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Post by RepairmanJack on Oct 26, 2004 17:50:50 GMT -5
The Christmas season has started with the release of Great Lakes Brewing Company's Christmas Ale. At 7.5% it packs a nice kick. The spices are not as strong in the bottled version. In the draft you can taste the cinnamon and ginger. Still well worth the effort to find.
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Post by stubedoo on Oct 26, 2004 18:21:46 GMT -5
It sounds like you are a prime person to join my beer list!
I can't wait to try that Great Lakes seasonal. My personal two favorites are Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale and Deschutes Jubelale.
Stu
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Post by Shutter Girl on Oct 26, 2004 22:02:53 GMT -5
Yep, Xmas Ale is da bomb! The higher alcohol level is a little daunting, though. I can only have a couple and I'm loopy! A couple of years ago Ohio changed their alcohol level laws and Great Lakes took advantage by making the Xmas Ale even stronger (ie., over 9%). Apparently, they had a lot of trouble with folks overdoing it at the pub and they stopped brewing it so strong. Didn't like the strong alcohol taste at that point anyway so it's ok by me.
A great brew with the perfect hint of spice!
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TriKrona
Minstrel in the Gallery
Posts: 28
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Post by TriKrona on Oct 27, 2004 12:48:25 GMT -5
I haven't had the Great Lakes Christams in a while so maybe I'll pick some up this year. And damned if I can't remember wheather I've had Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale. I imagine that has a higher alcohol content as well? Another one to keep my eye out for.
Speaking of seasonal--how does everyone feel about these "pumpkin" brews that always pop up around this time of year? I had one a couple years back at a local brewpub and it wasn't bad. Nice flavor and the right hint of spices. Not sure if it would hold my interest to drink a 6 of it though.
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Post by Shutter Girl on Oct 27, 2004 15:03:26 GMT -5
I've never had any of those pumpkin beers but they've always looked intriguing to me! Now, is there pumpkin in the beer or are they just telling you that they are using similar spices to what you might find in pumpkin pie?
How about a little experiment: We'll all try a bottle of pumpkin beer and describe it to each other. It might be the only way to force ourselves to drink it!
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TriKrona
Minstrel in the Gallery
Posts: 28
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Post by TriKrona on Oct 27, 2004 16:28:03 GMT -5
Sounds like a plan--I guess I know now how I'll be spending Halloween.
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Post by RepairmanJack on Oct 28, 2004 15:02:43 GMT -5
Well, I made a trip to the beverage store today and picked up four different pumpkin beers: Post Road Pumpkin Ale (Utica, NY) New Holland Ichabod Ale (New Holland, MI) Lakefront Pumpkin Lager (Milwaukee, WI) Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale (Portland, ME) This weekend Annette and I will be trying them with our report to follow. The rest of you need to start picking out your choices too
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Post by stubedoo on Oct 28, 2004 18:51:35 GMT -5
I can't stand pumpkin beers, but let me know. Be sure to post a review on the Stusbrewsnews website.
Stu
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Post by Shutter Girl on Oct 28, 2004 18:54:26 GMT -5
I want to try the Ichabod Ale. I just like the way it sounds!
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Post by stubedoo on Jan 10, 2005 21:40:47 GMT -5
I just got done with a grueline 36 hour shift. 4 hours sleep, 19 hours in the ICU and operating room. I'm just now settling down with a Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale. Beeper off. Ahhhh.......
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Post by RepairmanJack on Jan 10, 2005 23:53:45 GMT -5
Ouch! That is one long shift. You deserve a good beer. I had two Great Lakes Christmas Ales tonight and I only had an 8 hour shift. I have two left I am saving for Shutter Girl and I think that is it for the season. Everywhere I have checked is out with one exception and I don't expect him to last much longer Funny side note--Saturday afternoon I stopped in the local convenient store to see if he had any more Christmas Ale. He did and I bought 2 six-packs. Even before I got to the counter the owner had rung it up. First words out of his mouth were "only place left that still has it". Is that an owner or what. Either that or I go there too often so he knows me too well
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Post by RepairmanJack on Nov 1, 2005 0:28:12 GMT -5
For those who are in the area just want to mention that Great Lakes Christmas Ale is available again ;D
This is my favorite seasonal beer. Why oh why can't they make this a year round beer???
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Post by RepairmanJack on Jan 7, 2007 23:44:51 GMT -5
It has been a long time since anyone has posted here. My favorite seasonal Christmas Ale is no more. I have to say it was not as good this year. Great Lakes keeps tinkering with the recipe. I wish they would leave it alone...
At least another fav of mine is out in bottles now-- Great Lakes Conway Irish Ale. I am enjoying one right now as I write this. Beer is a beautiful thing ;D
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Post by stubedoo on Jan 8, 2007 14:06:00 GMT -5
It has been a long time since anyone has posted here. My favorite seasonal Christmas Ale is no more. I have to say it was not as good this year. Great Lakes keeps tinkering with the recipe. I wish they would leave it alone... At least another fav of mine is out in bottles now-- Great Lakes Conway Irish Ale. I am enjoying one right now as I write this. Beer is a beautiful thing ;D Deschutes Jubelale changed a little this year also, and I don't like it as much. Interestingly, two Christmas ales I generally don't like, Full Sail Wassail and Anchor Christmas are actually better this year. Too bad about the Great Lakes. Your better half sent me a bottle a couple of years ago and it was delicious. Stubedoo
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Post by MaxQuad on Jan 9, 2007 12:56:08 GMT -5
It has been a long time since anyone has posted here. No Christmas Ales sampled here, but Great Lakes Brewery 12 bottle samplers were again a part of my gift giving - to my 3 nephews and my brother-in-law. MQ
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