When @2beerguys and I went to Portland for the 2011 Beer Bloggers conference, we were amazed by the amount of camaraderie between all of the bloggers, east coast and west coast.
To give thanks and to give back all of the 2beerguys (Sean, Amber, Ryan, Jen and Ian) and I decided to host a collaborative Beer Advent Calendar. Each day you will read a review of a beer written by bloggers you may or may not know. Our goal was to have 31 different bloggers writing a review of a different beer, totaling 31 for the month.
Beer Advent Calendar
December 1- @2beerguys
Shipyard Prelude Presented by Sean/@2beerguys
Prelude has been poured many times by 2 Beer Guys for both our own personal enjoyment and the enjoyment of others. The word prelude can be defined loosely as a preface or an introductory performance, so it’s fitting that this beer be our gift to you on the first day of the Craft Beer Advent Calendar. (Click image above for full review)
December 2- @roadtrips4beer
Named after a hero twin of Mayan mythology, Hunahpu’s is described as a “Stout aged on Peruvian Cacao nibs, Ancho and Pasilla chiles, cinnamon and Madagascar vanilla beans.” It pours black and thick, and the ingredients blend on the palate in a majestic symphony of flavor. The warming effects of the alcohol and chiles, while not overwhelming, provide a nice internal source of heat on a cold winter night. Tampa’s Cigar City Brewing releases Hunahphu’s in early March each year at the brewery, which is where I purchased my allotted four (now two) 750 ml bottles. Other special and rare brews on tap at the release day party make it a worthwhile road trip.(Click image above for full review)
December 3- @Goats_Udder
Don your gay apparel, then don your coat, boots, hat and scarf. Grab your four-pack of Old Rasputin and a glass and walk west to the Mendocino Headlands. You’ll know you’re there by the smell of hay, salt and moist earth. Find a place to sit facing west towards the angry swell of the Pacific Ocean.(Click image above for full review)
December 4- @BeerZenGirl
One year into my craft beer journey, I was at my local craft beer store, and saw cans of beer. Cans! I had always been of the opinion that good beer only came in bottles (no, I have no idea why I thought this). The beer guy at the store I were talking about what beer was new and what I should try next. Knowing I had a love of stouts, he recommended Ten FIDY to me. And I’ve been hooked ever since. It is hands down one of the best beers I’ve ever tried, and it single-handedly sold be on canned beer. Thank you Oskar Blues!(Click image above for full review)
December 5- @ChipperDave
Snow Day’s aroma is exactly that of a Black IPA. It has a huge prominent hop nose, unlike any other New Belgium beer. This beer seems like a divergence for New Belgium, kinda like saying “”We’re not just a Belgian beer company”". The combination of 3 different hops made for a pleasant spicy nose with a hint of citrus and floral. The aroma picks up some bread and nut from the malts and a hint of caramel. The hops, however, take center stage here, particularly the spicy Styrian Goldings. The taste? Oh man, hoppy holidays indeed! That’s definitely what this beer is trying to say. Snow Day starts and finishes with a big hop burst mixed with a slightly roasted malt flavor. The malts were a bit nutty, with just a hint of sweetness. This was a full bodied beer that is nearly chewable. The hops will stick to your mouth and will leave a nice bitter finish.(Click image above for full review)
December 6- @MAGirlsPintOut
Last winter was my first winter as a real life craft beer drinker. Hard to believe, right? Many nights were spent at The Haven in JP (go immediately, eat a burger, order a beer from Jason who may be wearing a kilt) cozying up to the bar with a pint of Harpoon Winter Warmer. I feel festive just thinking about it. Winter Warmer is a spiced ale, with just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg – perfect for holiday meals and desserts. There is some debate on how much spice is too much, but for the colder months, we’re big fans of the extra spice. Winter Warmer is a good go-to beer and one of the first that made me love the winter seasonals. This beer was Harpoon’s first venture into seasonals, and I think it was a great start. (Really excited to try the Vermont Spruce Tip Ale.)(Click image above for full review)
December 7- @mmcooljam
You know the summer is over, and the holidays are coming when you see the first bottles of Jubelale hit the shelves. Despite the subtle recipe changes from year to year, it is truly a classic. It pours dark, has a sweet malty presence, mixed with a spicy overtones, along with a well balanced hop presence. One of my favorite beers to look forward year to year.(Click image above for full review)
December 8- @BillyBroas
Odell dedicated this beer the Colorado state fish, the Cutthroat Trout. We love our beer and outdoors equally, and never hesitate to link the two. Cutthroat Porter certainly meets the criteria for the porter style – dark, lighter bodied, coffee and chocolate flavors. But it’s got that little something extra that lifts it above competitors who merely “”check the box”". It’s that intangible quality that Odell brings to all of its world class beers. Cutthroat Porter goes down smooth and leaves you yearning for more. Wonderfully balanced and flavor rich, it satisfies your taste buds without delivering a knock out punch. You’re not gambling when you put down your money for this beer – it’s a sure thing.(Click image above for full review)
December 9- @SeacoastBevLab
New Hampshire has great beer but due to the crazy NH beer laws you can not get a lot of great beer at the stores. Sometimes it is all in a name. Enter Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale. You can find some Lagunitas in my town but you won’t find this one because of ‘sucks’ and, quiet frankly, that sucks, because this beer is excellent. From the citrusy bitterness to the syrupy finish,
nothing sucks about this beer. This beer puts you in the holiday spirit with the Santa sugar cookie on the label. Don’t be fooled by the cute label, because this beer has some good bite.(Click image above for full review)
December 10- @huckfinsbeerbuz
Santa’s Private Reserve looks like Christmas to me…Reddish with brown overtones. Nice lacing of the clean white foam on top. The taste experience is even better, thick and full, not sweet, but crisp on the tongue and lots of maltyness. The bottle claims it has a sprucey finish; not sure if I got all that, but yummy none the less! This is a great Christmas beer that you can have more than one of, nice session Christmas ale. I would like to try one on draft, although that’s not too likely on the East Coast. If anyone knows of a place, let me know!(Click image above for full review)
December 11- @BeaverStateBeer
This was the first beer ever bottled by Block 15 and the second year they have released it, selling quickly each year. A dark, rich ale that gives off sweet aromas of molasses and brandy with the taste of the figs and sweet spices throughout. This is one of my favorite beers anytime of year, but certainly on a cold winter day when a little warming is needed. Block 15 does an amazing job barrel-aging and blending many of their beers and Figgy Pudding showcases that perfectly. It’s also a great beer to cellar and enjoy months or years later.(Click image above for full review)
December 12- @Brewvana
I selected Great Divide’s Yeti because it’s the only beer or woman that’s brought a stab of jealousy out of my wife. True story. One Friday night after work a few years ago, I brought home a bottle Oak Aged Yeti. I cracked it open and poured it into a goblet, then pushed my nose forward and pulled a deep whiff. A smile spread across my face, I shivered, my eyes rolled back in my head and some weird, quivering sound of penetrating satisfaction jumped involuntarily from my throat. Maybe she’d had a bad day, but the “wow beer” reflex didn’t go over well, and I received a verbal thrashing along the lines of: “Why don’t you react that way when you see me?” And I probably followed with something silly like, “Well, I see you every day, and, it’s not that the thrill is gone, but, holy shit—smell this freaking beer!”.(Click image above for full review)
December 13- @MAGirlsPintOut
This is a favorite of mine in the winter. I first tried this beer a few years ago thanks to my best friend, Samantha, who is from Vermont. She knew that I’d like it, if for no other reason than the label design. Look at that little bear all cozy next to the fire! The beer is slightly sweet and medium bodied. The color is a reddish brown and it has a nice head that sticks around for a bit when poured. You won’t get much from the hops here, just a subtle aroma and slight bitter in the aftertaste. For me, the perfect combination for a winter beer.(Click image above for full review)
December 14- @FermentNation
New Jersey loves its craft beer. We import tons of intriguing brews from all around the country, and across the globe, but it’s always nice to be “home for the holidays” and enjoy a craft beer that’s brewed in your backyard. Flying Fish goes great with food. Period. The winter seasonal Grand Cru Winter Reserve is complex yet subtle, and brings warming holiday cheer to the table with serious drinkability, making it a perfect accessory for your festive meal.(Click image above for full review)
December 15- @2beerguys
As I think about a seasonal beer and what, for me, defines one, two key components come to mind. First, it must be a beer that you look forward to as it approaches and that you miss as soon as it’s replaced by the next in the seasonal rotation. Second, it must have a legitimate tie to the season in which it is brewed and distributed in. As they go, Sierra Nevada’s Celebration Ale is the epitome of what a seasonal beer should be.(Click image above for full review)
December 16- @BrewDad
Every holiday season for the past few years I have had the chance to pick up some the truly awesome Deschutes Abyss – Imperial Stout that is barrel aged to utmost perfection. This is a truly awesome treat and for me BrewDad the best part is opening a bottle on a cold Christmas Eve as I sip and watch my “Little L” open her presents. Nothing better than this my friends. Thick rich chocolate malts, molasses and added barrel aging lends to the smooth flavors and aromas. Over the years as they get even more popular it is getting harder to find this tasty brew. If you ever have the chance to find this on draught tell the bartender your going to “Occupy” this place until that keg is empty. I have also found it almost impossible to open any of the vintage Abyss I have due to they are becoming so rare.(Click image above for full review)
December 17- @GrowlerFills
I first enjoyed Ivan the Terrible on Thanksgiving evening in 2008. Although it was around 5 degrees outside, I wanted to sit outside by the fire pit, enjoy a good beer and check out the stars. I brushed off the snow, started a strong fire and poured some Ivan into a glass. Ever since, Ivan has been a heavily anticipated winter tradition. It is as black as that first moon-less night with a tan head. Aromas of boozy bourbon greet your nose along with a sweet richness. Flavors of bourbon and vanilla mix perfectly with rich, viscous stout. There’s some dark roasted chocolate cake in there, too. The bourbon never leaves, but it never completely dominates either. It’s a perfect sipping beer while contemplating everything from the trivial to the serious on these long winter nights.
(Click image above for full review)
December 18- @SODAKBeer
Dale Miskimins from Brookings, SD has been beer blogging at http://www.sodakbeer.com for almost two years. He became hooked on craft beer after attending the 2008 Firkin Fest at the Happy Gnome in St. Paul, MN followed by the 2008 Great American Beer Festival in Denver. He dabbled with occasional craft beers prior to 2008, but has pretty much stuck with the good stuff since then. His epiphany beer was Pliny the Elder (Russian River Brewing Co., Santa Rosa, CA). He enjoys meeting craft beer people and talking, drinking and writing about beer. He is a veterinary pathologist that has been employed at South Dakota State University for over 20 years. He and his wife Sue live on a farm east of Brookings. They have three grown children, four grandchildren and two dogs. (Click image above for full review)
December 19- @zephyradventure
I had my first Schlafly brew (Pumpkin Ale) at the Night of Many Bottles in Portland for the 2011 Beer Bloggers Conference and was enamored by bright and uncomplicated flavors. As I am now spending the winter in St. Louis this year, I have plenty more opportunities to experience not only the bottled varieties of Schlafly, but also the limited edition flavors that are continuously coming available only on tap at either of their two brewpub locations. Christmas Ale is available through the holiday season and has all the flavors that are unequivocally Christmas-related in my mind, like ginger and cloves. It’s the kind of beer that might actually become your favorite dessert in lieu of all the cookies, cakes and sweets. That being said, before the holidays are over, I will absolutely be putting this beer in a pumpkin bread. (Click image above for full review)
December 20- Amber from @2BeerGuys
First off, Mazel Tov! Today is day 20 of the 2beerguys/Seacoast Beverage Lab advent calendar and we are knee deep in holiday beer, I mean cheer. I chose to review and of course enjoy, Jubilation 15 by He’Brew, as day 20 is the first day of Chanukah. Sean found the He’Brew Holiday Gift Pack to really get us into the spirit. The 8 beers they pack into the case are accompanied by a box of 44 Chanukah candles and some pretty funny instructions on how to create a Beer Menorah of your own. Bring on the eight crazy nights!(Click image above for full review)
December 21- @NSPBeerBlog
I’m a big fan of winter seasonal beers. My favorites are those that offer something unique or unexpected. Brewed with spruce tips, Alaskan’s Winter Ale fits the bill. It’s amber in color and has the aroma and flavor of caramel along with distinctive notes of evergreen. Winter is not overly malty, hoppy, or spiced. The subtle, but flavorful addition of spruce tips, provide the twist that makes this a unique beer that I like to revisit every winter. (Click image above for full review)
December 22- @fnbarrett
Chocolate and Beer. Two great tastes that taste great together. If you’re in Ames, IA and looking for the perfect desert beer, look no further than Reindeer Fuel. Available only on tap in the brewpub and select bars in the area, it was worth the 2 hour drive for this guy to get a pint (or 5). The chocolate isn’t subtle, it smacks you right in the taste buds the second it hits your mouth, and that’s okay. Add the fact that it is (one of my favorite styles) a porter, and you are in beer-heaven. (Click image above for full review)
December 23- @Brewpublic
Dick’s Brewing of Centralia, Washington makes some solid Northwest ales. The Double Diamond is a winter ale featuring the late Dick Young on the label doing what he loved – hitting the slopes.Dick also loved to brew big malty brews such this deep chestnut hued warmer. Notes of dark fruits such as plums and raisins with a nice match of caramel and bitter hops to round out the palate. Stellar beer you can find around in most good beer stores and pubs throughout the Pacific Northwest. (Click image above for full review)
December 24- @BeerSimple
Founders Breakfast Stout is exactly what it says on the bottle. Double. Chocolate. Coffee. Oatmeal. Stout. Besides that, it’s creamy, luscious, and one of the most delicious beers you’ll ever have. Pour one into your favorite glass and you’ll immediately pick up a strong coffee aroma. The head is a deep tan color, almost like the froth on a nice hot chocolate. Taking a sip, you sort of get the chocolate first, dark but not too dark, like a 60% cacao chocolate bar. The coffee follows. It’s just a little bit sweet and finishes with an espresso-like bitterness. It’s not flat and thick like some really heavy stouts, rather it’s lighter in body than you might expect and pretty much perfectly carbonated. (Click image above for full review)
December 25- @MomsMaltBarley
Who doesn’t love a beer with the promise of Christmas in each sip? I don’t actually mean the “taste” of Christmas that one might associate with other holiday brews. You know, those that have: nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, all-spice, vanilla bean, honey, pine, miseltoe etc…No, Gritty’s Christmas Ale contains zero additives, fruits or spices. This beer is more about celebrating the spirit of Christmas, here in Maine, than it is about attempting to artificially taste it. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a winter warmer beer that has a variety of holidayish flavors, but what I appreciate about this Christmas Ale is it’s simplicity. (Click image above for full review)
December 26- Zach Rosen
Anchor’s Our Special Ale marks the beginning of the holiday season and many beer enthusiasts, myself included, wait in anticipation for its release. The recipe changes each year, but more importantly, the ingredients used are never told. Keeping the recipe secret provides a bit of mystery to the brew as drinkers speculate on what the beer contains and their new year will bring. I think it’s beautiful that this beer incorporates the comforting familiarity of tradition with the inspiring contemplation of change. (Click image above for full review)
December 27- @BeerBabe
For the last few years, Portland, ME based brewer Kai Adams of Sebago Brewing company gets on the radio and announces the arrival of Slick Nick, their winter seasonal brew. And at that moment, I am often happy that the beer has come back, but also feel a twinge of sadness about the true end of fall and the inevitable beginning a long winter ahead. However, hearing Kai’s voice assure me that this beer will be around to keep me company during the long winter months is a consoling thought. (Click image above for full review)
December 28- @BrewEngland
For being my clear favorite seasonal brew within this winter mix pack, I’m surprised it’s taken me this long to actually review the Sam Adams Old Fezziwig Ale. I’ve been a fan of this beer since the first time I tried it, which must have been back in 2004 or 2005. The Old Fezziwig pours a rich, earthy brown and slight reddish tinge liquid, with a light brownish head. Although the head doesn’t linger too long, it does leave a nice layer of foam which sits atop the brew inviting you in to take a sip. The beer features a pleasant nutty and slightly sweet malty aroma. Subtle hints of the spices used in the brewing process come through as well. (Click image above for full review)
December 29- @RealBeerNut
There are many signs that the holiday season is approaching, and for me, the release of the Berkshire Brewing Company’s Holidale is the first and the best sign. Holidale is a big barleywine, and each and every sip makes me jolly, kind of like St. Nick. Maybe it is the high alcohol getting me tipsy, but I like to think it is because it is an awesome beer. (Click image above for full review)
December 30- @2BeerGuys
Seeing that Redhook’s Saturnaleia was named for a Roman festival that was rife with tomfoolery, it’s just fitting that I be responsible for presenting the beer, Jen’s helping me to stay on topic and the best company I could have to experience it. (Click image above for full review)
December 31- Julia Hertz from the Brewers Association
I love all that is behind an American Strong Ale, but I also respect the restrained and nuanced flavors of many English style ingredients. So this is a great attempt to nail my idea of a perfect beer. Lots of Maris Otter malt, some crystal 30 and 120 plus terrified wheat for body and head retention. We’re using a Dry English Ale yeast and some crazy fun hops that Charlie offered (Glacier and Vanguard in 3 hop additions). Should be interesting to see how it turns out. OG was 1.080. I might oak ½ of finished batch too. (Click image above for full review)
very cool concept and I am very pleased to have a beer forthcoming. Great works Brian and 2BeerGuys crew. Big ups!
Thanks for coordinating this guys! What a fun way to explore great winter seasonals from around the country. Hope this becomes an annual tradition! Cheers.