Coaster Critique: Gritty McDuff’s Christmas Ale

On the Second Day of Beermas….

Name: Christmas AlePour

Brewed by: Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Company

Style: ESB

ABV: 6.2%

Christmas ale pours a shadowy amber color with a frothy off white head. When held to the light the beer takes on a deep crimson color that would make Santa Proud.

The aroma of this beer is malt dominate, smells bready, yeasty. A slightly earthy hop aroma comes though on the tail end.

A flavorful ESB, notes of caramel, toffee, toasted bread, and dark fruit, raisins maybe. The yeast gives the beer a distinct flavor profile that I associate with other English style ale brewed in Maine, it also leaves you with a slightly buttery mouthfeel. Hops are subtle, earthy and impart a pleasant, even bitterness throughout the sip.

Overall a tasty beverage, flavorful and festive without being overly spiced as some holiday beers tend to be. Christmas ale is available in bottles so you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own home but is probably even tastier at Gritty McDuff’s Brewpubs after a day of shopping in Freeport, Portland or Lewiston/Auburn.

Cheers!

Chaddah

12 days of Beermas 2013

Day 1: Harpoon Brewing Co. Winter Warmer

Day 2: Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Company, Christmas Ale

Day 3: Schneider Weisse, Aventinus Eisbock

Day 4: Rogue Ales, Santa’s Private Reserve Ale

Day 5: Shipyard Brewing Company, Mint Chocolate Stout

Day 6: Gouden Carolus, Noel

Day 7: De Struise Brouwers, Tjseeses

Day 8: Friars Brewhouse, Whoopie Pie Porter

Day 9: Slumbrew, Yankee Swap

Day 10: Ridgeway Brewing, Criminally Bad Elf

Day 11: Sierra Nevada, Celebration 2013

Day 12: Anchor Brewing, Our Special Ale

 

Cap

 

Chad Lothian

About Chad Lothian

Chad Lothian lives in Old Town, Maine. He is a craft beer enthusiast and homebrewer. Chad has travelled to brewpubs, breweries and brewfests all over New England.