Holiday Spice Lager Beer - Lakefront Brewery, Inc.

CFHMagnet

Ohio

4.28/5  rDev +14.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had one of these last night. Gave weaker head than I remember from last year, so tonight I poured it a little more aggressively. I was rewarded with a finger and a half of head the color of banana pudding. Color is a nice rich brown and there is lacing; albeit weak; noted throughout consumption. When held up to the light a stream of bubbles can be seen rising from the bottom center of the glass and disappearing up into the body of the beer.

Banana tannins are strong on this beer. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger are main spices noted, with clove playing second fiddle. A little dark fruit and malt are noticed in the background as well. Very complex as winter warmers go.

Malt, a pervading banana flavor and mixed spices are the main flavors. The taste is good but doesn't seem as complex as the nose. I catch some dark fruit in there as well the more I search.

This is a medium bodied beer that goes down very quick and easy for 11% ABV. It does develop the alcohol burn in the back of the throat, but hey, winter WARMER, right?

This is my favorite winter warmer. I like most of the ones I've tried, but this one I keep on coming back to. I do have to second that note on the side of the page that says it isn't recommended for cellaring. I attempted to cellar a 6 from last years batch, and it just ended up tasting like bad bananas with some spice. So don't ruin the beer, drink it while it's fresh.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2011 04:15:04 | More by CFHMagnet

RunForYourBeer

Indiana

4.2/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

No date, just says 2011.

A: Pours a dark copper with a thin off white head.

S: Lots of nutmeg with hints of ginger and cinnamon.

T: The nutmeg comes out first and is quickly followed by ginger and cinnamon with a bit of orange zest. Finishes with a bit of hops and some dark fruit along with caramel malt. Lots going on.

M: Just heavy enough for a cold winter night with a perfect amount of carbonation. Finishes with a bit of alcohol warming.

O: One of the better winter beers I've had this year.

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2011 00:47:26 | More by RunForYourBeer

znichols

Wisconsin

4.1/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- Dark red, like rudolph's nose. A baby off-white head that quickly dissipates. Not a whole lot of lacing. Regardless of the head/lacing (or lack thereof), this beer still looks like its got some great body and flavor.

S- Complex aromas here. Lots of spice; big orange and clove with a hint of cinnamon. A touch of nutmeg in there too. Some alcohol in there as well. A little bit of sweet chocolate malt subtle hops finish it out. Really, really nice smell to this beer. Slightly reminiscent to the spices used in their Pumpkin lager.

T- The flavor is akin to the aroma, but not as pungent. More mellow and smooth flavor of orange, nutmeg, and a little cocoa. This one could use a year of aging to lighten the alcohol, but its really not that distracting. Little to no bitterness here. This has a nice flavor that screams holidays.

M- Very, very smooth mouthfeel. Sorta boozy and slick, but the moderate carbonation makes it creamy and rich. This is a festive treat.

O- This beer bring much merriment. Probably my favorite holiday beer (which i tend not to like). I would say its a doppelbock lager thats got the perfect amount of spices; not too much but you can notice them. Maybe not the best beer for the new craft drinker due to the heavier body and powerful flavor, but aficionados will appreciate it. Get a six pack for a loved one, or a case for yourself. Either way, this lager is a holiday must.

Serving type: bottle

12-12-2011 00:31:58 | More by znichols

mariposafan

Wisconsin

3.93/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Just a whisp of creamy head over a murky mahogany body and that whisp fades almost immediately.

Interesting aroma. Some alcohol there but also a lot of orange oil and honey. Some spices as well but they're not at the forefront.

The flavor isn't nearly as orangey as I expected after the aroma. It is rich and malty. The orange and honey are still there but they're in balance. I'm not getting any nutmeg but some cinnamon for sure and maybe a hint of ginger. The alcohol is there but it's not hot, just a lingering aftertaste.

The mouthfeel is actually quite pleasant. Thicker than I was expecting but the alcohol and the fine carbonation cut through it just fine.

Overall it's my favorite winter warmer so far. This is closer to what I was expecting from the others. The lager part of it comes through as it's very like a dopplebock that's been dressed up for the holidays. I think I need a 6 pack of this around.

Serving type: bottle

11-16-2011 22:15:08 | More by mariposafan

Beerandraiderfan

Nevada

3.75/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Brown appearance, like a hearty brown ale, almost no head or lace or retention. Smells of holiday spice type stuff, cinnammon, nutmeg, you get what I'm getting at.

Smooth taste, you have got to be shitting me if this is actually 11% alcohol, I thought it was more like 6 or 7. Slightly sweet, lightly warming. Consistency was thinner than most beers of this alleged strength. Maybe some orange peel in it. Cocoa powder? Honey seems to smooth this one out.

Really, one of the more enjoyable winter beers out there that is easy to get a hold of.

Serving type: bottle

09-14-2011 16:40:55 | More by Beerandraiderfan

secondtooth

Indiana

3.93/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a deep red, with rich foaminess. Not any detectable retention, though.

The aroma is definitely spices -- I get coriander, nutmeg, allspice...an appealing mix, and certainly reminiscent of other winter spiced ales (though much stronger at a startling 11% ABV).

The flavor profile is big, with fruits and spices figuring prominently. The finish is dry and boozy. One to sip, but quite enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

09-02-2011 22:23:00 | More by secondtooth

jmbranum

Oklahoma

4.68/5  rDev +25.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Bought in Manhattan, KS but enjoyed at home in OKC.

Pours a dark coffee brown into the glass with a big fluffy tan head. Pleasant spicy aroma, but fairly subtle.

Flavor is rich and deep. Raisins, nutmeg, cloves, and hint of cinamin, lots of maltyness, tiny bit of lingering chocolate, maple syrup, caramel, tiny bit of orange, just a bit of black pepper and ginger. Very complex. Some nice balanced toastyness, but not too much. Very smooth. Maybe even a little bit of cream in the mix.

Mouthfeel is glorious. Perfectly smooth.

Long linger aftertaste. Alcohol is high but you can't taste it. Very well hidden. Dark chocolate and pepper is what lasts.

Overall, a very good beer.

Serving type: bottle

07-26-2011 03:50:14 | More by jmbranum

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

3.33/5  rDev -10.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours as a deep amber color with a nice white head on top that doesn't leave much in way of lacing. The aroma is heavily spiced to the point where it almost doesn't really have aberration aroma. The taste was pretty strong, found that this beer goes well with food because the spices are really powerful in this brew. The mouthfeel was a little thick and very warming. Not a terrible brew, I'd drink it again.

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2011 00:34:07 | More by Knapp85

Samp01

New Jersey

3.53/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a dark cloudy brown, with a minimal tan head. Aroma of orange peel some cinnamon and sweet spices, some fruitiness, caramel malt. Taste is bitter orange peel, some sweet spices, dark toasted malts. Moderate carbonation and full body. Finish is sweet dark malt with bitter orange peel and sweet spices. The alcohol esters really come thru in the end. Overall an interesting and complex brew.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2011 18:50:32 | More by Samp01

output01x

Ohio

4.4/5  rDev +18%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a pint glass.

A strong pour yields a 1-finger tan head that fizzes and crackles away until all that is left is a thin dusting covering a blood clot-red body. Lacing is nearly non-existant.

The first thing noticed is bananas. They are ripe, ready for eating, and beckoning. A sweet maltiness, and some spices (nutmeg and clove, specifically) are also noticed. Which is rather odd as I can normally pick up cinnamon.

Dark and sweet malt flavors hug your taste buds leaving little (but some) room for the spices. Clove and cinnamon are quick to join the party but fall into the shadow of a long-lasting banana note. Odd though it may be in a dark lager, I really enjoy the banana as it plays quite nicely with the spices and sweet malt.

Thick and full bodied, this beer hits your mouth hard. Sticky and somewhat syrupy, it coats your mouth very well, but decent carbonation helps to prevent this brew from being too sticky.

The 11% ABV is completely masked and is nearly undetectable. The thick mouthfeel makes this a definite sipper but the excellent flavors and smells keep me wanting more. This will definitely be in my glass next Christmas morning.

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2011 06:57:05 | More by output01x

woodychandler

Pennsylvania

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

Work has been anything but a holiday these last few weeks and I feel like I could use some spice in my life. My local trader, tone77, dropped this off for me recently and as I trudged home from another day of drudge, the thought of a big, spiced beer held a good bit of appeal for me.

From the bottle: "We at Lakefront wish you and yours a truly joyous and prosperous new year."; "Brewed with honey, oranges & spices".

My aggro pour revealed a VERY active beer that was capable of creating an abundance of deep-tan head with great retention. In fact, there was initially so much head that the beer seemed to be cascading as it settled. A good whiff of the nose led me to believe that (at least) clove, cinnamon and allspice went into its production. There was an orange-citrus scent also, but the honey was lost in the mix. Color was a deep dark-brown with cola highlights. Mouthfeel was medium-to-full with a lot of spice evident in the mouth. I stand by my claim of cinnamon and clove, since they were the most powerful flavors on the tongue. Finish was dry, spicy and pleasant. My headache began to subside and I was ready for another beer, not necessarily another of this one, but another beer all the same.

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2011 00:45:14 | More by woodychandler

tone77

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a brown 12 oz. bottle. Has a very dark brown color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is very spicy, nutmeg and ginger standing out. Taste is also full of spice, some oranges, lots of flavors blending well together here. Feels full bodied in the mouth and has good drinkability. Overall this is a very good beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-20-2011 14:58:31 | More by tone77

devinoconnor

New Jersey

4.1/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

If you want a very delightful winter/holiday beer this is certainly one to try.

It pours a dark brown. Much darker than what you'd expect from a typical lager.

Smell is intense ginger, cinnamon, and spices.

Taste is just like it smells. Lots of distinct flavors colliding.

Great beer for the holidays.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2011 22:01:20 | More by devinoconnor

mountdew1

New Hampshire

4.18/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into imperial pint glass. Color was a dark caramel brown that was very slightly opaque. Thin caramel white head that clung nicely. Aroma was banana bread with some cloves with some nice spiciness. Taste was very nuanced. Tastes started as a milky lactose, then shifted to a banana bread, and then finished up with a peppery spice. Outstanding mouth feel. Coated very well, but wasn't too thick. Slightly bubbly in the mouth. Great for a winter warmer. Very drinkable. A solid sipper that kept me wanting more.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2011 23:23:11 | More by mountdew1

cbutova

Massachusetts

3.48/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

A- Hazy dark red-brown with a two-finger light tan, creamy head. Retention is good. Lace coat towards the top but nothing down the glass.

S- Banana is coming off this thing in waves. Raisin and spice as well, making it remind of me banana bread or pumpkin pie pretty much. Cinnamon, slight roast. Alcohol as it warms

T- Well, the 11% now makes sense, very strong flavor to it. Kind of feels like a really strong pumpkin ale. Lots of spice, cinnamon, nutmeg. Raisin and banana notes as well. The alcohol can be tasted but for 11% it's not too bad. Dark, slightly medicinal fruit dominates as well. Slight roast cocoa.

MF- Creamy body with high-end carbonation, silky feel to it. Warm from the alcohol and slightly bitter.

DB- One of the better Winter beers I have come across. The alcohol builds with warmth and makes this a one bottle experience.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2011 03:58:36 | More by cbutova

mooseisloose

Florida

4.75/5  rDev +27.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This was a gift form upper Midwest relatives, when here at Christmastime, oh my Gawd, didn't know this was 11% until I opened this review page, might be a record for me (on second check it's #2 on my personal ABV). Well then, let's give it a whirl! Serving slightly chilled, not cold as this should bring out what this selection has to offer. Popping the top I get a big waft of cloves, allspice and cinnamon, not unlike a pumpkin pie. Pours into a tulip glass a deep root beer color with a medium bubble head that wisps away. On the taste, this brew start with a big syrup-thick mouthfeel, very high viscosity. The taste has an upfront spicyness just like the smell. The middle taste has some roasted malts, then the finish has a dry chocolate slight bitterness. All this while maintaining spice flavors through the whole taste. This is one holiday brew.To sit next to the fireplace or as a desert beer, I don't know how this brew could be beat. Outstanding.

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2011 19:07:06 | More by mooseisloose

tapman

Illinois

4.4/5  rDev +18%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Dark brown with plum colored highlights, got 1 finger head out of an aggressive pour and thick, creamy lacing afterwards. Carbonation appears moderate.

In the nose I get pumpkin pie spice, or the collection of spices in pumpkin pie spice rather, a little warm alcohol, vanilla, banana, clove and a slight roast aroma.

This tastes like a mix between bananas foster and creme brulee to me. I barely taste the alcohol at all and I am hard pressed to believe this is 11%. Spices are blended well with the big malt profile, which I would assume left plenty of extra maltose in this brew, and some Noble hops. Almost belgiany in character and my theory is that the spices imitate the by products of belgian yeast pretty well.

Perfectly chewy for this type of beer with enough carbonation to keep it from getting syrupy.

This beer is pretty good. I couldn't drink too many as the high alcohol is getting to me already. I compare this to Anchor's Christmas ale which in my opinion has a better appearance, a richer, more unique aroma and taste as well as a silkier mouthfeel, but that's it. I like this one better than all the rest of the winter warmers I have had this year next to Anchor's.

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2011 04:16:57 | More by tapman

GDBEERMAN

Colorado

3.28/5  rDev -12.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12oz bottle slowly into 8oz tasting chalice.
A: A dark and hazy body of deep amber. The head sinks quick, but holds a bit around the edges. Lacing is very little at that.
S: The aroma shows a very strong use of spice in this brew. A roasted malt character, but the presence.
T/M: The front is a big blast of spice with a full warming mouthfeel. The caramel presence is nice and creamy, while the use of the nutmeg was a bit harsh and over used. Nice balance of roasted malt and barley, on the overall taste. This brew is a bit over spiced and there is a reason, seeing that the 11% abv is very well hidden.
D: This is a nice brew to try in the winter months, one that I would get a six pack of and save some for years to come. A nice warmer for sure.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2010 00:42:23 | More by GDBEERMAN

BB1313

Ohio

4.08/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz bottle poured into a standard pint glass. Pours a dark brown w/ ruby red hues. Nice fluffy head w/ sticky lacing. Smells like a pumpkin ale to me. Subtle notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices. Tastes pretty interesting. The flavors are hardcore and all over the place due to the oak.. but still very tasty; not too sweet. Mouthfeel is thick and chewy. Drinkabilty isn't the best due to high abv and the chewiness.. makes a good sipper. One's good!

This is definitely a unique one. A nice beer to look forward to come winter. If you're into holiday beers w/ cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, honey, etc.. definitely check this one out. You can definitely age this one.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2010 21:33:18 | More by BB1313

BeardedBoffin

Minnesota

3.18/5  rDev -14.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

The beer pours a caramel brown color with a cap of foam that dwindles to a wisp. The aroma is bursting with nutmeg and clove and orange. This a very flavorful brew. Malty, but mostly fruity and sweet, perhaps a bit too much. The fruity sweetness plows through the center and finishes with sweetness and a dash of spice. The chest fills with warmness after a few sips. A big beer for the holiday season. The large ABV makes me wish I would have saved it for when the in-laws come over.

Serving type: bottle

12-15-2010 02:23:03 | More by BeardedBoffin

coalcracker

Pennsylvania

3.48/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Pours a dark ruby red with only a smidge of head. Active carbonation throughout the tasting.
Smell: Spices are quite apparent upon opening of the bottle, infinitely more so upon the pour. Nutmeg, cinnamon, cherry licorice aroma most apparent.
Taste: Upon tasting, the spices and dark malts quickly march in on top of a wave of sweetness. The spices peak at the middle of the taste and continue to act through the end. Malts are a bit bready in nature. An alcohol warmth also arises towards the end of the tasting. Beyond the aforementioned spices, a little citrus is also noted. On the down-side, it is a bit more difficult to discern the honey (as advertised on the bottle). I also felt as if the flavors began to mesh together into a relatively unrecognizable mass towards the end.
Mouthfeel: Medium to above average feel
Drinkability: Limited to sipping as per the ABV. The sweetness and spice may be a bit much for the casual beer drinker.

Overall- a lot going on here! Big and bold and a pleasant experience, though probably not in my top 3 holiday brews.

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2010 02:20:53 | More by coalcracker

claspada

New Jersey

4/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Aromas of a boat load of molasses, caramels, brown sugar. A boat load of spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice with some mild citrus.

The taste reminds me of an extra spiced thick moist loaf of gingerbread. This is not traditional beer by any means but I find it extremely tasty as an after dinner offering. I never eat dessert so this served as my dessert tonight. The mouthfeel is slightly slick and sticky; with well above average sweetness.

Mouthfeel is medium, with a light moderate carbonation. Slightly above in all aspects but should be expected because of the ABV. Regardless there is a lot of spicing, but as a fan of a well done holiday ale I enjoy adequate spicing and flavor so I still enjoyed this. No way you can tell it is 11% ABV. I sure didn't, time to go to bed.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2010 03:10:22 | More by claspada

crossovert

Wisconsin

3.93/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz bottle.

It pours a deep cola color with a big, fluffy off-white head. The head just sticks and sticks, it lasts for ever. The lacing is pretty good too.

This one smells amazing. I smelt something similar with Sam Adams Winter Lager but this one just blows that one out of the water. All of the spices are easily detected: orange peel, nutmeg, ginger, and clove.

The flavor is big and bold. It tastes like Christmas. Lots of caramel, the aforementioned spices, and a lot of citrus lead the flavor charge. There is a bit of gingerbread character as well. As you go the oak appears and adds an extra layer of depth.

The mouthfeel is nicely carbonated, it is very smooth. It is a bit cloying but that is expected at this abv, and the alcohol presence is pretty low considering the abv.

This is the quintessential holiday lager, no doubt about it, I thought it would be overpowering but it was smooth and delightful

Serving type: bottle

12-01-2010 04:12:10 | More by crossovert

TheDTrain

Wisconsin

4/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz bottle from Nov. 2009 poured into a globe glass

Lakefront Brewery makes consistently good seasonal brews. The holiday spice lager is no exception. Pours a hazy amber color. Nice aroma and taste of oranges, honey, vanilla, nutmeg, spices, and yeast. This beer taste like Christmas and will certainly get better with age.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2010 20:26:07 | More by TheDTrain

ch473

Missouri

1.58/5  rDev -57.6%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 1

This beer pours a cloudy burnt sienna with cream colored foam. An unusual looking beer, but inviting.

Smell consists of banana, clove and brown sugar. The scent does make me want to drink it. Smells very sweet, but I don't pick up much of the added flavors like clove and cinnamon. Maybe a bit of nutmeg.

The taste is terrible; I taste metal (like a penny) and cherry cough syrup. I can barely finish this one. The lackluster aroma was much better than the flavor. I don't even get a hint of the 11% alcohol content because it's completely covered by the cloying sweetness.

No way I would drink another one of these, I can barely finish one. The sweetness is overwhelming. I could never drink this to complement any food. It reminds me of overly sweet, cheap whiskey. It's not enjoyable to drink; I found it hard to get down. I don't often give bad reviews but this beer is nearly undrinkable.

Serving type: bottle

11-21-2010 03:12:06 | More by ch473