Beer Review: New Belgium Holiday Ale 2024

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.