Tonight's seasonal craft brew is Bell's Christmas Ale. Bells Brewery is located in Comstock, Michigan, and has been in business for 26 years. Staying true to their roots, Christmas Ale is made with 100% Michigan grown two-row barley malt, and a blend of Michigan and Northwest Pacific Hops. Queue up Carol of the Bells!
Bell’s Christmas Ale has a nice copper color and produces an impressive foamy beige head. It has a unique malty aroma with notes of grapefruit. The flavor is heavy with orange notes, and has hints of pineapple, malt and caramel. This ale has a smooth body with a nice tangy bitterness. It is very easy drinking (one may have to fight an urge to chug this one down) and has a refreshing quality to it, which isn't typical with holiday brews. It has a long pleasant finish with orange and ginger notes. Christmas Ale also kept a thin head that flared up after every sip - thanks partially to those michigan grown hops.
I really enjoyed this ale. It's not your typical festively spiced brew that takes up the majority of craft beer shelves during the holidays. Oranges are also a holiday tradition in many cultures, and why should we discriminate against the fine varieties of our multi-cultured world. Some of us enjoy spices, while others enjoy fruit. Regardless of what flavors you enjoy, if you want to bottle them up in a festive brew and offer them up for the holidays then I say - " God bless us, everyone."
Pairing/ Recommendations
If your next holiday gathering gets a little overwhelming, Bell's Christmas Ale would make the perfect excuse to sneak out to the cooler you left on the back porch. Because lets face it, you don't want to risk storing this ale in the fridge and having your wife's Uncle Joe "accidentally" drinking all your beer again like last year. Plan ahead this holiday and bring your jacket, gloves, and a bottle opener.
Cheers!!!
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