Santa's Private Reserve Ale - Rogue Ales

CortexBomb

Michigan

2.13/5  rDev -43.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

Pour is transparent red with a light white dusting of head on top. Nose is heavy on the pine hops. Flavour is fairly standard Amber style, a soft malt underbody pairs with the hops from the nose, definite off-bite to the flavour which others have compared to mineral water, and which I am also getting. It is not a standard off-bite from the hops, it as a distinct edge...one which I don't particularly care for...it's borderline soap sudsy.

Mouth is average for the style, in terms of overall drinkability, I don't see myself picking this up again over other Ambers or hoppy PA beers that are available. It has a distinct bite, but that bite doesn't particularly appeal to me.

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2009 01:24:19 | More by CortexBomb

jkane101

New Jersey

3.75/5  rDev -1.1%

05-18-2013 22:19:01 | More by jkane101

Zimm

New Jersey

4/5  rDev +5.5%

05-15-2013 17:20:49 | More by Zimm

twenty5

Pennsylvania

3.5/5  rDev -7.7%

05-15-2013 17:18:41 | More by twenty5

Slatetank

Pennsylvania

3.5/5  rDev -7.7%

05-15-2013 11:23:43 | More by Slatetank

Artjsantos

Ohio

3/5  rDev -20.8%

05-10-2013 17:38:28 | More by Artjsantos

ajtorres311

Florida

3.5/5  rDev -7.7%

05-10-2013 16:49:51 | More by ajtorres311

tommyguz

Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev -1.1%

05-09-2013 02:15:40 | More by tommyguz

TheBeerAlmanac

Kentucky

3.25/5  rDev -14.2%

04-28-2013 23:42:41 | More by TheBeerAlmanac

DaPan

Ontario (Canada)

4/5  rDev +5.5%

04-13-2013 21:20:11 | More by DaPan

orangesol

Pennsylvania

3.25/5  rDev -14.2%

04-11-2013 03:19:23 | More by orangesol

vidguy17

Iowa

3.25/5  rDev -14.2%

03-30-2013 14:57:12 | More by vidguy17

zestd

Idaho

4.5/5  rDev +18.7%

03-29-2013 20:47:48 | More by zestd

Jamison85

Indiana

4.5/5  rDev +18.7%

03-27-2013 05:53:14 | More by Jamison85

alelover

Michigan

3.5/5  rDev -7.7%

03-26-2013 04:09:33 | More by alelover

brheuer

New Jersey

4/5  rDev +5.5%

03-25-2013 00:09:17 | More by brheuer

spycow

Illinois

3.5/5  rDev -7.7%

03-08-2013 01:06:45 | More by spycow

hannaho

Washington

4/5  rDev +5.5%

03-07-2013 19:59:44 | More by hannaho

screamking

Ohio

3.86/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4

22 oz bomber poured into wine glass.

Appearance-pours red-brown with 1 finger light khaki head. Decent lacing around the edges. 4

Aroma-Very sweet smelling beer. Strong brown sugar with hints of citrus throughout, orange, grapefruit, and apricot. Vanilla is very prevalent as well. Aroma on this is delightful 4.25

Taste-The sweetness from the aroma continues in the mouth. A lot of brown sugar up front, also vanilla and maple syrup. Im also getting some black pepper towards the middle. After the sweetness fades the bitterness comes in strong and lasts. 3.75

Feel-medium body, coats palate well, abv is only 6% but it feels stronger. 3.25

Overall-I'm actually surprised how much I like this. I've never been to big of a Rogue fan, but this beer is by far the best that I've had from them. It is perfect for cold winter nights. The bitterness in this one is a little too much at the end but the sweetness up front makes up for it. 4

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2013 03:35:33 | More by screamking

ChiefHopHead

Texas

3.75/5  rDev -1.1%

03-05-2013 02:20:27 | More by ChiefHopHead

RumHam

Virginia

3.75/5  rDev -1.1%

03-05-2013 01:15:59 | More by RumHam

pottergator

New York

4/5  rDev +5.5%

03-03-2013 21:20:31 | More by pottergator

Kelp

New Hampshire

3.25/5  rDev -14.2%

03-03-2013 07:26:40 | More by Kelp

shick1

Ohio

4.25/5  rDev +12.1%

03-03-2013 06:36:06 | More by shick1

sailorsaint

Pennsylvania

3.25/5  rDev -14.2%

03-02-2013 02:45:16 | More by sailorsaint