The time between Thanksgiving and winter break is always one of the gaps I look forward to the least. However, once the stress of finals has passed, my mind slowly turns to all things associated with the holidays—gifts, latkes, gelt and, for the goys (aka non-Jews)—ham, decorating the tree, and whatever else you people do on Christmas.
Anyway, I digress. Every December, a massive influx of beers are introduced that are, not surprisingly, really supposed to capture the true spirit of the holiday season. For years, though, two beers have really cemented themselves as the flagship beers of the holidays—Anchor Steam Christmas (also known as “Our Special Ale”) and Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale. What’s fascinating about the beers is that they couldn’t be more opposite of each other. And now, time for a fun elaboration on both of them!
Only a brewery like Sierra Nevada would have the balls to brew an IPA and call it a “Celebration Ale.” With regard to capturing the spirit of the holidays, maybe the Grossmans (the guys who founded the brewery) were bitter that they didn’t get as many gifts as their non-Jewish friends? Hell, I don’t know. What’s important, though, is that the beer is fantastic. Every year I feel the need to pick up a case of it (yes, a case), because I never have any idea how long it’ll be out.
Celebration Ale pours a gorgeous golden brown with a solid amount of head, very typical of a great IPA. The beer gives off a dank, heavy aroma of fresh hops, with hints of pineapple, grapefruit and orange. Fresh, bitter hops are complemented by a wonderfully sweet citrus flavor. The balance between the hops and malt balance is superb. Honestly, if this is what Sierra Nevada views as the best way to celebrate the holidays, count me in. I could drink this stuff all winter (oh wait, I do).
Anchor’s Christmas Ale is somewhat of a legend. The brewery is probably the first true “microbrewery” in the United States. They began brewing this beer back in 1975 and haven’t missed a year since. Every year, I make sure to pick up a bottle (or a six pack, you can get both) to see if they’ve outdone themselves over the previous years.
As the liquid flows into my glass, it’s a beautiful deep—brown color with a slight hint of red. The color is oddly reminiscent of Coca-Cola, except for the creamy and dark tan head that fills the top of the glass. The aroma is absolutely intoxicating—hints of nutmeg, brown sugar, and an herbal spiciness that’s nearly indescribable. I would purchase this on the smell alone, and that’s without having given it a taste.
The flavor, though? Wow. What a treat! All of the holiday spices are there—nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and orange, it’s incredible. A malty, caramel backbone combines with the spices and a strong hint of pine to round out the beer. Honestly, this tastes like Christmas in a glass. Now, you may be asking yourself how a Jew would know what Christmas tastes like, but the best answer I can give you is this: The beer does not taste like National Jews Go to the Movies Day (which conveniently falls on the same day as Christmas), because I don’t get the hint of Chinese food I would expect. So, I’m able to draw the obvious inference that I’m drinking liquid Christmas. And honestly, gentiles? Color me jealous.
Wanna explain what gentiles do on Christmas to Dylan over tasty brews? Email him at dskatz2@wisc.edu and show him the spirit of Christmas or kindness or whatever.
