The #12BeersofXmas

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“On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me…” BEER. Hopefully. If they care for you that much.

Season 3 of the Beer O’Clock Show is coming to an end and now it’s all about those all-important Christmas beers that have been squirreled away throughout the year. I’ve got 12 ‘special’ (for one reason or another) ones put aside and from Friday 20 December I’m going to be reviewing one a day until Tuesday 31 as part of our #12DaysofXmas

My #12BeersofXmas are below – each day I’ll be releasing a new blog reviewing that day’s beer.

If you want to take part, you’ll need to select 12 beers and then leave a comment each day telling us what beer that you are drinking and giving a short review of what you thought of it. At the end of the #12BeersofXmas I’ll release a blog featuring all of the beers that have been drunk.

Why am I finishing on 31 December instead of doing the more ‘traditional’ 12 Days of Christmas? Simple. In January, I’m doing the Dryathlon for Cancer Research and I’m asking anyone who reads this blog to ‘Buy Me A Pint’ by clicking on this link to go to my Just Giving page.

So back to the beers – here they are and the reasons why they are featuring in my 12 Beers of Christmas…

Day 1 – Friday 20 December – Honest Brew ‘Riwaka Hop IPA’ (personalised label edition)
I won this beer in a competition earlier on in the year by supplying the photo that is on the label and that’s why it’s got the honoured position of being the opener for 12 Beers of Christmas.

What the brewer says… “Brewed with one of the finest rare hops from New Zealand and brought to the UK by a daring #HopMule. Expect sweet grapefruit and tropical fruit flavours.”

Day 2 – Saturday 21 December – Hop Stuff Gunners Porter
We’ve been following Hop Stuff from their crowd-sourced beginnings through to production at their new brewery at the Royal Arsenal. This mammoth 750ml corked porter is a real winter warmer that I just can’t wait to get stuck into.

What the brewer says… “Gunners Porter is Hop Stuff Brewery’s take on a traditional English Porter, and a nod to our home at the Royal Arsenal and its rich military heritage. Made with roasted and chocolate malts and blended with Pilgrim hops from the UK and a little Willamette from over the pond to add spicy notes – a perfect winter warmer”

Day 3 – Sunday 22 December – Truman’s London Keeper Double Export Stout
This was quite a late entry to the #12BeersofXmas and one that am I really looking forward to. The whole presentation around this bottle (wax sealed, hanging label, signed limited edition etc) is something really special and I’m just hoping the beer inside is equal to that.

What the brewer says… “After hours spent looking through Truman’s Gyle books at the London Metropolitan Archive, Truman’s London Keeper – based on the recipe for a Double Export Stout from 1880 – was born. Head Brewer, Benedikt Ott, explains: “An 8% ABV double export stout intriguingly brewed with American hops.” Despite their modern popularity, American hops were only used in the 19th century when the UK hop harvest failed. Although it was impossible to find out which hops were actually used at the time, Willamette and Sterling were selected due to their similarity to older hop varieties. The beer pours a gorgeous midnight black, with aromas of toasted nuts and dark chocolate. It then delivers an explosion of crunchy, malty flavours with background notes of liquorice and black treacle. The malty sweetness is balanced with a delicious lick of hop bitterness.”

Day 4 – Monday 23 December – Brewdog ‘ Mixtape 8’
I got very excited about this when it was released. It’s a blend of a Belgian Tripel and a Triple IPA – what could possibly go wrong?

What the brewer says… “Mix Tape 8 is a blend of two huge oak aged beers – half a hopped up Belgian Tripel, and half a Triple India Pale Ale. These beers have both been aged in single grain whisky barrels for close to two years and finally blended to create a beer that our head brewer Stewart Bowman can most helpfully describe as ‘fucking complex’. From the Tripel side we get earthy, phenolic, dry qualities; from the TIPA we get apricot jam sweetness and nectarine. All these flavours are beautifully rounded off thanks to the oak, which has imparted some incredible vanilla and coconut aspects to the beer.”

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Day 5 – Christmas Eve – Harviestoun ‘Ola Dubh 18’
If I could have got my hands on a bottle of the 30 I would have been drinking that tonight. Ola Dubh is a stunning beer and it seems the right beer to slowly enjoy on Christmas Eve.

What the brewer says… “The initial whisky hit on the nose gives way to more delicate aromas of chocolate, fruity coffee grounds and hints of woodland berries. The flavour is a very appetising blend of sweet malts, vanilla, oak and tobacco. It has undertones of raisins and other dark, dried fruits; a delicious testament to Highland Park’s bias toward sherry casks.”

Day 6 – Christmas Day – Magic Rock ‘Strongman’
There’s been some umming and erring around whether this was going to get drunk this year but I simply can’t hold back any longer. This is my ‘official’ Christmas Day beer and will be enjoyed with dinner and long after. It has also been a lesson in buying two special release beers in the future – one to age and one to enjoy now!

What the brewer says… “Our sumptuous golden Barley Wine ‘Strongman’ hails from the same brew as our annual release IIIPA ‘Un-Human Cannonball’ . Using just our house pale Golden Promise malt the beer is then judiciously hopped with Centennial, Citra and CTZ whole hops in our hop back. However instead of assaulting the beer with dry-hops we then carefully age it in freshly emptied Amontillado Sherry casks until its ready to take the stage. The resulting beer is golden in colour with a rich pungent aroma and full palate, which gives way to rich fruit and brisk nutty flavours. Best drunk slightly cold a dry yet balanced finish delights the taste buds while a warming finish brings the curtains down”

Day 7 – Boxing Day – Thornbridge Hall ‘Raspberry Stout’
A late acquisition to the 12 Beers of Christmas and one that instantly earned a place on a ‘named day’. The combination of dark roasted flavours with a sharp hit of raspberry? Very exciting.

What the brewer says… “Dark rich stout, fruity aromas, hints of liquorice and chocolate, generously infused with Scottish raspberries.”

Day 8 – Friday 27 December – Firestone ‘DBA Double Imperial Bitter’
This is the first of two of the 12 Beers of Christmas that I will be sharing and the only pure American beer of the set. Not just with anyone but with my best buddy none the less. Apparently, we could be in for a right treat.

What the brewer says… “Our flagship beer brewed to double strength. Immense toffee, vanilla, coconut and caramel malt married with American oak aromas emerge.  The first sip develops with sugary caramel, molasses and vanilla, finishing with English toffee and toasted coconut.  A beer to be reckoned with and perfect for sharing.”

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Day 9 – Saturday 28 December – M&S/Meantime ‘Bourbon Barrel Aged Greenwich Ale’
I’ve had this one stashed away since Father’s Day – it’s got a cork and is in a big round box and everything, so it MUST be special! This will once again be enjoyed with my buddy.

What the brewer says… “Brewed by the Meantime Brewery using 7 different malts to produce a very well balanced, traditional, London-style Porter, a style of ale which dates back to 1750. It’s then aged for 4 months in bourbon barrels, allowing sweet flavours of caramel and vanilla to infuse into the ale.”

Day 10 – Sunday 29 December – Ilkley ‘Speyside Siberia’
I tried the original version back at Urban Sessions in the summer and thought it tasted like rhubarb and custard sweets.  Apparently this is the same, although it’s like the sweets have been soaked in whiskey.

What the brewer says… “Originally brewed in collaboration with Melissa Cole, Siberia used world famous Yorkshire Rhubarb to add a hint of sourness, with earthy spice, and fresh vanilla in this Saison. 6 months in Scottish Oak Whisky barrels has added maturity to this unique beer. With the spirit on the nose, and a mellow marzipan on the palate. The finish is as soft as the natural carbonation, and it is refreshing on the palate, with a long, satisfying bittersweet finish. Only 700 bottles were hand-bottled, so act fast to try this limited special release.”

Day 11 – Monday 30 December – Wild Beer, Good George Beer & Burning Sky ‘Shnoodlepip’
There’s been a lot of chatter about this beer this year so I thought it was about time I took the plunge. Some interesting ingredients on the list here and I’m keen to see if they all work together.

What the brewer says… “Somerset Sharpham Park Spelt has been used for a full body. Pink peppercorns give a gentle sweet spiciness. Saison and Brettanomyces yeast strains lead to a dry spicy character that will continue to evolve. Wood-ageing in French red wine barrels for 4 months adds depth and oak. Passion-fruit brings a tart tropical fruit character. The 4 month ageing process has been finished off with amazingly tangy Hibiscus flowers.”

Day 12 – New Year’s Eve – Magic Rock ‘Bourbon Barrel Bearded Lady’
For my last beer of the year, what better way to go out? I plan to do this over the course of the evening, to enjoy and savour and to lose myself in the magic.

What the brewer says… “10 Month Bourbon Barrel Aged Bearded Lady, our uncompromisingly big and beautiful Imperial Stout. Born from our Dark Arts recipe she uses masses of magical malts to deliver deep chocolate, rich coffee and vinous berry flavours all complemented by a balanced yet subtly spicy hop profile. Powerful, robust, intriguing; yet decadently smooth and sumptuous, the lady demands respect… The barrel ageing softens the beer adding rich bourbon, sweet vanilla and a hint of Oak”

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Feel free to share your full #12BeersOfXmas lists below (make sure to include your Twitter @name) or keep an eye out for the daily #12BeersofXmas blogs and use the comment box below each one to join in. You can also Tweet about your beers by using #12BeersofXmas (note the Xmas).

Looking forward to hearing all about it and sharing that first beer with you all on 20 December! Cheers!

14 Comments

  1. Greg Simmons

    My #12beersofchristmas are(in no particular order): Emmelisse Smoked Rye IPA; Dark Star Imperial; Beavertown Smog Rocket; Town Mill Brewery Black Ven; Wild Beer Shnoodlepip; Shepherd Neame Christmas Ale; Brains Santa’s Beard; Thwaites Yule Love This; St Peter’s Christmas Ale; Art Brew Born In A Barn; Art Brew Xmas Tree Ale & Meantime Yakima Red IPA. I also have Fullers 2013 Vintage for Xmas Day! @greg1954

  2. Myles Lambert

    My list so far (subject to change if something catches my eye in the meantime) and in no particular order
    – Tynebank – Heavenly Porter
    Mikkeller – ris a la m’ale
    Sierra Nevada – Imperial Red Ale
    Kernel – Export india porter
    Traquair – House ale
    Anarchy – Warhead
    Magic Rock – Bearded Lady
    Mordue – Howay in a manger
    Mordue – Imperial Raspberry Porter
    Wild beer co – Schnoodle pip
    Maredsous – brun
    Allendale End – #53 Black IPA

  3. Philip Kelly

    No particular order
    1) Odell / Thornbridge – Pond Hopper
    2) Magic Rock – Strongman
    3) Brewdog – Old World Russian Imperial Stout
    4) Brewdog – Old World Indian Pale Ale
    5) Rogue – Yellow Snow IPA
    6) Rogue – Santa’s Private Reserve Ale
    7) Mad Hatter Brewing Company – Truffle Tripel
    8) Thornbridge – Imperial Russian Stout
    9) Marble Beers – Bennett’s Progress Gin Beer
    10) AMA Mora – Birra Doppio Malto Artigianale
    11) the Ilkley Brewery – Mary Christmas
    12) Brewdog – Hoppy Christmas*

    * may get swapped out for a Thornbidge Sour Brown

  4. dazoakley

    Here’s my list at the mo’ (in no particular order):

    Kernel – Double Citra
    Dark Star – Russian Imperial Stout
    Firestone Walker – Double Jack
    Firestone Walker – Union Jack
    Stone – Ruination IPA
    Stone – IPA
    Stone – Arrogant Bastard Ale
    Crooked Stave – Hop Savant
    Fullers – Brewers Reserve No. 4
    Fullers – Vintage Ale 2010
    Tiny Rebel – The Full Nelson
    St Austell – Smugglers Grand Cru (2012)
    Dogfish Head – 90 Minute IPA
    Goose Island – Matilda

    This is all subject to change if I find something nice to swap in. The more observant among you will notice ther’s 14 beers on there, I can’t decide which two to drop!

  5. Dave Kynaston

    Bit last minute here but 12 from what I have already in the house:
    20th Point Amber Lager
    21st Innis & Gunn Canadian Cherrywood Finish
    22nd Odell 90 Shilling Ale
    23rd Victory Headwater Pale Ale
    24th Erdinger Dunkel
    25th Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
    26th Orval (aged almost 2 years old)
    27th St Feuillien-Green Flash Brewing Belgian Coast IPA
    28th Innis & Gunn Toasted Oak IPA
    29th Anderson Valley Hop Ottin’ IPA
    30th Stillwater Artisanal Stateside Saison
    31st Tripel Karmeliet

    • Dave Kynaston

      Since my original choices I’ve had a mate bring me a couple back from France and also popped into the excellent Beermoth in Manchester. So my amended line-up is:

      20th Magic Rock High Wire
      21st La Trappe Witte
      22nd Victory Headwater Pale
      23rd Weird Beard Five O’Clock Shadow
      24th Odell IPA
      25th Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
      26th Orval (comparison between a fresh one and one that is almost 2 years old)
      27th St Feuillien-Green Flash Brewing Belgian Coast IPA
      28th Stillwater Artisanal Stateside Saison
      29th Anderson Valley Hop Ottin’ IPA
      30th Trappist Rochefort 8
      31st Tripel Karmeliet

  6. Glenn Johnson

    My beers have been chosen.

    http://beer-writings.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/twelve-beers-of-xmas.html

  7. Paul Hawkins

    To help whittle down a list to just 12, I opted to stick to local(ish) beers, plus a few weird and wonderful wild cards. There’s a few favourites in there, plus a few I’ve been keen to try but haven’t taken the plunge yet. It wouldn’t be right not to have a festive brew in there too! In no particular order:

    Tomos Watkin – OSB
    Brew Dog – Bavarian Weizen
    Brains – Jack Black
    Innis & Gunn – Rum Finish
    Box Steam Brewery – Dark & Handsome
    Brew Dog – Hello My Name Is Sonja
    Celt Experience – Silures
    Bath Ales – Gem
    Kingstone Brewery – Abbey Ale
    Rhymney – Dark
    Williams Brothers – Kelpie
    Bristol Beer Factory – Bristoltoe

    There’s a good chance that I’ll find myself in a good real ale pub over the festive period too, so who knows, there might be a last minute substitution! More news as it breaks!

  8. Granddad Greg (@Greg1954)

    OK, this is the definitive list (today!):

    Emmelisse: Smoked Rye IPA;
    Dark Star: Imperial
    Beavertown: Smog Rocket
    Arbor Ales: Tasmanian Devil
    Wild Boar: Shnoodlepip
    Shepherd Neame: Christmas Ale
    Brewdog: Hoppy Christmas
    Adnams: Tally Ho!
    St Peter’s: Christmas Ale
    Art Brew: Born In A Barn
    Art Brew: Xmas Tree Ale
    Meantime: Raspberry Wheat

    No idea (apart from Shnoodlepip) when I’m going to taste them….perhaps alpha order?

  9. @dedolledes

    @dedolledes
    My beers:
    De Dolle Stille Nacht Reserva 2010
    De Dolle Oerbier Reserva 2005
    Cantillon Lou Pepe Framboise 2010
    Rochefort 10 2010
    Orval 2005
    Rodenbach Vin de Cereale 2004
    Alesmith Speedway Stout
    Lost Abbey Serpents Stout
    Fyne Ales Jarl
    Wild Beer Co Madness IPA
    Mikkeller 1000 IBU
    Rooie Dop Double Oatmeal Stout – comparison
    Rooie Dop Double Oatmeal Stout Bourbon Barrel Aged

  10. Michael

    My provisional list:

    20th – Tempest Old Parochial
    21st – Buxton Stronge Extra Stout
    22nd – Siren Limoncello IPA
    23rd – Quantum Smoked Imperial Treacle Stout
    24th – Williams Brothers Nollaig
    25th – Magic Rock Strongman
    26th – Elusive Brewing BA Imperial Stout
    27th – Signature Brew Black Tongue
    28th – Schneider Weisse Aventinus Eisbock
    29th – Ilkley Speyside Siberia
    30th – Buxton Tsar
    31st – Brewdog Old World Russian Imperial Stout

  11. Connor

    My list is here.

    Let’s get it on!

  12. Paddy (AllBeerNoBelly)

    @AllBeerNoBelly

    Here goes:

    20th – Anchor Christmas Ale 2013
    21st – Quaffing Gravy Pale Ale
    22nd – Founders Breakfast Stout
    23rd – Poppyland Black Poppy
    24th – Ska Brewing Vernal Minthe Stout
    25th – Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA
    26th – Poppyland Indian Summer
    27th – Rogue Beard Bear
    28th – Magic Rock Strongman
    29th – Rogue Voodoo Doughnut
    30th -Drakes Brewing Denogginizer
    31st – Westbrook Citrus Ninja Exchange

    Can’t wait to get started!

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