Christmas Ale - Breckenridge Brewery

marc77

California

3.88/5  rDev +11.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Dark garnet hue, w/ excellent clarity. The beige, intially thick head settles into a thin, spotty layer that coats the rim of the glass. Dark caramel sweetness and bready malt upfront aromawise, followed by drying biscuit and mild diacetyl butterscotch. Trace chocolate malt. Lightly earthy Fuggles hop nose and fruity esters lend an overall "British" aroma profile. Rich, dark caramel coupled with biscuit malt lends an toffeeish sweetness initally in flavor, then mellow diacetyl surfaces and provides richness. Although the hop bitterness is mild, a pleasantly dry, nutty, cracker like maltiness assists in offsetting the malt sweetness. Moderately bodied, and smooth in mouthfeel, due to both ample residual dextrins and low relative carbonation. Perhaps a touch oily. The earthy hop flavor mirrors that of the aroma, but is present at a lower level. Finishes sweet, w/ hints of burnt malt. Rustic breadiness coats the palate with an exhale. Breckenrige Xmas is a well above average and tasty winter brew. A bit high in diacetyl, but that seems to complement the dark caramel character. It was a steal for me at $4.99 a sixer.

Serving type: bottle

12-02-2002 19:29:14 | More by marc77

rockdick

Texas

4/5  rDev +14.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This was my first "winter brew" to try and was much different than I anticipated, in a good way though. Poured a dark, reddish-brown color with a head that lasted pretty long. Smelled and tasted of sweet caramel and chocolate malts. Very appealing to the palate.
This stuff is pretty strong too. 2 or 3 sitting around the Christmas tree will make you see reindeer or elves running around your living room. Good stuff, I'll be buying it again.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2002 05:59:21 | More by rockdick

Dogbrick

Ohio

3.68/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This stuff knocked my socks off! I was really surprised at how good this tasted, with a rich dark color and full flavor. This will definitely catch up to you after a few in front of the fireplace. Sweet malty taste and a long, mellow finish.

Serving type: bottle

07-08-2002 11:53:31 | More by Dogbrick

Pegasus

Texas

3.53/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Dark brown in color with a huge tan head that fades slowly, with moderate lace. Aroma of chocolate and caramel predominates. Chocolate and then burnt caramel dominate the palate with a slightly hoppy finish, strong alcohol taste, quite warming. Not as much character as some winter beers I have tried, but certainly decent and very potent.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2002 18:24:45 | More by Pegasus