So last post I tackled a few holiday favorite ales in American craft brewing from the west coast, all readily available these days in the Albany area (and certainly beyond). This time we will go through a few winter wonders of lesser fanfare as we begin to travel the beerstore aisle of the Northeastern corridor as well as dabs of Belgium and a nod to our fine friends north of the border.
First up from the Southern Tier Brewing Company and their Old Man winter ale. The brewery is located in Lakewood, NY south of Chautauqua Lake. Old Man winter ale is brewed in the “style” of an old ale. I say it that way because the brewers at Southern Tier love the Humulus Lupulus, aka the Hops! Nothing wrong with hops and Southern Tier does a magnificent job making an array of beers and that showcase hops with real brewing genius. So this beer as far as Old Ale goes is on the hoppier side in character, though that character is largely in the aroma and flavor not intense bitterness that can be perceived from IPAs. This is one my favorites from Southern Tier and it arrives each November in what seems like sadly too small quantities. It has rich malt backbone that as it ages will become sweet and show off dark fruit character as well as a subtle woodiness. This beer is an excellent compliment to buttery cheeses such as brie, at just over 7% alcohol by volume it is a pleasant sipper. Right now you can find Old Man winter at Oliver’s beverage on Colvin Avenue in Albany or Westmere Beverage on Western Avenue.
Before we cast off to Belgium (an area once described by Charlie Papazian as the Disneyland of beers) lets head south from Southern Tier into Pennsylvania for a tremendous holiday ale from the Troegs Brewery in Harrisburg. The Mad Elf is a Belgian strong dark ale, coming to your best drinking glassware (get a chalice, goblet or wine glass) at 11% abv. As far Belgian strong dark’s go, this one comes in on the lighter side with a deep reddish orange hue and an incredible peppery spice note in the aroma profile. The addition of honey and cherries to the fermentable mix brings forth floral and fruit character. Often times I have seen this beer best described as an after dinner dessert beer. I won’t argue that but I might sneak a glass with some saltier brined fowl or baked ham, the residual sweetness and the alcohol combine to compliment the flavors of the meat. Troegs arrived in upstate New York in late 2008, you can find 12 ounce bottles right now at Oliver’s, a six pack runs about $16, but you won’t regret it. I was also emailed by Mike from the Lionheart who informed me it is currently on tap at the pub on Madison off of Lark.
From Belgian in Pennsylvania, to Belgians from well Belgium. Corsendonk Christmas Ale is an 8.5% abv ale that straddles the line between a Dubbel and strong dark. This holiday beer comes in 11.2 ounce or 750 ml corked bottles. When young the coriander and spice character is very prominent in the flavor. It would serve as a stronger substitute for the Anchor Christmas Ale mentioned in my first post on holiday beers with baked glazed ham and baked cheddar macaroni & cheese. Many beer fans like to grab a few bottles and stow them away for 6-12 months, I have one from 2008 remaining for just such an occasion. This beer is readily available at Olivers, Westmere, Glenmont Beverage and Savemore Beverage in Clifton Park.
On the 3rd post of Christmas, I will give quick intros to beers from Unibroue/Trader Joes, Scadlis and Brewery Ommegang of Cooperstown.
