Shiner Holiday Cheer - Spoetzl Brewery

dbrauneis

New Jersey

3.23/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: Pours a medium reddish brown in color with some garnet red and tea-like brown highlights when held up to the light and light to moderate amounts of visible carbonation. The beer has a finger tall light beige that slowly fades to a thin film covering the entire surface of the beer and a slightly thicker ring at the edges of the glass. Light amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Moderate to strong aromas of peaches over the top of lighter notes of spices - there is a moderate amount of sweetness in the smell.

T: Upfront there is a light to moderate flavor of toasted bready malts with much stronger flavors of peach sweetness over the top of it. Lighter notes of spices - cinnamon and nutmeg - along with some very light hints of pecan. Faint notes of bitterness in the finish.

M: Medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Slightly thin/watery.

O: The addition of peaches to a holiday beer is an interesting but completely successful...it leaves the beer a little too sweet, especially in the smell. It goes down pretty easily but I don't think I would want to drink more than one of these in a session.

Serving type: bottle

11-15-2012 23:52:41 | More by dbrauneis

fallopia

Indiana

3.98/5  rDev +13.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from 12 oz bottle into an ale glass.

Appearance: Clear, tea-brown color with a thick, creamy, lacy head with staying power.

Aroma: Bright, distinctive aroma with orange and cherry flavors

Flavor: Excellent balance of malt and hops with a clove/pepper finish

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with a very pleasant lingering, hoppy finish.

Overall, I really enjoyed this beer. I'm having a difficult time describing the very distinctive, non-beer flavor. Maybe it's just the 'holiday' in the title, but it does have a yuletide feel.

Serving type: bottle

11-15-2012 02:59:15 | More by fallopia

mactrail

California

3.1/5  rDev -11.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Apricot jam in a bottle with a touch of hops. Golden orange in the glass with a very nice head and spritzy on the tongue.

Light body. This is just so sweet and fruity. I taste peach, then apricot, then orange marmalade. Malty but not exactly rich. If only it swerved into a dry and bitterish Belgian yeasty flavor-- but no such luck. There doesn't seem to be much aroma. Breathing out through the nose is like exhaling peach brandy from the gas station liquor store. Still, it's quite drinkable, just hard to get your palate around. If they called it "Orchard Amber" for a summer quaff, it might go down easier. Totally weird and worth a try if you like fruit flavors.

I think this one should be in the Fruit/Vegetable category. If this is a Dunkelweizen, it's well disguised. From the 12 oz bottle bought at Pinkie's in San Angelo.

Serving type: bottle

11-14-2012 04:34:03 | More by mactrail

phideltashaggy

Georgia

3.83/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 4

Poured from the bottle into a standard pint glass.

A- looks medium brown, but is beautiful dark red when held up to light. Vaguely off-white head that disappears quickly but leaves nice lacing.

S- Lots of peach and a little bit nut.

T- Love this. Starts with loads of peach, has a very round, nutty taste in the middle, and finishes with a little citrusy-pine hops.

MF- Meh. Not bad, but a little under-carbonated to be great. If you're looking for a sweetish session brew, the mouthfeel makes this a decent choice.

Overall- this is one of my favorite beers, i look forward to it every year. I might love it less if it was available year round, but drinking a few six-packs in the winter months is a blast. Perfect for Christmas parties for BA's and beer-normies alike.

Serving type: bottle

10-29-2012 04:43:15 | More by phideltashaggy

BrownAleMale

Wisconsin

3.58/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle poured in a Kasteel goblet.

Appearance- Dark brown to the eye, but when put to the light a dark blood red is revealed. White tiny head that disappears like a rabbit in a hat.

Smell- Tons of peach with toasted pine nuts.

Taste- Once again lots of peach but not to much to over take the actual beer itself. A piney hops on the back end.

Mouthfeel- Light mouthfeel that is very properly carbonated. Makes for a very easy drinker.

Overall- A nice tasty change of pace holiday beer. My biggest gripe is that I've had it 3 years in a row and the taste changes every single time. I would prefer more consistency.

Serving type: bottle

09-10-2012 15:53:51 | More by BrownAleMale

Offa

California

3.8/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I was rather surprisingly impressed with this one.

Copper brown, it has a small tan head soon thinning to thin ring.

Aroma is bright peach, plus nuts, wood, cheese, fermented bread.

Taste is toasted bread, faintly caramelized, plus light woody-peppery bitterness, hint of nuttiness. Peach is noticeable but barely so, being very faint (unlike in the aroma). Finish has light nutty caramelised toasted bread. Overall, it is fairly dry, balanced. It is good, enjoyable, and solid. It’s a little different, too, and in a way that works well. Feel is light but not watery.

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2012 00:54:45 | More by Offa

diamondc

Texas

3.25/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Got a six pack of this on clearance, half off.

A: Dark garnet, filtered, some foam witch dissipates quickly.

S: Canned peach syrup, cloves, very subtle pecan shell.

T: Mostly peaches, unsweetened grape flavored Kool Aid, almost veering into pumpkin pie type spices. Really weird, but it fits the holiday theme.

M: Kind of cloying, weird aspirin like aftertaste at the end. This beer is out of season, so its definitely fading quickly.

O: Not a bad beer ... on a cold, winter night with some dessert it would be more appealing.

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2012 08:40:58 | More by diamondc

312HopBomb

Illinois

3.48/5  rDev -0.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Medium head rises from a moderate pour into globe glass. Little lacing. Clear garnet in color.

Smell is peaches and caramel malt.

Tastes like peaches and pecans and medium roast malt with a somewhat artificial flavor but not bad.

Light mouthfeel and light moderate carbonation.

Overall a good value with decent flavor for an inexpensive fruit beer from Shiner.

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2012 04:10:34 | More by 312HopBomb

capt_rob934

4.3/5  rDev +22.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

(11/11/2011) Poured into a Sam Adam's Perfect Pint Glass. Thin white head fading quickly from the glass.

A: Beautiful aroma of peach, pecan, and caramel

C: Light brown color, very wintery looking

Sip: Peachy combined with pecan initially, light wheat flavor comes through in the end for a clean and refreshing finish

OV: Great winter warmer with a very fun profile. Full bodied and very warm.

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2012 05:13:17 | More by capt_rob934

UTCengOwl

Texas

3.38/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Bought a six pack of Cheer over the holidays. Probably my second favorite Shiner after Ruby Redbird. Let's give this a whirl on a BA review. Poured a 12 oz. brown bottle into a Sam Adams Perfect Pint glass.

The beer pours with a nice off-white head... as long as I pour it as vigorously as possible. The body is wonderfully clear, though. Nice clean amber color. Maybe a bit too clean for a solid beer... but that's not a truly valid complaint. Decent stuff.

The nose has a sweet tang to it to start. Must be the peaches. There's also a unique nuttiness that rolls with it. I'd give it a higher score, but this bottle has a slight putrid aroma to go along with those two awesome components.

The beer isn't putrid, it's interesting. Very sweet and peachy. The caramel malts come through, too. The nuttiness is fatty and rounded. It makes for a nice aftertaste. I don't get any of the characteristic Shiner metallic flavor in this... so huzzah! Still, I wish the beer would jump a bit more with these flavors. Can someone else make this beer?

I have a Texas license, but I'm not a Texan. Maybe that explains why I don't love Shiner. It's better than the standard AAL... and this is completely unique and better than the Bock... but Shiner still isn't great in my book.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2012 04:26:25 | More by UTCengOwl

rexbock

Texas

4.65/5  rDev +32.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Poured thicker than anticipated, which was a welcome revelation compared to previous renditions of SHC.
S - The creamy brown sugar, caramel, and peachy notes can knock your socks off if you're not careful. Very forward with smell, but doesn't overwhelm.
T - Such a wonderful departure from the previous version of SHC. Mild, but thick warm-your-fireplace-and-get-those-chesnuts-roasting start. I was so much caught off guard by the new flavor that I had to have another to assure myself I wasn't dreaming. Sweet, peachy, dessert notes to start with a wooden, nutty finish thanks to the pecan.
M - Deceivingly smooth and complex. I cannot attribute the carbonation to my pour, the bottling, or coincidence, but the lightness of it was surprising.
O - I was monumentally surprised at the changes in SHC for '11. It was a delight. It was impressive and will replace all other cozy, holiday beverages in my household.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2012 06:13:30 | More by rexbock

jsisko01

Michigan

3.78/5  rDev +8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Appearance - Pours a dark brown/amber color with a small head that dissipates instantly. Has thin lacing.

Smell - Strong aroma of peaches.

Taste - Very sweet with peaches, a strong clove flavor, toasty and nutty, cinnamon, and a slight bitter aftertaste.

Mouthfeel - Medium bodied with pretty high carbonation.

Overall - This is my first time trying this style of beer, I like it. It's a lot different from other styles. I wouldn't be able to drink a lot of this though because it's so sweet..

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2012 06:06:37 | More by jsisko01

soju6

Missouri

2.95/5  rDev -15.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

A: Pours a dark amber color with a decent head that fades to some lacing.

S: Aroma of citrus, fruit which is mostly peaches with some grain and nuts in the background.

T: has a fruity sweet flavor dominated by peach with some grain and nuts. There is a nice bitterness in the background and a slightly sticky finish.

F: Light body, smooth, but too sweet.

O: Not what I enjoy in a holiday beer, but a good novelty beer for non-craft beer drinkers.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2012 15:15:13 | More by soju6

crashdavisinoh

Ohio

3.75/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A-dark amber w/ small/medium head

S-peaches, cinnamon and malt

T-The taste is the key to any beer...this is where this beer excels. Peaches is the clear dominant flavor...which is appreciated...nuttiness (assuming pecas)...thought I got some cinnamon flavor as well. but IMO takes a backseat to the more dominant flavors.

M-Easy easy easy to drink

O-I was throughly impressed by this beer. I really enjoyed the peach flavor along w/ the other flavor combinations. When I had this on tap...they rimmed the glass w/ brown sugar and cinnamon...fantastic...I copied this at home as well on a couple bottles. One of my favorite, shockingly, holiday releases.

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2012 18:43:02 | More by crashdavisinoh

jwc215

New Jersey

3.55/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours clear dark amber with a nice-sized head that leaves some lacing.

The smell is of fresh peaches with some toasted malt and a hint of pecans.

The taste is of peaches. The peach aspect is nicely done - fresh and real tasting. Some toasted caramelish malt and a hint of pecans back it up. Sweetish, but with enough hops to make it not too sweet. Peaches linger in the aftertaste.

The feel is smooth and crisp.

This is a unique brew. I would not have expected it for a "holiday" brew - maybe it's "southern-style" though. And, it's certainly not typical for a dunkelweizen. Anyway, it's a nice "change of pace" brew with a refreshing peach and pecan character.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2012 16:10:58 | More by jwc215

cyclonece09

Virginia

4.03/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle into a 9 oz glass. Pours a dark red with a small head that dissipates quickly, but lacing remains. Smell of peaches is dominant but is very appealing. Peaches also dominate the taste, but not overly powerful that it will offend. Goes down really smooth and leaves no real bad aftertaste. Overall, a good holiday beer that can be a session beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2012 02:46:04 | More by cyclonece09

devilben02

North Carolina

2.88/5  rDev -17.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

My wife was trying to do something nice and picked this one up for me. Although she could have done better, she also could have done much worse.

The beers pours a great garnet-tinted brown color, but there is nearly no head, making the beer look visually "flat." The aroma is more consistently good, with the peaches coming through for a pleasant, bright sweetness on top of a light, bready malt base. The flavor does not stand up, however, as the peaches are more artificially sugary, and although there is some additional complexity of a light, nutty earthiness, there is also a somewhat unpleasant astringency. Texturally, the beer is a bit thin, but it is generally pleasant.

Overall, although this beer is light and drinkable, the gimmicky, candy-sweet fruitiness is not something to come back to.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2012 16:15:40 | More by devilben02

Pencible

Virginia

3.53/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: This poured a clear dark copper with lots of fizzy light tan head.
S: It smelled like peaches and copper hops, with more peaches and a little nutty malt and bready yeast.
T: It tasted like peaches and copper hops, with some nutty malt and lager yeast. It had a mostly clean bittersweet aftertaste.
M: It was watery with moderate carbonation. Fairly light body.
D: This had an unusual scent and taste for a holiday beer, but it was clean and enjoyable. The peach character didn't mix with the copper taste too well, and the pecan wasn't very noticeable, but it was still easy to drink. Not a bad beer, but not great.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2012 19:38:28 | More by Pencible

LiquidBread219

Indiana

3.15/5  rDev -10%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A= Nice, solid mahogany color. It also had a nice foamy head but it disappered rather quickly and left some spotty lacing.

S= The nose had some bready malts in there and some dark fruits. It kind of reminded me of fruit cake.

T= Taste really isn't that strong like I thought it would be it's kind of toned downed compared to the nose. I just thought it would be stronger because I really picked up items in the nose easily. The peaches do come out a little bit but I really picked up on bready notes and some spices.

M= Decent Carbonation, The beer itself is a little on the thin side and is light.

O= Overall, It's not that bad but I would basically buy it for a holiday party where not a lot of people are craft beer drinkers because this beer isn't that intense. I would rather have a Sierra Nevada's Celebration in the fridge for a holiday type beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2011 10:50:01 | More by LiquidBread219

tdm168

North Carolina

4/5  rDev +14.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at World of Beer North Hills on 12/29/11.

Pours a dark amber with a thin lacing of loose head. The nose predominantly peaches. The taste is heavy peaches up front with some caramel malt and a slight bitter finish. This is a light to medium bodied beer with good carbonation.

This is a nice twist on a the winter beer. Rather than some heavy, rich, spiced beer, Shiner made a delicious, sweet, almost dessert-like beer. This is a welcomed change of pace.

Serving type: on-tap

12-29-2011 23:52:39 | More by tdm168

RonaldTheriot

Louisiana

4/5  rDev +14.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Shiner Holiday Cheer has a thin, creamy, khaki head and a very clear, copper appearance with a few bubbles streaming up and a little bit of lacing. The aroma is overwhelmingly of peaches, but maybe one can detect some malt and water. As it warms, some sort of husk smell shows up. The taste is of peaches, nuts, barley, water, and a little touch of hop bitterness. Mouthfeel is light and watery, and Shiner Holiday Cheer finishes crisp, refreshing, mostly dry, and easy drinking. Overall, this is nice.

RJT

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2011 16:28:34 | More by RonaldTheriot

gtermi

Texas

3.1/5  rDev -11.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A: Pours a reddish brown with a white head that quickly fades.

S: This doesnt even smell like beer. It has a strong peach smell with some other fruity characteristics.

T: There is a lot of peach tastes in this beer. I had no idea this beer was suppose to be so peachy. I dont know what they are thinking. Peach is more a spring/ summer taste to me...

M: The beer is pretty average on the mouth feel. It has a strong amount of carbonation and just seems sort of boring.

O: Though I dont care for Spoetzl's beers, I ususally tend to enjoy their seasonal beers, but this one really let me down. I dont get the whole peach in winter thing. Just doesnt make sense to me.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2011 07:24:46 | More by gtermi

homebrew311

Illinois

3.85/5  rDev +10%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: deep chestnut brown, thin layer of white head, minimal lacing

S: nose is all peach with hints of strawberry and vanilla in the background, very fruity, I'm amazed by how peachy this is.

T: taste feature fruitiness up front, not quite as peachy as the nose, notes of cherry and pecan come through, herbal notes on the finish

Mf: light body, mellow carbonation

O: really nice aroma, not sure how they pulled off the peach but I'm impressed. Not really getting the dunkelweizen character, but for what it is, it's tasty

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2011 03:29:31 | More by homebrew311

match1112

Illinois

3.73/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

a: reddish brown body with a two finger tan head that leaves spotty lacing.

s: very peach forward, some nuts in there as well, along with some holiday spice and roasted malts.

t: like peach schnapps little brother. toasted nuts, spice and roasted malts.

m: medium to thin body, good carbonation.

o: this is one of the better holiday beers i've had. good flavors and aromas blend well together.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2011 14:31:29 | More by match1112

MTNboy

Missouri

4.03/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: I found this to be a good looking beer with a lot of tan head and lace. There was just the right amount of carbonation to the body. The body was brown with a reddish hue.

Smell: It has a different type of smell. It is very roasty and the only other way to describe it is meaty.

Taste: It has a spicy but not hot. There are a good amount of fruit esters especially in the aftertaste. The peach is dominant but the aftertaste is melon like.

Mouthfeel: Medium and slick with some bite.

Overall: I thought this was great holiday beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2011 10:01:19 | More by MTNboy