Shiner Holiday Cheer - Spoetzl Brewery

warnerry

Michigan

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

Notes from 11/30/2010; best by 2/17/11

Pours a deep reddish brown w/1-2 fingers of light brown head.

Smell is massive peach aroma. It is interesting but a little domineering. Wheat and malt aromas come through as well.

Taste is peach, wheat and malt predominately, though some faint notes of pecan do come through. Interesting flavor combination, actually tastes pretty good.

Mouthfeel is light and clean.

Overall, the peach is a bit much after awhile, but I though this was an unexpectedly interesting, easy drinking holiday brew.

Serving type: bottle

05-25-2011 22:01:07 | More by warnerry

AMERADJUNCTPROF

Arizona

1.6/5  rDev -54.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 1 | feel: 3 | overall: 1.5

I don't want to write too much, since I have wasted enough time with this beer.

It is an average beer with what tastes like a bad Jolly Rancher dropped in it. I'm not sure if you like fruity beer, but even if you do, this is just not good. I rarely leave a beer in my fridge, they eventually get drunk, but this didn't.

I only kept one because I wanted a friend of mine to taste how bad it was. He didn't mind it that much. I guess there is no accounting for taste.

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2011 23:06:52 | More by AMERADJUNCTPROF

B967ierhunter177

Pennsylvania

4.35/5  rDev +24.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer pours a clear brown with gold and ruby tones under the light. It's aroma begins with molasses followed by hints of fruit and roast. The flavor is complex and well balanced with molasses, nut, fruit, and toast notes with maple in the finish. It has a medium mouthfeel and is quite drinkable. Spoetzl Shiner Holiday Cheer is a very good beer, complex and balanced and is a great match for hard sourdough pretzels. Highly recommended!

Serving type: bottle

05-01-2011 01:08:18 | More by B967ierhunter177

rlshep

Ohio

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

Aroma: Nutty, light fruit dark sugar smells. Hard to get much of anything out of this really.

Appearance: Pours huge tan head. Slow to dissipate. Little to no lacing. Deep reddish-orange color. Very clear.

Flavor: Big bite of peach up front. A nice caramel sweetness. Low bitterness.

Mouthfeel: Thinish mouthfeel. Enough sweetness to know there is something there. No alcohol.

Overall: Not bad. Drink this if you like peaches and fruity beers. Would like to see a bigger mouthfeel, maybe some extra alcohol and more complexity. A nice change from the spice bombs I've been seeing this winter. I'm giving extra points for originality.

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2011 00:53:33 | More by rlshep

KodyBrannon

Texas

4.43/5  rDev +26.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

I have bought this beer for the two holiday seasons. It is a very solid beer and another quality seasonal from Shiner. While it falls into line with the Dunkel's I have had, there is just somthing a little extra with it that I would recomend. If your a fan of shiner then you will probably love it, if you don't care for shiner, then you may could go either way. That tends to be the opinions I hear.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2011 18:33:28 | More by KodyBrannon

CuriousMonk

Virginia

2.5/5  rDev -28.6%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

From winter brew tasting notes (2010): Dark amber colored with light brown head. The aroma is predominantly peaches and apricots. The taste is naturally heavy on the peaches with some nutty malt, banana bread and caramel flavors also in the mix. A peach flavored Dunkelweizen is not exactly my ideal winter seasonal but the overall flavor is surprisingly smooth and refreshing. Neat vintage label and this beer was a major let down for me - too peachy for a winter. I'd rather stick with the Shiner Bock here.

Serving type: bottle

02-14-2011 19:40:41 | More by CuriousMonk

Onenote81

North Carolina

3.6/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Extra toss-in from DeathbySexyBT.

12oz bottle poured into a goblet. Pours a crystal clear, dark ruby. No head at all; no lace. I like that color though. The nose is fruity with strong notes of peaches, and strawberry jam. This really smells like morning toast. Unexpected for the style, but it is pleasant.

Decent body. Carbonation is spot on. Finishes fine. The fruit is definitely the main player with flavors of strained peaches, more jam, cherries. I'm not getting any of the nutty quality others noted. Slightly drying on the finish. This is a decent beer, but is the style correct?? I'd just call this a Fruit Beer and be done with it.

Serving type: bottle

01-31-2011 17:12:29 | More by Onenote81

merlin48

Kentucky

3.65/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Bottle pours a clear mahogany body with a creamy beige head that lasts the duration. Some attractive patchy lace clings to the glass. Nice looker.

Aroma is peeaches and toasted pecans. Peach essence seems to be a blend of canned and fresh.

Body and carbonation are medium and the mouthfeel has the creaminess of a dunkelweizen.

Taste is like the aroma, toasted pecans and peaches. A hint of wheat malt twang is the only suggestion of a dunkelweizen. Vague hop bitterness balances.

No real dunkelweizen character here but the peaches and pecans create a unique taste profile. An interesting take on a holiday brew.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2011 23:59:53 | More by merlin48

mralphabet

Virginia

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

12 oz bottle poured into pint...

A: Light mahogany color with about a fingers worth of head that settles to a nice foamy ring, little lacing to speak of.

S: I like the smell strong peaches with a nutty pecan aroma.

T: First thing to hit me is a pleasant hit of caramel malt, followed quickly by a blend of peaches and pecans with a hint of clove and yeast. Nice clean finish, leaving a slight peachy aftertaste.

M: Medium bodied, carbonation is crisp and slightly dry.

D: Low ABV and interesting mix of flavors and smells... very night little beer.

Another good beer from Shiner, different and good.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2011 05:51:35 | More by mralphabet

zeff80

Missouri

3.5/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Poured out a burgundy color with a one-finger, off-white head of fluffy foam. It left minimal lace.

S - It smelled of peaches, maltiness and overall was fairly sweet. Not a bad smell, but it just didn't have any dunkelweizen aroma.

T - It tasted of peaches, malt and some crisp wheat flavor came through here. Mild yeastiness.

M - It was fairly crisp and sharp. A light bodied ale that is very easy drinking.

D - This is an interesting beer. Some dunkelweizen flavor with peaches mixed it. I would drink it again. It could be something to have on hand for guests.

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2011 01:03:06 | More by zeff80

Tripphop

Virginia

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

Sounded interesting with the peaches and pecans, so I had to try one. Pours an amber gold color with minimal white foam that settles fast. Aromas of baked apples and cinnamon with a nutty undertone. Flavor is lightly sweet and refreshing. A nutty malt base with hints of honey and peach fruit. Nice carbonation, pretty much an adult holiday soda.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2011 18:48:26 | More by Tripphop

elgiacomo

Georgia

2.3/5  rDev -34.3%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

12oz bottle, 2010 batch. Pours clear copper amber with a one finger off white head that quickly recedes to a wispy cap and ring, not much lacing at all. Aroma is a bunch of funky peaches, I can dig peaches but these are just...well...funky. A lot of pecan as well, maybe too much as it ain't playing nicely with the peaches and may be what is contributing to the funk. Also a bit of caramel malt. Good strength. Flavor is also loaded with the funky peach taste, particularly on the finish, pecans, good caramel malt backbone, bready, rather sweet. Mouthfeel is medium bodied, oily becoming sticky, medium carbonation. Not my cup of tea. I know they use real peaches and pecans but can't help but feel that those may be boosted by some artificial flavorings as well. Doubt I'll make it to the end of the glass...

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2011 02:31:29 | More by elgiacomo

carolinahophead

North Carolina

4.05/5  rDev +15.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

This is the latest edition in my kegerator & have been enjoying this one throughout the holidays.
A: An amber color with a snow capped head. It is lighter than a Shiner Bock, almost a bourbon like appearance.
S: Texas peaches and a smooth malt aroma. Not alot hops but is a nice change to all those Big winter warmers around. The pecans do come out when the beer warms. A southern treat .
T: You get the peach and german malt in the taste for sure. Holiday Cheer is sweet, warm and easy to drink. Could be a hit for just the average beer drinkers.
M: Easy to drink, has a medium mouthfeel, good carbonation and a medium finish. The more you drink the more peaches and pecans come out.
D: Definitely a session beer. With food , with friends , with a bowl game or just enjoying the holidat season . The girls will love this one.
O: Thanks Shiner for spreading Holiday Cheer & a Happy New to all . Its not complexed but fun to drink. Thank you too for Mike Brawley for getting this one for me.

Serving type: on-tap

01-06-2011 23:43:05 | More by carolinahophead

Duff27

Illinois

3.6/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A- Pours a very dark, clear red. Quickly dissipating one fingered white head. Plenty of effervescence if you look close. No lacing and medium to poor head retention.

S- Very fruity nose. Fresh berries perhaps.

T- Fruit. Cherries, apricot. No hops detected. You'd almost want to qualify this as a fruit beer. Weird aftertaste that I want to go away.

M- Great carb bite, slightly watery.

D/O- Drinkability isn't bad, as long as you'd want to. No glaring inadequacies, just not what I'd pick to have a few of. I always like to enjoy a few of these around the holidays. Unique widely-available brew.

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2011 04:45:51 | More by Duff27

mdunman

Texas

3.5/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A: Clear, reddish-brown with a thin head

S: Sweet peaches are overwhelming with a maltiness in the background

T: Again the peaches and sweetness are notable up front. Starts sweet again Goes through a good progression as it finishes dry.

M: Medium-heavy that is fairly smooth with light carbonation.

D: Its unique smell and taste make it an enjoyable novelty beer, but not something that I would want to drink on a regular basis.

Serving type: bottle

01-03-2011 06:27:01 | More by mdunman

smulkowski

Idaho

3.4/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a pint glass.

A: Chestnut, translucent, billowing head dissipating relatively quickly to a skiff and ring.
S: Canned peaches, faint alcohol and malt.
T: Peach cobbler, sweet attack with a dry mango aftertaste. Well balanced and interesting.
M: A bit thin, slick.
D: Pretty high, might get tired of this after a few.

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2011 02:17:08 | More by smulkowski

thecarster1

Pennsylvania

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

a- bottle poured into a pint, one plus fingers head, walnut coloring, creamy layer of lace and clinging.

s- whoa peaches, smells like peach yogurt actually, i get a bit of nuts, not a ton, and some sweetness.

t- actually pretty interesting here, a kiss of sweet peach then earthiness kicks in with the nuts - a touch tart, very interesting. never had a beer that tasted remotely like this.

m- medium, slick.

d- okay, just cause this was a bit off the beaten path, and not exactly up my alley. it was interesting to try, but not anything that i'd seek out.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2010 18:37:48 | More by thecarster1

johntp

South Dakota

4/5  rDev +14.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: Very clear, and christmas red. One fingers worth of off white, creamy head.

S: Smells mostly of peaches, with a slight nutty hoppiness.

T: Taste is overwhelmingly peaches, like peach juice. The hop bite is the only thing that tastes like beer. Faint nut and spice in the background.

M: Thin, a bit sticky, and plenty of carbonation.

D: Quite drinkable due to thin body, carbonation, and flavour is not very robust.

To me, this is a once a year type beer. Its unique and a great beer to enjoy during the holidays, I would not probably drink this year round, even if it were available.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2010 06:38:25 | More by johntp

cdizinno

South Carolina

2.85/5  rDev -18.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A: Clear, darker reddish-amber. Decent light tan head that leaves moderate lacing.

S: SWEETNESS. Caramel, sweet tea and some fruitiness.

T&M: Peaches and pecans. That's what the beer is brewed with and they are prominent flavors. Mild carbonation with an odd mild roughness.
Sweetness all the way through. Like a pecan-peach pie.

Definitely different. If you like pecan or mild peach, this might be the beer for you. Not either of my favorites though.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2010 18:46:12 | More by cdizinno

Rhettbuck

Kansas

3.95/5  rDev +12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This is perhaps the most unusual winter/holiday beer I've ever had the joy to drink. I am not normally a holiday beer kinda guy, but if they were all this good, I might be more inclined to try them.

Appearance: Darker than I thought it would be, with a good head that rapidly disappears. Not much for lacing.

Smell: The label says that the beer is brewed with peaches and you really can smell it! Very sweet almost sugary trait to the smell.

Taste: Peaches and pecans, thats what the beer is brewed with, and thats the taste you get. When I first tasted it I thought that someone had made a cupcake flavored beer.

Mouthfeel: Not very carbonated which doesn't seem to matter as the sweet taste still has a clean finish. Maybe some carmel after tones, but thats about it.

Drinkability: Considering how sickly sweet this beer can be, you probably couldn't drink it non-stop. But that being said it is still so good that you should check it out.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2010 23:18:00 | More by Rhettbuck

mikesgroove

South Carolina

2.95/5  rDev -15.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

So I decided to pop this one open last night. Really not that big of a fan of their lineup but hey I will give it a whirl.

Poured out a medium amber with a smooth hea of white that faded quickly and left behind only small lacing, ehh. Aroma is overspiced. Like candy with nutmeg, cinnamon, tons of weird candy like aromas and flavor. Really just off to me and not befitting the style at all. This carried right over into the flavor which was sickingly a mess and just way over the top with the spices and no hint of deep caramel malts.

Overall no way its a dopplebock and no way would I do it again

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2010 20:07:40 | More by mikesgroove

ForWhatAlesYou

Minnesota

3.03/5  rDev -13.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

12 oz bottle poured into a pint glass

A: Head disappears quickly, lacing doesn't last for very long. Brown mahogany with red tones

S: Peaches, sweet tea.

T: Exactly as it smells. I tastes like canned peaches and tea. Hop aftertaste lingers nicely.

M: Unremarkable except the sugars I get that coat the mouth throughout.

D: Strange...not wintery at all but I could see drinking it on my porch after mowing the lawn. I don't quite understand the idea of labeling a beer "winter" unless it tastes like winter.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2010 06:26:41 | More by ForWhatAlesYou

droomyster

Virginia

3.73/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a clear brown with a long lasting tan head. The nose delightfully packed with fruit and spices. I get a lot of raspberry aroma with a bit of molasses, cinnamon, and something like all spice. The flavors are considerably more simple than the nose, with most of the spice coming together to taste something like gingerbread. Raspberry/cranberry flavors are also quite prominent. A cranberry essence and tea-like bitterness linger long. Not a bad beer by any means, but doesn't live up the promise of its nose.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2010 01:44:27 | More by droomyster

depechemode1983

Texas

1.93/5  rDev -44.9%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 1.5

Pours an amber reddish brown with a fluffy brown dissipate not too long after the pour. There is no evident carbonation or lacing. The smell is very sweet. Lots of peaches and strawberries up front. Artificial candy notes actually take over the whole nose. Taste is artificial as well with candy strawberries being the highlight. Mouthfeel. A bit syrupy and with medium carbonation. not good. Drinkability is minimal. Ill finish the one and move on to good beer. Not very impressed with this one.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2010 00:02:41 | More by depechemode1983

GRPunk

Michigan

3.53/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Bottle poured into a weizen glass.

A- A moderate pour and sediment swirl produced a 1-1/2 finger, khaki head that drops pretty quickly to 1/2 finger. The body was a very clean bronze with moderate carbonation. I expected some haze or yeasty sediment, but got a really clean look. There was some pretty good, sticky webbing left on the glass.

S- There was a big hit of peach initially, which pretty well dominated throughout. There were some dark, bready notes and nutty aromas that just peeked through with a little warmth that went a long way to improve my overall impression.

T- There was a mix of sweet peaches and dark bread (coming off as kinda' fruitcake-like or even as toasted and buttered panettone). It all combined for a pleasant, holiday mix.

M- It's really clean for a dunkelweizen, boardering on thin. Yet, there were kind of syrupy aspects. It had fairly heavy carbonation.

D- For any faults as a dunkelweizen, it's actually pretty good as a flavored holiday beer. I could see putting a few back at the big family Christmas gatherings. It would probably compliment the rich, Christmas dishes quite nicely.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2010 04:24:47 | More by GRPunk