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Beer writer ranks the 50 best in new book
By Rick Armon
Beacon Journal staff writer
POSTED: 08:32 a.m. EST, Dec 10, 2008
Don Russell, the award-winning beer writer known as Joe Sixpack, ranks the 50 best Christmas beers in his new book, Christmas Beer.
Here's a look at his top 10 and a brief summary from the book:
1. Mad Elf Ale by Troegs Brewing in Harrisburg, Pa.
Though it's brewed with honey and tart Pennsylvania cherries, the dominant character here is a ginger and clove spiciness, a product of its unique pair of Belgian yeast strains. Think fruitcake, but not the awful one made by your Aunt Bertha.
2. Avec les Bons Voeux by La Brasserie Dupont in Belgium.
Uncork a bottle, and you're met with the delicate perfume-like aroma of hops. It refreshes from the first sip, but slow down, enjoy it with dinner and discover layer upon layer of flavor, including pepper, lemon and clove.
3. Samichlaus Bier by Schloss Eggenberg in Austria.
Fourteen percent alcohol? That's no misprint: It's three times as strong as the average beer. Let it warm up in a snifter and you'll think you're sipping brandy.
4. Stille Nacht by Brouwerij De Dolle Brouwers in Belgium.
The secret is pounds of candy sugar, a classic Belgian brewing trick that helps pump up the alcohol. Apples are also in there, but you'd be hard-pressed to taste them.
5. Our Special Ale by Anchor Brewing in San Francisco.
The label changes every year, with a drawing of a different featured tree. The recipe changes, too, causing fans to go on a mad spree to identify its spices.
6. Celebration Ale by Sierra Nevada in Chico, Calif.
One restaurant critic (possibly after consuming a six-pack or two) emphatically declared it ''the best beer ever made in America.''
7. Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale by Samuel Smith Old Brewery in England.
By the late 1990s, this winter warmer was the world's most popular seasonal beer. This joyously rich, creamy, malty wonder still is the benchmark.
8. Winter Solstice by Anderson Valley Brewing Co. in Boonville, Calif.
A sip of this creamy ale won't necessarily bring out your inner pagan, but it does provide a modest buzz and a warm sensation in your belly. The spices aren't overwhelming — perhaps some cinnamon — and it finishes with an understated cherry-vanilla flavor.
9. Old Jubilation by Avery Brewing in Boulder, Colo.
Old Jubilation is reddish brown and rich, and at first it seems to be a simple dark beer that's been flavored with toffee or perhaps pine. But there are no added spices, just a beautiful blend of five different specialty malts blended nicely with English hops.
10. Ringnes Julebokk by Ringnes Bryggeri in Norway.
Ringnes Julebokk is somewhat sweet, with a clear, strong flavor of caramel followed by a spicy finish.
Don Russell, the award-winning beer writer known as Joe Sixpack, ranks the 50 best Christmas beers in his new book, Christmas Beer.
Here's a look at his top 10 and a brief summary from the book:
1. Mad Elf Ale by Troegs Brewing in Harrisburg, Pa.
Though it's brewed with honey and tart Pennsylvania cherries, the dominant character here is a ginger and clove spiciness, a product of its unique pair of Belgian yeast strains. Think fruitcake, but not the awful one made by your Aunt Bertha.
2. Avec les Bons Voeux by La Brasserie Dupont in Belgium.
Uncork a bottle, and you're met with the delicate perfume-like aroma of hops. It refreshes from the first sip, but slow down, enjoy it with dinner and discover layer upon layer of flavor, including pepper, lemon and clove.
3. Samichlaus Bier by Schloss Eggenberg in Austria.
Fourteen percent alcohol? That's no misprint: It's three times as strong as the average beer. Let it warm up in a snifter and you'll think you're sipping brandy.
4. Stille Nacht by Brouwerij De Dolle Brouwers in Belgium.
The secret is pounds of candy sugar, a classic Belgian brewing trick that helps pump up the alcohol. Apples are also in there, but you'd be hard-pressed to taste them.
5. Our Special Ale by Anchor Brewing in San Francisco.
The label changes every year, with a drawing of a different featured tree. The recipe changes, too, causing fans to go on a mad spree to identify its spices.
6. Celebration Ale by Sierra Nevada in Chico, Calif.
One restaurant critic (possibly after consuming a six-pack or two) emphatically declared it ''the best beer ever made in America.''
7. Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale by Samuel Smith Old Brewery in England.
By the late 1990s, this winter warmer was the world's most popular seasonal beer. This joyously rich, creamy, malty wonder still is the benchmark.
8. Winter Solstice by Anderson Valley Brewing Co. in Boonville, Calif.
A sip of this creamy ale won't necessarily bring out your inner pagan, but it does provide a modest buzz and a warm sensation in your belly. The spices aren't overwhelming — perhaps some cinnamon — and it finishes with an understated cherry-vanilla flavor.
9. Old Jubilation by Avery Brewing in Boulder, Colo.
Old Jubilation is reddish brown and rich, and at first it seems to be a simple dark beer that's been flavored with toffee or perhaps pine. But there are no added spices, just a beautiful blend of five different specialty malts blended nicely with English hops.
10. Ringnes Julebokk by Ringnes Bryggeri in Norway.
Ringnes Julebokk is somewhat sweet, with a clear, strong flavor of caramel followed by a spicy finish.
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