Delayed Holiday Beer Gratification

Saranac Big Moose Ale

Sampled: December 2012-January 2013

Dry-hopped with Centennial, Cascade and Amarillo, this holiday ale has a beautiful hops presence above a foundation of malts emanating red fruits. That imparts a few rows of leafy textures most holiday and winter ales skip past. The ruby-orange body seems out of place at this time of year, even if the malty notes fit snugly. Big Moose bucks with a bit of grapefruit on the front end that trades dominance with the English pale and caramel malts. As it closes, a vein of orange blots out the malt sweetness. Most holiday ales lack any grasp of balance but Saranac continues a long streak of approachable brews. Significantly lighter than most winter and holiday beers, Big Moose should cross your path on a snowy winter’s eve.

Southern Tier 2Xmas

Sampled: January 7, 2013

You could fill a cooler with all the Christmas ales that promise orange peel. Southern Tier does not hold back. Not hoppy at all, 2Xmas does not need it with the amazing orange peel presence throughout the dark body. I would be amiss if I ignored the dates; they augment the orange peel, working in contrast to better highlight both flavors. Based on Swedish glugg, 2Xmas blends Christmas ale tradition while spinning off in new directions.