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Last night I took my Christmas Ale out for a test run.  It was a trip, this brew might need some aging in order for the flavors to blend a little better.

First off though, I created labels and used them on the bottles.  I am going to be giving these out as Christmas holiday gifts for friends and family.  I have been trying to narrow down the list a little so that I can ensure that everyone that gets one will appreciate it. 

As for the beer itself, it poured dark brown, nearly black with a thin caramel colored head.  It did not produce much of a head (likely because of the high alcohol content) but was fully carbonated.  The aroma was sweet with caramel, cinnamon and a deep lickerish backbone.  It’s a pleasant smell, but more of a rich candy than the gingerbread/home made pie aroma I was looking for.

The mouth feel is a bit heavy, almost thick.  It coats the tongue and sticks with you.  Surprisingly there is almost no alcohol burn on the front end and a pleasant warming going down, this was exactally what I was going for.  The flavor is overwhelmed with the black lickerish and a strong cinnamon flavors.  It really overwhelms the front side of the malt profile.

Overall I am pleased with the brew as a winter warmer.  It needs to mellow out so I think that time will be kind to this brew.  I am a little concerned about the light carbonation, but I think that it will be good.  I am curerious what other people are going to think about this brew.

Cheers.