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