Breckenridge Brewery- Christmas Ale: Finally a Christmas Ale I Would Not Mind Getting In My Stocking!

To be frank I have drank way too many Christmas ales the past few weeks. The flavors are all starting to run together and I am getting a little sick of them. So I was pleasantly surprised the come across this nice little yuletide treat. Breckenridge Brewery describes their Christmas Ale as follows, “The chill of a Colorado high-country winter calls for a beer with extra flavor and warming characteristics. Here it is. Breck Brew's Christmas Ale. At over 7% alcohol, with a sturdy texture and rich flavors of caramel and chocolate, our holiday seasonal is the fermented equivalent of a good fire. The ultimate winter warmer.”

I have to applaud a brewery when they actually describe their beers accurately. This dark amber ale pours with a slight hint of nut and a very faint roasted coffee hint. The hint of coffee is so subtle that even a coffee hater like myself can appreciate this earthy flavor. It has a bold and robust aftertaste where the subtle flavors drift away and leave you with a sturdy beer flavor. I like when the spice hits your taste buds first and the beer flavor second. This should be a note to other brewers out there. If the last thing you taste in your beer is cinnamon or nutmeg, your beer sucks. This is Christmas ale done right, keep up the good work boys! But let’s make a pact amongst all brewers and reviewers next season, no more calling beers, “Winter Warmers!” I have heard that expression enough times to last a thousand Christmases.

ABV: 7.4%

Consumed: Pint Glass

Verdict: Buy a Twelve Pack

Breckenridge Brewery- Christmas Ale: Skip the Snuggie, this winter brew will keep you warm all season long…

At 7.4% ABV this winter whistle wetter will give you that extra little kick of warmth while chillin’ at the house or out caroling with your crew.  Breckenridge Brewery classifies it as an American Style Strong Ale and their website describes it as “The chill of a Colorado high-country winter calls for a beer with extra flavor and warming characteristics.  Here it is.  Breck Brew's Christmas Ale.  At over 7% alcohol, with a sturdy texture and rich flavors of caramel and chocolate, our holiday seasonal is the fermented equivalent of a good fire.”  “The ultimate winter warmer.”

The beer pours a dark copper color with a small head with little lacing.  Breckenridge Brewery’s combination of Two Row Pale, Caramel, Chocolate and Black Malts along with Chinook and Mt. Hood Hops creates the Christmas concoction that might render all standard warming devices completely obsolete.

So leave the blanket on the back of the couch and reach for a brew that warms all on its own.

ABV: 7.4%

Consumed:  Imperial Pint Glass

Verdict:  Buy A Case