: 6.3%
IBU: 20

Fun Fact: Salazon Chocolate is based in Eldersburg, Md.  The origin story: "While on a backpacking trip in Utah during Spring 2009, we'd brought along the usual snacks. You know - energy bars, salty trail mixes, and as always, some organic dark chocolate bars (an energy-dense super food). Sitting around the campfire that night, it struck us that a simple, salted dark chocolate bar would be the perfect energy food. The idea for Salazon Chocolate was born."

Day 4: Atlas Dance of Days

Why we picked it: Atlas is a strong local brewery and we thought it would be a interesting contrast to yesterday's pale ale. 

What Atlas has to say: Dance of Days is a pale ale generously hopped with beautiful and bright Citra and Mosaic hops. We add wheat malt to the grain bill of the Pale Ale to give the beer a robust body and silk mouth feel that perfectly compliments the floral and citrus flavors from two of our favorite hops. Named in homage to the DC punk scene, this well balanced Pale Ale has hop flavor and aroma for days.

ABV: 5.7%
IBU: 30

Fun Fact: The brew shares the name with the book, which is described as "The nation's capital gave birth to the most influential punk underground of the '80s and '90s. Dance of Days recounts the rise of trailblazing artists such as Bad Brains, Henry Rollins, Minor Threat, Rites of Spring, Fugazi, and Bikini Kill."

Day 3: Fish Tale Wild Salmon Pale Ale

Why we picked it: Because variety is the spice of life and wanted to throw an organic-labeled one in the mix. I was secretly hoping it would include salmon.


What Fish Tale has to say: Remarkable bright with a crisp hop finish, Fish tale Organic Pale Ale is a beautifully balanced jewel of brewing. Its four organic malts impart a mellow sweetness that's amply matched by Yakima Cascade hops. Pale ale enthusiasts will treasure this ale as much as they love Cascadia, the beautiful land that inspired it!

ABV: 5%
IBU: 32

Fun Fact: From its home in beautiful Olympia, Washington, Fish Brewing Company has been hand-crafting ales of Northwest proportions since 1993. In 1996, we moved brewing operations across Jefferson Street and into the historic and spacious Skoog Building. (I just want use the word Skoog)