Great Lakes Christmas Ale - Great Lakes Brewing Company

bcray

Ohio

4.83/5  rDev +21.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had this one on tap at Jakes in Ashland Ohio. This is by far my favorite offering from GL though I enjoy many of their other beers.

The spices really sit upfront without being overbearing. The balance of this brew is darn near perfection. Very drinkable considering it has a slightly higher ABV.

I wish it were Christmas all year long! Also delicious in bottle.

Serving type: on-tap

11-28-2009 16:34:06 | More by bcray

tempest

Pennsylvania

3.53/5  rDev -11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On-tap at Alto Cinco and drank it along side a covered burrito with chicken. This beer was basically a big, smooth amber ale - light caramel and toffee - with spiced with pumpkin pie, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little ginger. Drinkable and festive, but I'm not blown away. The spices and malt are at least very well balanced.

Serving type: on-tap

11-26-2009 01:36:11 | More by tempest

beergod1

Ohio

4.35/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Beautiful red hue with quickly fading white head. Aroma of ginger, some other spices. Some lacing and rings around the glass, reminds me of snow. Flavor is nice balance of cinnamon, ginger, and sweet honey. Very drinkable, and at 7.5% abv. it's very sessionable, for about 4 beers (230z. brewtus at applebee's), then it's nap time.

Serving type: on-tap

11-22-2009 15:25:34 | More by beergod1

alkemy

Ohio

4/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Dark copper color. I get the nutmeg, but the ginger is pretty faint to me. Maybe I'm just used to that "in your face" sushi ginger. I really didn't get much cinnamon in the nose. I did get the sweet, toasty malt. Roasted sweet malt and nutmeg dominated the flavor for me. I then got a hint of honey and cinnamon. The cinnamon is more of a cinnamon/sugar mixture like you'd put on toast. This is pretty good stuff, but I'd rather have them brew Nosferatu in a little more abundance...I've exhausted my local connection for the year!

Serving type: on-tap

11-14-2009 03:26:47 | More by alkemy

Intimidtor

Ohio

4.25/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This is my favorite seasonal beer ever. This is a rich Winter Warmer. Honestly the first time I had it I wasnt that impressed. But I gave it a second chance and my second tasting completly changed my opinion. This is a seasonal beer usually released by GLB in late October through the New Year. Mostly served around with Cleveland and surronding area in a glass with the rim coated with cinnamon and sugar mixture. Reddish tint with a rich taste. GLB has compiled a great mixture here that is a must try. This year I will buy more and fill up the fridge in my garage.

Serving type: on-tap

10-22-2009 00:33:42 | More by Intimidtor

Rhynes2

Ohio

4.25/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A great holiday beer. It tastes like Christmas minus the turkey and such. Great with party foods. Had this with a Christmas roast and it was one of the greatest things ever. Nice foamy head and great color. Ginger was at the forefront of the taste. A great buy for anyone. Great lakes did a fantastic job with this one.

Serving type: on-tap

01-24-2009 03:16:21 | More by Rhynes2

Gouxman

Kentucky

2.83/5  rDev -28.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

A beautiful amber color with an aroma of pine trees and nutmeg. This Christmas Ale is full of holiday spice. Flavors of cinnamon, baked apples, honey, ginger, and cloves combine to make a festive ale which encompasses all of the flavors and aromas you would associate with Christmas.

This is one of the top selling Christmas beers. I can see why people like this beer, but it's not for me. The holiday spice overpowers anything else found in this ale. I always try at least one each year, but it's not something I can sit and continually enjoy.

Serving type: on-tap

01-09-2009 17:03:13 | More by Gouxman

beeristhefuture

Ohio

1.8/5  rDev -54.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 1.5

This is not a bad craft brew at all, despite my lackluster numbers. The color is beautiful, and frost-like lacing, when poured correctly, stays in the glass. However, I find the blend of spices to be too sour and bitter in a bad way, and the thin mouthfeel Great Lakes Beers typically have doesn't augment the flavors needing some heft. The highher alcohol content is also immediately obvious, making the beer taste like alcohol.
However, as is typical for Great Lakes, first-class ingredients are used and the flavors that make me uncomfortable are often enjoyed by others.

Serving type: on-tap

12-24-2008 17:50:25 | More by beeristhefuture

sonicdescent

Pennsylvania

4.08/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A= just average but possibly from an overly agressive bartender. Small white head and a golden red appearance.

S=light hints of honey is really the only thing I get, but it's an appetizing scent.

T=it's beginning to taste a lot like Christmas! Very nice taste with the honey and spices coming through with no trace of alcohol.

M=excellent, thin bodies with very little carbonation.

D=very high, if I wasn't consciously tryin something different each beer, I would stick by this in a Pittsburgh minute.

Serving type: on-tap

12-22-2008 20:57:33 | More by sonicdescent

ffejherb

Pennsylvania

4.22/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Great Lakes on 12/1/08. Served in a 12-oz. glass.

A - Crystal clear dark amber/copper-colored body with half a finger of creamy off-white head that retained well and left attractive, sticky lacing all over the glass. No visible carbonation present.

S - Lots of mild spices in the nose, including cinnamon, allspice, brown sugar and anise/licorice paired with a cookie-esque maltiness. Aroma is sweet and spicy with a touch of alcohol twang.

T - Initial flavor is spicy with all of the aforementioned spices making an appearance. Good bit of malty character with caramel and toffee notes and gingersnap cookies. Finishes spicy with a very mild bitterness.

M - Medium bodied with a syrupy, almost chewy texture and moderate carbonation. Spicy, warm and tingly on the palate.

D - This is a really nice take on a Christmas ale. It's spicy, sweet and malty, but not overdone at all. All of the flavors and aromas are quite subtle, resulting in a very well-balanced and flavorful ale for the winter months.

Serving type: on-tap

12-04-2008 01:55:19 | More by ffejherb

Baileyuk

Michigan

4.13/5  rDev +4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Head was minimal but lacing was okay. Nothing special for sure. Color was an attractive light brown with a reddish hue.

Smell had Nutmeg and ginger heavily in the nose.

Taste had a good spicy blend. Ginger was dominant but not overpowering. Maybe some nutmeg (fainter than in the nose), also some cinnamon and all spice. All the flavors were well balanced to definately dominate but give a decent taste.

The carbonation was excellent and there was little evidence of the power if the abv was really 7.5%. I was not overly pleased with this beer but it is fairly decent in you like spiced christmas ales.

Serving type: on-tap

11-30-2008 22:15:32 | More by Baileyuk

schoolboy

Ohio

4.45/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 3

Alright, I admit that I had three (honest to goodness) pints of this at Night Town and it did me in. It was on an empty stomach and I take Lyrica for back pain. But I couldn't resist the outstanding taste of Christmas Ale as it should be.

They served it properly too - the temperature was perfect
(not co cold). How could I not havea few? Fortunately they ran out because some lady tried to buy me another (and then I would have been completely out of it).

Pretty close to perfect.

Serving type: on-tap

11-29-2008 01:57:45 | More by schoolboy

gearbike

Michigan

4.47/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A darkish golden pour from tap with a small white lacing around glass. You can't miss the sweet smell. The word snappy fits this beer well. It is a winter warmer but not from the usual alcohol burn. The alcohol is almost completely hidden. The warm comes from the mix of cinnamon, hops, and most of all spiciness. The alcohol must be there because I sure did feel it after finishing the glass.

Serving type: on-tap

11-26-2008 17:37:30 | More by gearbike

spointon

Illinois

4.22/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had this one on tap at the IO Theater in Chicago on 11/19/2008 - Poured into a shaker pint glass.

A= This ale poured a clear dark copper color with a 1/2" off white head that quickly dropped to a thin skim.

S= As in the bottled version of this beer, the aromas were still pretty subdued. I found a mild spiciness (cinnamon?) on top of a syrupy malt sweetness and a faint hop presence.

T= Here is where this beer stood apart from its bottled brother. The flavor started with caramel malt sweetness, then moved on to a very pleasant "holiday" spiciness. The spices seemed to be predominantly cinnamon and nutmeg. Not over the top or cloying, but definitely flavorful. Finish dried up a little and hid the alcohol quite well.

MF= Heavy side of medium bodied with a slick mouth feel. Carbonation release was evident but the feel was still sort of soft and creamy.

D= On tap the flavor profile is different and much better than in the bottle. Drinkability suffers a bit from those spices being more bold - I can't say I would want more than one or two of these in a day. Still a very good beer from a very good brewery.

Serving type: on-tap

11-20-2008 06:26:35 | More by spointon

pacothrash

Ohio

4.45/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Ordered in pint at Beef O'Brady's and really enjoyed this beer. This was my first GL Christmas Ale on draft. It was brownish/orange with a small head. The smell and taste were very similar with some nutmeg, cinnamon and maybe a hint of ginger. This is an excellent Christmas ale and is very drinkable. I ended up having a few.

Serving type: on-tap

11-18-2008 23:24:48 | More by pacothrash

Kolsch

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Has 3 of these last night. Did not think to ask about ABV and at 7.5%, well hidden.

Appearance: very appetizing light tan with 1/2 inch head that left little retention.

Smell: detected some cinnamon and mild clove.

Taste: malty sweetness and not at all syrupy or cloying. Spicy and not overbearing like some spiced beers. Excellent Christmas Ale!

Well done Great Lakes!

Serving type: on-tap

11-16-2008 16:28:44 | More by Kolsch

KeefD

Minnesota

4.33/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this at the Great Lakes bar in the Cleveland Airport. Review from notes: 22oz pour. Dark amber with orange highlights, nice fluffy off-white head that left little lacing, probably from the frosted glass. Spicy, malty aroma with hints of maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Flavor was malty sweet, nice amount of spices, again with the cinnamon and nutmeg, along with a bit of orange peel for good measure. A nice piney hop flavor shows up here and there. Citrusy flavors make an appearance but get pushed out of the way by the spices. Smooth and creamy mouthfeel, very delicious Christmas Ale. One of the best Winter Warmers I've tried.

Serving type: on-tap

11-14-2008 21:22:38 | More by KeefD

IronCitySteve

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: A clear copper color. A white/off-white head.

S: Took awhile for the scents to come through, once they did was malty and cinnamon scents. Some hints of ginger as well.

T: A good amount of malt flavor up front. Lots of cinnamon, honey and spice. The flavors combine well and it is not too spicy.

M: Just a tad thin, but a good amount of carbonation.

D: A high ABV keeps this beer from being a session beer, but a good winter warmer.

Serving type: on-tap

11-11-2008 18:32:18 | More by IronCitySteve

sliverX

New York

4.28/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Happened to be in town on release day this year. Not much head on the pints but laced nicely. Smelled of cinnamon and hops which mixed for a ginger like taste. was a nice copper/brown color .It went down so nice I had a second and even went to buy a case but they had run out of bottles by that point... will certainly be looking for this in the store for the holidays

Serving type: on-tap

11-02-2008 21:38:17 | More by sliverX

BigBry

Alberta (Canada)

3.63/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This was the Great Lakes seasonal available when I visited O'Shaughnessy's Public House while in Columbus.
Pint filled with a dark caramel color liquid with a short but strong head. Thin sheets of lace, nicely carbonated. Nice smells of spice and hops. Taste was good, with some spices, cinammon, clove, with the dark malt flavors. High alcohol is well hidden. Mouthfeel and drinkability were both OK, maybe a bit thin. I always like a well made local beer.

Serving type: on-tap

01-20-2008 03:48:04 | More by BigBry

xare

Ohio

4.47/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured as a dark caramel color with excellent head. Laced very well and had outstanding carbonation.

Smelled like a mixture of winter spices, hops, and the alcohol is almost entirely hidden by the other aromas. Overall, excellent for a winter warmer.

Taste is outstanding as well - you can hit hints of clove, cinnamon, malts, and probably mace as well. The complexity of this beer comes from your ability to distinguish winter spices from one another but they all melded into a warm taste almost like a spiced cider but without any apple notes.

Mouthfeel and drinkability were both great for this beer, especially considering the high ABV and the spiciness of the beer. Overall, this is one of my favorite winter beers by far. I will definitely drink more of this and eagerly anticipate its release every winter.

Serving type: on-tap

01-05-2008 17:35:09 | More by xare

tctruffin

Ohio

4.03/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I must admit to a pro-Great Lakes bias, but they keep making quality products. What can I do?

This years Christmas Ale brings the familiar deep amber hue. The bar where I got this in a 25oz mug didn't pour it with any head, and it seemed tad flat. Once I let the ale warm up from its too-cold serving temp, I was able to smell a bit of spice, mainly cinnamon. I seem to remember last year's version having more aroma. However, once I took a sip, I was given all the spice I could want floating on a solid malt base. Cinnamon and nutmeg stand out. What I love about this ale is that if you took away the spices, you'd still have a very tasty, well-balanced ale.

Even though this is a spiced ale, the spices don't assert themselves so much that they overtake the whole show. After downing 25oz, I was seriously considering another mug.

Serving type: on-tap

12-18-2007 17:29:23 | More by tctruffin

brentk56

North Carolina

4.43/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Arrives at the bar with a clear amber color and a modest head that leaves dots of lace

Smell: Nutmeg, cinnamon and a bit a honey along with the caramel base

Taste: Biscuity flavors up front with plenty of Christmas spices building by mid-palate; modest earthy hops appear after the swallow

Mouthfeel: Medium body with moderate carbonation

Drinkability: One of the great Christmas beers out there

Serving type: on-tap

12-12-2007 03:08:36 | More by brentk56

JToad

Indiana

3.93/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this on tap at a bar in Elkhart Indiana called the Chubby Trout. My wife and I split a pitcher of this for $5.50.

Poured the draft into a tulip glass. The beer is a dark copper color.

Smells of subtle fruit and spice. Can definetely tell its a Christmas beer.

As it warms, the spices really begin to show. I noticed large amounts of cinnamon and corriander the warmer it got. At 7.5% ABV, it hits you pretty quick.

My wife who is not normally a beer drinker, really enjoyed this the more she drank of it. It was nice to sit in front of the window and watch the snow fall, while sipping this winter warmer. I havent been too dissapointed with many Great Lakes brews, and this one is no different. Very good Christmas Beer.

Serving type: on-tap

12-05-2007 03:37:52 | More by JToad

OWSLEY069

Pennsylvania

2.8/5  rDev -29.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours a clean copper color with a tan/ off white head. In the aroma, cinnamon and a sweetness. In the taste, cinnamon and mixed holiday spices. A smooth, yet sticky-sweet mouthfeel and a dry cinnamon aftertaste. Not bad, but cinnamon is a bit much. Easy to drink, but I don't think I could drink two.

Serving type: on-tap

12-03-2007 12:40:17 | More by OWSLEY069