War of the Christmas Novelty Ales 2021--Regular Edition

See previous wars here!

Here's some more seasonal swillables!

It's Christmas Dammit! Belgian-Style Holiday Ale by Jailbreak Brewing Company (7.5% alcohol by volume)--The label is straightforward, "Belgian-style ale brewed with allspice, clove, and star anise." The rich coppery color looks the part of a wintertime ale. The spices are there but not THERE there. They blend nicely and give it the flavor of a walk through a winter woods. It's not so Belgian as other ales I've tried but it is still good. I'm not sure why the guy on the label has a martial-arts outfit and nunchucks. 

Maybe he deals with the naughty list?

Spencer Trappist Holiday Ale by The Spencer Brewery (9.0% alcohol by volume)--Made by the monks in Saint Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts, this officially Trappist ale says it is "Mahogany in color, wholesome in body, lightly spiced, a heart-warming feast day ale from our table to yours." This ale does have that rich Belgian flavor of monastic brewing, a little tart and a little sour but oh so satisfying. The addition of some holiday spices give it just enough distinctness that you know you are not drinking the regular stuff. It goes down so well. Definitely a winner, in season or out of season.

Tidings Ale by Port City Brewing Company (8.5% alcohol by volume)--The label has no write-up other than "Belgian-style blonde ale brewed with honey and spices." I think Leffe is a great beer and is a Belgian blonde ale, so Tidings Ale has great promise but also a high standard to live up to. It looks more like a wheat blonde than a brown blonde. It's a little sharper in flavor thanks to the spices. The honey is not much there. To me, it tastes more like a summer-style beer than a Christmas beer. I imagine drinking it at a ball game with popcorn or pretzels. It's good but it's out of its season.

Bright White by Bell's Brewing (5.0% alcohol by volume)--The label is quite informative: "A bright alternative to darker beer styles during the cooler months, this stylish and refreshing wheat ale is fermented with Belgian yeast, yielding a mix of clove and fruity aromas without the use of any spices." This beer is a classic cloudy wheat ale with the special something that the Belgian style has. It has a crisp and clean taste and feel, like new-fallen snow that hasn't been shoveled or walked through. The holiday theme is only in its name and the intent to provide a little variety in the bleak mid-winter. I like this beer a lot and hopefully they offer it (maybe under another name) at other times of the year? It could replace Hoegaarden in my book.

Giant Flaming Zombie Polar Bear Double IPA by Atlas Brew Works (9.4% alcohol by volume)--Other than "Science of GFZPB," the can has no description or explanation of the beer. The name caught my imagination. The web page is more informative: "Giant Flaming Zombie Polar Bear utilizes luscious citrus aromas created from a blend of Bravo, Mandarina Bavaria, Chinook, Centennial, and Cascade hops. A sturdy malt backbone balances the assertive hop bitterness and heavy citrus hop character, providing an overall flavor reminiscent of orange marmalade. The subtle heat on the finish reminds you that this animal sits at 9.4% ABV. Be careful when you poke the bear." I can't taste the orange marmalade because of the powerful grapefruit overtones. "Overtones" is probably too weak a word to use. If you've read my other beer reviews, you know I don't like IPAs. The "double" doesn't make this IPA any better, and there's nothing really wintery or seasonal other than the name. And the eponymous bear on the label:

Where are the flames?

The Mad Elf by Troegs Independent Brewing (11% alcohol by volume)--The label proclaims, "It's time! The Mad Elf is here with its nuanced blend of sweet and tart cherries, Pennsylvania wildflower honey, chocolate malt and a hint of mischief. Thanks to a spicy Belgian yeast, this ruby red holiday ale finishes with subtle notes of cinnamon, clove, and allspice. It's not the holidays until you've had your first Mad Elf." Another dislike of mine is some of the fruit-flavored beers, especially cherry-flavored Kriek. This is a pleasant change. The cherry flavor is not too strong or sickly-sweet and goes well with the spice blend. It is great as a stand-alone drink or would go well with some dessert. The Mad Elf might even make fruitcake tolerable!

The Trappists have won this year's war with their Spencer Trappist Holiday Ale, though Mad Elf and Bright White are strong contenders.