Samuel Adams Merry Mischief Gingerbread Stout

This stout pours as black as the coal you’re gonna find in your stocking this year with one fingers worth of creamy gingerbread cookie colored head. The aroma is big, with heavy notes of nutmeg and ginger. I became a fan after the first sip. Notes of gingerbread, malts, and spice complimented with a smooth rich body. The alcohol is nicely masked, but intensifies the closer you get to the bottom of the glass. The finish has notes of chocolate, cinnamon, and toffee. 

I like stouts, and I like mischief, and this tasty holiday offering from Sam Adams is just full of holiday spirits (literally and figuratively - 9% ABV rating). Merry Mischief Gingerbread Stout is another impressive addition to Boston Brewing’s impressive small batch specialty brews. If you like heavy stouts and holiday cheer, then give Merry Mischief a try. I triple dog dare you!!!!!

Holiday Cheers!!!

Shiner Holiday Cheer

I picked up this brew for two reasons. 1) Its called Holiday Cheer. 2) It advertised that it's brewed with peaches. Glass. Pour. Gary Hoey's "Ho Ho Hoey" in the CD player - Pours a chestnut brown that gives off a red hue when held to light with a mild tan head. The aroma is fruity and sweet. The peach flavor is immediately noticeable. It's very unique for a holiday brew, but them again, fruit has always played a role in Christmas traditions. Shiner Holiday Cheer also has notes of nuts, toffee, and malt. This brew is a bit fizzy, but for the sake of the holidays I'll describe it as sparkling. There is actually a constant fizz from the carbonated bubbles popping on the surface. The finish is a nutty/peach combination of flavors. The peach flavor is mildly constant during the entire enjoyment of this brew, and I really enjoyed the unique and pleasant enhancement it brought to this ale.

This would be a great ale to have on hand for the holidays for guests who enjoy something different or for those who prefer a lighter spirit, rather than the heavier bodied winter lagers and stouts. Overall I enjoyed this Holiday Cheer. Who would have though ale brewed with peaches would be so good. 

Holiday Cheers!!!