Old Friend Holiday Ale
Indeed Brewing Company - Minneapolis

Old Friend Holiday AleOld Friend Holiday Ale
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From:
Indeed Brewing Company - Minneapolis
 
Minnesota, United States
Style:
Winter Warmer
ABV:
7%
Score:
85
Avg:
3.74 | pDev: 12.57%
Reviews:
18
Ratings:
101
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Sep 30, 2019
Added:
Dec 14, 2012
Wants:
  6
Gots:
  24
No description / notes.
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Photo of Beginner2
Reviewed by Beginner2 from Illinois

3.86/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
It seems Old Friend is retired and did not survive the competition with Stir Crazy, a winter warmer also introduced in 2012. So briefly, a clear ruby followed by holiday aromas followed by a pleasant holiday punch that stimulates the tongue with ginger and soothes it with honey. An effective combo.
That said, I'd bring back Old Friend for the sake of camaraderie and competition.

My first from Indeed, I went on their website and was impressed. Two Twin City taps and now one in Milwaukee. They do all the cool things of providing a community gathering spot and also give-back with their punned Indeed We Can Fund. There are many micros like Indeed... and we need more still.
Sep 30, 2019
 
Rated: 3.99 by DownyIsHungry from Minnesota

Apr 15, 2019
Photo of GStone899
Rated by GStone899 from Minnesota

3.06/5  rDev -18.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Lots of ginger with this one which is a bit of a punch in the pallet. Things balance out after that but the ginger still leaves you puckered.
Apr 08, 2019
 
Rated: 4.09 by ian_graf from Minnesota

Feb 24, 2019
 
Rated: 3.82 by saymike32 from New Jersey

Jan 26, 2019
 
Rated: 3.64 by elec from Minnesota

Jan 02, 2019
Photo of Czequershuus
Reviewed by Czequershuus from Minnesota

3.83/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
This beer pours very deep amber verging on brown. The aroma features notes of candied cherry, golden raisin, and ginger. The flavor starts with sweet, candied malts, banana bread, butternut squash, golden raisin, mince, honey, roast carrot, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and brown sugar. The mouthfeel is medium bodied with moderate, loose grained carbonation. Overall an utterly pleasant beer - nothing amazing, but on a cool winter night it is really hitting the spot.
Dec 13, 2018
 
Rated: 4.15 by HopliteMpls612 from Minnesota

Dec 08, 2018
 
Rated: 3.85 by moundbz from North Dakota

Jan 21, 2018
 
Rated: 3.74 by BrewNoob1 from Minnesota

Dec 21, 2017
 
Rated: 3.75 by Brent_B from Iowa

Dec 07, 2017
 
Rated: 4.25 by vheissu15 from North Dakota

Dec 03, 2017
 
Rated: 3.74 by Lucular from Maryland

Jan 17, 2017
 
Rated: 3.37 by JMN44 from Minnesota

Jan 03, 2017
Photo of Immortale25
Reviewed by Immortale25 from North Carolina

4.06/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into a Wicked Weed snifter. Bottom of can says Best By: 10/31/17.

A- Pours a light brown color with a 1/2 inch tan head that retains decently before becoming a thick ring around the edge of the glass and a mostly full sheet of sheer surface foam. Resilient lacing leaves large clots behind.

S- Lots of ginger plus some nutmeg and cardamom with some toasty malt in the back.

T- Balanced flavor of spice and malt sweetness. Definitely ginger-driven but there are some allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg notes as well. As multiple sips are taken, the ginger starts to build some heat, but nothing too crazy. Dry finish.

M- Lots of zing from the spice with medium carbonation and a body leaning toward the fuller side.

O- Pretty exemplary of the style with more of an emphasis on ginger, which I like. Nothing super complex here, but drinkable and fun.
Dec 21, 2016
Photo of 322wingedfoot
Reviewed by 322wingedfoot from Pennsylvania

3.52/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
From a 16oz can with best by date of 11/01/17. Per website, a "winter warmer brewed with fresh ginger root and honey. Deep ruby red with layers of malt complexity and a zippy aroma." 16 IBU. Pours a dark copper red, light head that dissipates quickly. Pleasant nose and palate of roasted malts and some ginger. Nice version of a classic English winter warmer.
Nov 25, 2016
 
Rated: 3.65 by cencless from Minnesota

Nov 17, 2016
 
Rated: 4.25 by Josholson666 from Minnesota

Jan 13, 2016
 
Rated: 3.25 by sgttibbs from Minnesota

Dec 24, 2015
 
Rated: 3.62 by Taybeh from Minnesota

Dec 23, 2015
Old Friend Holiday Ale from Indeed Brewing Company - Minneapolis
Beer rating: 85 out of 100 with 101 ratings