Ah it is time for Christmas. You know the season. That time where families get together around the glow of a warm fire, the tree all lit, sharing stories, playing games, unwrapping gifts and enjoying a nice dinner of ham, perhaps turkey, and all the fixings and ending the day holding hands and singing "Silent Night." Of course, that is a version I have never lived, but it is the one we all imagine. I believe it is more a time of shopping, some or most last minute, setting a pace for disaster, arguing about where it will be spent and for how long, and remembering at this time of year that the holidays put the FUNK in the word dysFUNCtion for many people.
That latter version, probably more accurate for many, is why it is good that our microbrew friends brew ales especially for the Christmas season. That beer that is good for getting us over the hump. That word that helps remove the FUNK from function. Sure, you can have a fire if your climate allows it (and city codes, and provided you have a fire place) to sit by while you enjoy your ale. So, the good news is that there are ales designed just for Christmas that have Christmas in their name.
Beers for Review: St. Arnolds Christmas Ale; Breckenridge Christmas Ale; Shiner Cheers
St. Arnolds has given us a Christmas ale for almost two decades now. A brewery from Houston, the St. Arnolds team provides us with an ale that has a distinct flavor that they boast is perfect for the holiday time. I really enjoy this one not only because it is made at the microbrewery in my hometown, but also because it is good. The specifications on the beer are listed on their homepage, so I won't bore you with the details. You should consider this beer if you are looking for something past the mainstream of mass produced beers.
Another ale I picked up this season is made in the Breckenridge Brewery and is called Breckenridge Christmas Ale. It is an enjoyable beer that reflects the flavors of the St. Arnold's Christmas Ale, so I have to admit I liked it as well. Both beers have similar coloring, but I'd have to give Breckenridge the nod on the appearance of the bottle because the label is a classic Christmas look. The specifications are listed on their homepage as well if you are into homebrewing or trivia, but I find they are far more open about their ingredients that the St. Arnold's team.
Shiner, another brewery in Texas, gives us Cheer for the holidays, and upon one sip, I went to the label to see if what I tasted really was in the beer. Their website says a "hint of peach" which is like saying the Gulf has a "hint" of salt. What a shame, because I had purchased a 12-pack of the beer. So, I looked for people who may like it. Poured it in glasses when they weren't looking. While I enjoy the Shiner brand, a beer with a hint of peach is not for me, so it doesn't make my Christmas list anymore.
Each of these beers packs a punch of 5.5 - 7.0 alcohol, so enjoy it at home with some nice snacks you enjoy with beer. If you venture out on the road and want to take some for the family, remember these beers pack a punch. The makers would probably want you to enjoy and remember that as well.
Have a great Christmas. Enjoy the ones you love. After a few of these, you will.
Next: Bowl game mania
Following: Winter ales in time for winter
Soon: Beer at the movies?
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