When the holiday season rolls around, New Belgium Holiday Ale is one of those brews that finds its way to the front of the fridge. It’s festive, flavorful, and un-apologetically wintery. Designed to bring a little cheer to your glass, it does its job pretty well…though it’s not without a few quirks. Let’s dive in!
First Impressions
The pour is a deep mahogany with ruby highlights, crowned by a creamy off-white head that hangs around for a while before settling into a nice cap. Right off the bat, the aroma sets the holiday mood: you’re greeted with notes of dark fruit, caramelized sugar, baking spices, and a subtle herbal twist. It’s like walking into a kitchen where someone’s baking gingerbread cookies while mulling cider.
Taste Profile
The flavor hits you with a mix of sweet maltiness and spice-forward warmth. The caramel and toffee notes take center stage, supported by hints of dried cherries, raisins, and a little orange zest. The spice blend of cinnamon, clove, and maybe a touch of nutmeg adds a cozy, holiday feel without overwhelming the palate.
What’s nice is that it balances these rich, sweet flavors with a subtle bitterness and a touch of herbal hoppiness, which keeps the beer from feeling too heavy or cloying. The medium body and moderate carbonation give it a smooth mouthfeel, making it easy to sip while sitting by the fire (or imagining you are).
The Positives
- Holiday Vibes: The flavors and aromas are quintessentially winter, making this an excellent seasonal pick.
- Balanced Sweetness: It’s rich and malty without becoming syrupy, which is a common trap for holiday ales.
- Approachable: While it’s got enough complexity to keep craft beer fans happy, it’s not so intense that it scares off casual drinkers.
The Negatives
- Lack of Wow Factor: While it’s tasty and festive, it doesn’t do much to stand out from other holiday ales. It plays it safe.
- Spices Could Be Bolder: The spice notes are pleasant but could use a little more punch to really drive home the holiday theme.
- Limited Finish: The flavor fades fairly quickly, leaving you wanting just a bit more lingering warmth.
Final Thoughts and Ratings
New Belgium Holiday Ale is like that dependable holiday sweater you pull out every year: it’s warm, familiar, and makes you feel festive, even if it doesn’t blow your mind. It’s a solid seasonal brew that’s easy to enjoy, especially with friends and family during holiday get-togethers. Sure, it might not redefine the category, but it’s a reliable pick when you’re in the mood for something that tastes like the season.
Ratings:
- Appearance: 8.5/10
- Aroma: 8/10
- Taste: 8/10
- Mouthfeel: 7.5/10
- Overall: 8/10
If you’re looking for a beer that delivers festive flavors without going overboard, New Belgium Holiday Ale is worth a try. Pair it with a plate of cookies or some savory holiday snacks, and you’re in for a merry good time.
If you’ve tried the 2024 New Belgium Holiday Ale, please share your thoughts about it below.
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