Winter blew in last night. Or at least what passes for winter in Texas. Temps almost at freezing, a light dusting of snow and ice. It'll get up to about 50. So later today, I'm heading over to Grape Vine Market or Spec's and looking for something to warm my soul.Help me decide: What should I get? I've had lots of Shiner Holiday Cheer, and still have a few left in my fridge, so let's leave that out.
Leave your votes in the comments section.
(EDIT: Oops, it occurs to me that I still have plenty of Boulevard Nutcracker out in my fridge also, so suppose I don't really need to go beer-shopping. But on the other hand, I need to deposit a check and my bank is only a few doors down from Grape Vine …)
27 comments:
Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A from HE'BREW
Jubelale from Deschutes. Heavenly and its available at Grapevine--haven't seen it at Specs.
A case of Celebration and a bottle of Scaldis Noël.
Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale
http://www.merchantduvin.com/pages/5_breweries/samsmith_winter_welcome.html
I know there are a ton of great Winter import beers, but perhaps you should give a Texas brewer a shot, perhaps Real Ale or St. Arnold.
I second the motions for Deschutes Jubel and Scaldis Noel. I'm glad to hear you can now get Jubel in Austin; it's been our Christmas tradition since moving out here.
You get a lot of Widmer out there, did "Brrr" (silly name) make it out there? I've been enjoying that, it's a hoppy red along the lines of Celebration.
War Horse: To my knowledge, Real Ale doesn't have a holiday brew, unless you count Sisyphus, which is a bit more expensive than I was thinking. But yes, St. Arnold Christmas is always high on my list.
Bill: Yes, I've had some Brr over at Bobnoxious' house, and it was great.
Muddy: Good thing I said "winter" beer and not "Christmas" beer. :-)
I second the celebration ale but consider Delirium Tremens Noel ale.
UPDATE: Since the Jubelale and Scaldis were the first to receive seconds, I went for the Jubelale (couldn't find the Scaldis at Grape Vine). It was terrific! Just finished my second one.
Hooray! I meant to break out a 2003 Jubel for you to try last summer, but I forgot. Remind me next time you're here.
Speaking of Deschutes, did you guys get Abyss in Austin?
Abyss? Not sure.
Damn, this Jubelale is fine. I'm on my third. *hic*
I haven't been able to keep a 6-pack of the Jubelale in my fridge for longer than two days! You can also snag it at CM Central and at Junior's.
I've been searching half-heartedly--since I found Jubelale--for the Samuel Smith Winter Welcome, but haven't seen it in Austin. Anyone find it here?
Marshall, I've never had any trouble finding it here, although I haven't looked this year. Previous winters I have bought it at Grape Vine and the Fresh Plus at 43rd and Duval.
I'm a big fan of New Belgium's 2 Below.. I'd drink it year-round!
Full Sail Wassail!
Malty, dark and roasted, and nicely hopped. It's my favorite seasonal beer.
I'm still waiting for it to show up here in S. Texas though...
Yeah, Full Sail Wassail is awesome. I had a bunch last year. Walking into Grape Vine or Spec's these days just paralyzes me with indecision. Maybe I should just grab the first beer I see and immediately walk out.
Well, not immediately — I guess I'd have to pay for it first.
I second Machuca's Sam Smith's Winter Welcome recommendation. Also, Anchor Steam's Christmas ale is great this year.
Yeah, I've had tons of Winter Welcome, but y'all are right, it's great. As for the Anchor Steam, I'm unlikely to try it except for a sip at Bobnoxious' xmas beer tasting just to confirm that, yet again, I do not like it. I know I'm out of step with pretty much the entire world on this, but I have never liked the Anchor Christmas offering.
All of the above have been procured for the Bobnoxious Christmas Beer tasting! Except I haven't found a Scaldis Noel (or a Lenny's R.I.P.A I don't think they distribute to Austin). Anyone know where to find one in Austin?
Plus my favorites: Santa's Butt, Bad Elf, and Criminally Bad Elf.
I'll second Steve on New Belgium's 2 Below -- good stuff.
My company's holiday party tonight featured a keg of Two Below. That was a nice, unexpected surprise. And now I'm kicking back with a mug of the Samuel Smith's.
I would say run and get the Santa Private Reserve by Rogue if you like the IPA style. For stuff that's found in Texas, I would say St. Arnolds Christmas or better yet, pick up the Sam Adams Winter Beer variety pack. That Cranberry Lambic is not to be f8cked with.
I know I'm late to the party on this, but Avery (Boulder, CO) does an Old Jubilation Ale that is wonderful. Not sure if it's available in Austin. Pyramid's Snow Cap is very nice too.
Looks like you've got some drinking to do...
Yeah, Old Jubilation and Snowcap are both high on my list of cold-weather favorites.
I brew my our Christmas Ale at a local do-it-yourself microbrewery and love your Santa picture. Where can I get a higher resolution one for my label?
Anon: sorry, I made this post so long ago that I can't remember where I got that image.
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