Christmas Ale
Gritty McDuff's Brewing Company

Christmas AleChristmas Ale
Beer Geek Stats | Print Shelf Talker
From:
Gritty McDuff's Brewing Company
 
Maine, United States
Style:
Extra Special / Strong Bitter (ESB)
ABV:
6.2%
Score:
85
Avg:
3.79 | pDev: 12.93%
Reviews:
125
Ratings:
197
Status:
Active
Rated:
Jan 16, 2018
Added:
Jan 11, 2002
Wants:
  8
Gots:
  12
If it looks like Ed just got merrier, you're right. Every November heralds the return of our holiday seasonal, Christmas Ale – available on draft and in six-packs. Our Christmas Ale is a robust E.S.B. (Extra Special Bitter) full of holiday cheer. Christmas Ale has a lovely, dark red/amber color and a rich, full-bodied, malty taste with a slightly roasted undertone. We brew our Christmas Ale to an original gravity of 1064 (about 6.2% alcohol by volume) using only the finest English Pale and Crystal Malts, with a touch of Roasted Barley as well. A blend of Clusters, Styrian Goldings, Saaz and Yakima Goldings leaf hops round out this hearty brew. Gritty's Christmas Ale has no additives, fruits or spices. It's just a good honest ale, perfect for the season. And to top it all off, it's already gift-wrapped! Happy Holidays!

28.5 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Photo of mnredsoxfan69
Reviewed by mnredsoxfan69 from Minnesota

3.76/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a tulip.

This is not what I was expecting, based on the name. I was looking forward to a big, spicy, malty, winter warmer of an ale, but discovered a nice ESB instead. This English style bitter pours dark brown, yet clear, with a one-finger cap of foam that quickly dissipated to a thin ring. The aroma wafting from the glass is light and malty with hints of caramel. The taste boosts the caramel flavor, balanced by the earthy bitterness of English hops. It is medium bodied with a light prickle from the carbonation. Overall, a very good, but not outstanding brew, but definitely worth a try. I enjoyed it and would buy it again. Very enjoyable.
Jan 16, 2018
 
Rated: 2.08 by BusterFinn from Maine

Dec 12, 2017
 
Rated: 3 by Nichols33 from Massachusetts

Jan 22, 2017
 
Rated: 4 by CHager94 from Massachusetts

Feb 07, 2016
 
Rated: 3.98 by Sellen from Connecticut

Jan 16, 2016
 
Rated: 4.18 by RichIron883 from New York

Jan 02, 2016
Photo of scotorum
Reviewed by scotorum from Massachusetts

4.01/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Poured from the 12 oz. bottle into a Samuel Adams English nonick.

a: Clear dark ruby with a finger thick offwhite head which receded to thick surface foam and patchy lacing.

s: Mainly caramel malt.

t; Strong caramel malt with a slightly tangy hop bite.

m; Medium, good body and carbonation tingle.

o: A fine holiday ESB in the British tradition, substantially malty and warmly satisfying.
Dec 26, 2015
 
 
Rated: 3.29 by PJCarnell from Massachusetts

Dec 23, 2015
 
Rated: 3.75 by Hootie159 from Massachusetts

Dec 19, 2015
 
Rated: 3.49 by Fitzy01 from Maine

Dec 18, 2015
 
Rated: 3.75 by Proclarush from Maryland

Nov 26, 2015
 
Rated: 5 by MissMEmicrobrews from Pennsylvania

Oct 25, 2015
 
Rated: 3.25 by Reds76 from Maine

Apr 22, 2015
Photo of Bestinyourgirl
Rated by Bestinyourgirl from Maine

2.85/5  rDev -24.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
Taste like a chardonnay. Great if you love bitter things, horrible if your palate lies elsewhere.
Jan 03, 2015
 
Rated: 3.97 by StevieJ_80 from Maine

Dec 25, 2014
 
Rated: 4.04 by Pouland77 from Maine

Dec 13, 2014
 
Rated: 3.6 by Rons35 from Michigan

Dec 04, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Kert from Maine

Nov 18, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Daktyls from Massachusetts

Nov 16, 2014
Christmas Ale from Gritty McDuff's Brewing Company
Beer rating: 85 out of 100 with 197 ratings