Great Lakes Christmas Ale - Great Lakes Brewing Company

darthpeepee

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - 12 oz bottle. Pours a amber color. Light head from pour.

S - Smells of cinnamon, ginger and other winter/Christmas spices.

T - Tasted like a ginger snap cookie. Not overly spicey.

M - Light body.

D - A wonderful Christmas ale from Great Lakes.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2010 18:26:32 | More by darthpeepee

brucer1

Ohio

3.55/5  rDev -10.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

poured from 12 ounce bottle into pint glass. nice initial head then quickly faded, no lacing. warm colours throughout, moderate cabonation. sweet fruity aroma which translates into the taste. not a bad beer, but certainly not one of the better glbc's offering's. had a very good mouthfeel, was very appealing to me. moderate abv, so stay at home if you are going to drink more than a few.

Serving type: bottle

11-29-2006 04:02:46 | More by brucer1

harryhood1

Pennsylvania

4.03/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

a- nice copper color and produced a nice head

s- very strong spice aroma- lots of ginger and hops really at the heart of the aroma

t- you have to really enjoy spiced beer (which I do) to like this one. It isn't a mild spicing by any means. ginger again, is really forward and in your face but I really enjoyed it.

m- good carbonation on the pallate and a smooth drink considering the amount of spice in the beer.

d- very drinkable winter warmer. almost Too drinkable. At 7.5%, these still slide down pretty easily and it can sneak up on you.

Overall, one of the best spiced ales I've ever had. My buddy from Cleveland raved about it and once he brought it over, I think it lived up to the hype.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2009 18:15:15 | More by harryhood1

DDCMember

Pennsylvania

3.63/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

-12 oz. bottle poured into mug.

A: Copper to Amber. Very thick head.

S: Spices (Cinnamon, maybe some ginger), Honey, a hint of cherries.

T: Flavorful! Very well balanced. I can taste a little bit of cinnamon, honey, a little malty. No bite at all, which is surprising with a 7.5% ABV.

M: Medium body. Very thick head when poured but dies down quickly.

D: Very good! It's so well balanced that I could easily drink 4-5 of these, which could mean trouble.

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2011 19:45:18 | More by DDCMember

Bigboyash73

Ohio

1.65/5  rDev -58.4%
look: 2 | smell: 3 | taste: 1 | feel: 2 | overall: 1.5

This beer is so hyped up that it drives me nuts! I had this beer on tap with some cinnamon shit on the rim and that was the only good thing about it! The taste was absolutley awful! It has a super bitterness to it and maybe im bias, but im just not an ale fan....ILL STICK TO LAGERS!

Serving type: on-tap

02-03-2011 17:03:18 | More by Bigboyash73

TimPowell

Ohio

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

Every November, I look forward to combing the shelves of my local beer store for some of my favorite Winter Warmers. Great Lakes Brewing Company once again steps up with an exceptional beer.

Pouring the bottle I was taken by several things;

Color-A rich, deep amber, almost smokey in color.

Nose-Not as stong as I remember. You may notice slight hints of cloves or cinnamon. I would say this beer is better served at warmer temperatures. This is not the beer to be poured in to an ice cold glass.

Head-I was dissapointed pouring did not produce more of a head on the beer.

Tasting this beer really was the reward. Hints of caramel, malt, and some seasonal spice was followed by a wonderful hop finish.

Great Lakes Christmas Ale should make every beer drinkers Christmas list during the holiday season.

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2009 22:52:51 | More by TimPowell

eth916

Ohio

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

Had on draft at local BW-3

A - Nice 1/2" foamy head and nice glass lacing.
Nice medium amber color.

S - Cinnamon and bitter hops.

T - Cinnamon, spice and bitter hops.

M - Smooth beginning with a slightly bitter cinnamon finish.

D - Easy to drink with any meal. Love the beer - would definitely recommend. A winter favorite.

Serving type: on-tap

01-06-2010 15:55:18 | More by eth916

joeblackasnite

Michigan

3.73/5  rDev -6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

clear amber color with only a slight off-white collar of foam. Lots of cinnamon and sweet malt aroma up front, slight earthy note fron hops I suspect. Spicy gingersnap kick with sweet caramel malt right behind pulled together by a nice hop bill. finishes clean with lingering honey tones lingering. nice and fresh, alcohol is not overwhelming. Nice beer. Don't know if i woant more than one or two before I moved on to something else.

Serving type: bottle

12-04-2010 19:19:27 | More by joeblackasnite

jmyers89

Pennsylvania

2.58/5  rDev -35%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

A lot of people find ths beer really good, however I think there was too much clove, some of the spice that they use (nutmeg,ginger, brown sugar, etc..) I thought tasted a little off. Basically I thought this beer tasted just like a ginger bread coockie... not a fan.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2011 03:59:48 | More by jmyers89

lukekruse1

Ohio

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

For those of you outside of Northeast Ohio, Great Lakes Christmas Ale is more than simply another beer. It has a devoted cult following and cases usually sell out within days of hitting the shelves. I had to call 3 groceries stores this year before finding one for myself.

A - Beautiful red ale with slight head retention.

S - Malts, Cinammon & Honey

T - They call this "Christmas Crack" for a reason around here. Honey, Malts and a sweet finish.

M - As with all Great Lakes Brews, this one feels "just right."

D- At 7.5% be careful. The taste hides it well. This one does sit a bit heavy, so more than 3 in a session is probably overdoing it.

Overall this is the best "Winter Warmer" of many I've tried. A true Cleveland classic.

Serving type: bottle

12-15-2010 01:35:24 | More by lukekruse1

KoolWhp

Ohio

3.7/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Living in the Cleveland area, I'm almost duty-bound to absolutely love this beer. Pretty much every person I know here freaks out around late October when the Great Lakes Brewing Company announces the street date for this perennial favorite.

But I'm a different breed of cat -- different, not one of the crowd. Oh, who am I kidding? I'm a follower like the rest. For crying out loud, Budweiser is one of my favorite go-to beers. This Christmas Ale, like most Christmas ales out there, just puts waaay too much shit in there. Honey? OK, I dig honey in my beer. Cinnamon? Uh...OK, sure. Ginger? What the hell is this? A mai tai?

I guess the faults of this beer really do come down to personal preference. I need to be able to drink at least four beers without feeling like I've already eaten an entire meal.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2010 16:27:46 | More by KoolWhp

mwbeerman

Minnesota

2.65/5  rDev -33.2%
look: 5 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours an amber/copper color with a full head that dissipates rather quickly. Crystal clear with very little visual carbonation. Lots of spice in the smell, cinnamon being the most prevelant with a complementary sweet spice (cloves?). Caramel and sweet malt also in the aroma, along with a slight roast. Altogether a very fragrant beer. Cinnamon hits the palate right off the bat, transitioning into a a sweet malt/caramel flavor, creating a very enjoyble contrast. Finishes with an unappealing bitter spice aftertaste (think the bitterness in cinnamon without the sweet). Spices are aggressive in this beer, but not in a bad way. A nice medium body, though I would have preferred a thicker beer (On the other hand, I have had thinner winter warmers...). Very nice balance to this beer, mixing the bitter spice and the sweet malt. The carbonation in the beer brings forward the spice bite, aiding in the contrast through most of the sip. I will be revisiting this beer throughout the winter, although I would like to see a tiny bit more hop presence in the beer. A great beer to keep you warm.

Serving type: on-tap

12-10-2011 01:13:13 | More by mwbeerman

beerfish68

Ohio

4.3/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I have this beer on tap now. I think 12 dogs is a bit better but it ranks pretty high on my Christmas Ale list.

A- Good color and my draft pulls a nice head at 6 psi. It holds fairly will an the lacing is okay. It does not stick to the glass as you might expect

S- I like the smell of this beer althoug I think it tastes better than it smells

T- The taste is great except for the bit of excess alcohol taste that you get. I cannot decide if it is good or bad. I kind of like this taste as it makes if different from other Christmas Ales.

M- Good complex feel in the mouth

O- I really like this beer - better on draft than in the bottle. I know some think it is over rated but it has a unigue sweet taste that I can't deny is great

Serving type: on-tap

01-06-2012 04:32:33 | More by beerfish68

ClevelandKidO

4.55/5  rDev +14.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

As a Jewish young man, Great Lakes Christmas Ale is propapbly the only time I celebrate the holiday.
The smell after popping the cap defiantly unwraps a gift of cinnamon, slight ginger, a touch of honey, but an undertone of warmth sweetness. There is also a Christmas lighting of nutmeg and arguably a little cherry and oak/piney'ness as well as a wheat bread after taste.
The beer used to sell out quite quickly, and for a while it seemed the grinch was snatching up all the cases before a patron could purchase a case. But Great Lakes have definitely increased the production of the of the nice winter select, so not to worry about ruining a wonderful Christmas story..
Clevelanders definelty go crazy for the beer, but its hard to argue that the average score of 88 is not accurate or unfair.
Definitely worth trying as a winter beer, and goes really nice with chicken and turkey.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2012 02:19:21 | More by ClevelandKidO

TravelinJones

Ohio

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

poured from bottle into a clear pint glass around 45 degrees.
should have let it warm a little but couldn't wait.

A: very clear amber/orange/copper with 1/2 inch head, which quickly dissipates. small carbonation bubbles trickle up.

S: Strong bouquet of orange blossom, hints of ginger & honey, backed with some spicy hop aromas.

T: Light ginger, cinnamon, and orange flavors blend with moderate bitterness and sweetness, for a very balanced and intriguing flavor. Light biscuity malt background. Much more subtle and balanced with the spices this year. Slightly sweet, but balanced, and finishes more dry.

M: Moderate body and carbonation. Carbonation and spices help dry out the finish.

D: Very drinkable beer -- well-balanced and quaffable, and not over-spiced compared to other years. Easy to drink a few of these, although not a session beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2010 05:03:27 | More by TravelinJones

HardcoreHopHead

Illinois

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

Drank from small Rocks glass.

Looked light copper in color with very little head(possibly due to the small amount poured).

Nice nose of Ginger and Vanilla.

On tasting it develops the ginger and vanilla notes into an easy graham character.

Mouth feel was a little syrupy with no effervescence.

Overall this was a good Christmas Ale. I liked its light body and that I could probably turn non-crafters onto it.

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2009 18:36:15 | More by HardcoreHopHead

jkwuc89

Ohio

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

I have sampled several Christmas ales and Great Lakes easily bests them all.

The appearance in the glass tempts the drinker with what's to come.

The warm aroma of Christmas spices greets the drinker. This carries over to the wonderful but not overpowering taste of Christmas spices when this ale reaches your palette.

This is definitely a winter warmer not only with the feel in one's mouth but also with it's ABV. This is not a session beer. It is an ale that should be enjoyed slowly.

I have found this on tap at the Winking Lizard near Columbus and Average Joe's in Dublin, OH.

Serving type: on-tap

12-23-2010 02:02:33 | More by jkwuc89

veritas88

Kentucky

3.65/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 5

A: Poured into a stein, probably inappropriate, I know, but it's all I had. Poured a pretty reddish copper color, not much head.

S: Smells great. I get lots of vanilla, honey, and spices, as well as some bread-y malts.

T: Not nearly as good as the smell. Finishes great, with just a touch of bitterness and lots of spice. I don't taste much of the honey, not nearly as much as I smell it.

M: Pretty average mouthfeel. Not creamy, not too thin, not too carbonated, not flat. Just sorta average.

D: I enjoy drinking this, but it could be dangerous. I don't taste much alcohol, but it's pretty high and it's already warming me up. It would be one I could get carried away with if I didn't watch it.

Overall, a good beer. One of the best smelling beers I've tried yet, just too bad the flavor isn't as good.

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2009 21:17:41 | More by veritas88

Wolfee02

5/5  rDev +25.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

In this review I am instructed to be constructive and I am. The appearance is red... I have never seen a beer that literally looks so red. The smell is like Christmas cookies! Perfect for the Holliday season! As far as the taste, it is the best beer I have ever had. It tastes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and Christmas cookies. The mouthfeel is extremely pleasant with the perfect balance of malts and pure utter greatness!!! I recommend this beer to anyone who likes great beer! Great Lakes brewery continues to prove that they are one of the best breweries in the world. I have never had a bad beer from this amazing world class brewery!

Serving type: growler

08-23-2012 00:23:01 | More by Wolfee02

CleJB

5/5  rDev +25.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is my favorite beer. Every late October/early November is like Christmas for me. The minute you crack this beer, it smells like the holiday season. The cinnamon, ginger, and honey blend very well together. This beer goes down extremely smooth for the 7.5% alcohol content, so drink with care. This beer goes well with Turkey, Ham, or pretty much anything you would eat around the holidays. Christmas in a bottle. A little pricey at between $12 and $13 a 6 pack, but worth every penny. Christmas in NE Ohio isn't Christmas without Christmas Ale.

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2012 01:43:52 | More by CleJB

jangotaurus

New York

2.9/5  rDev -27%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Appearance: Slightly darker brown in color, my sample only had the slightest detectable head.

Smell: Slightly spicy aroma of nutmeg and sweetness.

Taste: Light body, smooth mouth feel. Very sweet malty honey flavors. Strong Nutmeg flavor. I found this beer to be too sweet on its own, and combined with the spiciness it was a bit off putting. It would make a decent desert beer and would probably compliment some pumpkin pie quite well.

Serving type: bottle

11-19-2010 14:38:56 | More by jangotaurus

StretchZep

Ohio

5/5  rDev +25.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Awesome winter warmer. Had it yesterday on tap in a 23 oz glass. Lots of cinnamon and clove flavors. Nice malt balance. No hop bitterness at all but anything but sweet. Really nice Holiday beer that you find yourself looking forward to year after year.
Loved this beer to death and will be looking to pick up a case as soon as I can!

Serving type: on-tap

11-11-2012 22:01:01 | More by StretchZep

pauleyh

Ohio

4.68/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A Great All Around Seasonal With All Kinds Of Blends And Spices. The Appearance shows a white head. with beautiful copper colored color. very nice thick foam when poured in a 16 ounce thick beer glass. it aroma amazes me ginger cinnamon it's sweet taste is fulfilling. it goes down smooth very lip smackable. the thing about such a high end beer like this that a casual drinker should be careful of is it's 7.5 alc vol content. this is a beer you wanna take sips of and to enjoy it.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2010 14:52:46 | More by pauleyh

Raymando

Pennsylvania

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

Good appearance. very nice pour with decent head. I am a bit torn between this beer and the Sam Adams winter. Also it's very hard to notice the high ABV in the beer, if you have a few of them it will creep up on you. To sum it up I think this could be the first and only thing I like coming out of Cleveland, OH.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2011 02:28:02 | More by Raymando

malind

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

Poured from bottle into a Stela Artois glass

A - Amber/Caramel in color. Poured transparent. Small head which disappeared fairly quickly.

S - Ginger, spice, hint of spruce

T - Spruce, earthy, hint of alcohol on the finish

M - Light, low carbonation, slight tingle of alcohol

O - A solid winter beer. One of my annual Christmas go-to beers. Not a lot of malt taste - almost a spiced beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-03-2013 03:17:06 | More by malind