If ever there was a year to drink Twelve Beers of Christmas it would be 2020. With everything going on in our world it would be easy to drown sorrows instead of celebrating all that is the holiday season. Being the eternal optimist I choose celebration rather than damnation. Family, friends, faith, and relationships have all been strengthened rather than diminished during this COVID-19 pandemic. I am grateful for good health, a supportive family, stronger faith, new friends and acquaintances, a somewhat steady income, renewed vigor, and I am especially thankful for these Twelve Beers of Christmas 2020 edition. So starting on Christmas Day, with one new beer every day for twelve days, being a beer I have not drank before mind you, I give to you my Twelve Beers of Christmas 2020.
Follow ole @bluesandbarbq through Instagram, Untappd, Twitter, and Facebook for each daily installment and drink along with me, celebrating your own Twelve Beers of Christmas. Start a new tradition! Cheers y'all, enjoy!
1. Russian River Sanctification
sanc·ti·fi·ca·tion
noun
- the action of making or declaring something holy.
- the action or process of being freed from sin or purified.
- the action of causing something to be or seem morally right or acceptable.
This one has eluded me for several years. It has been on my wish list for a long time. Finally picked a bottle up in early March at Freedom Liquor in Colorado Springs, CO just as Corona was unleashed upon us. Brett ales are among my favorite styles due to their complexity and chameleon tendencies. This will be a great selection to kick off this year's selections and to celebrate Christmas Day.
Russian River brewers' notes:
Technically, this is neither an ale nor a lager. The base recipe is for a Golden Ale, but we do the primary fermentation with 100% brettanomyces. The brett gives it some sour notes but not as much as if it had been aged with lacto and pedio.
Is there a south of the border cousin to our North American Sasquatch?
These Great Divide Yeti variants are all delicious. A spicy chocolate coffee Imperial Stout? Yes, please. This one is a big boy that will be shared. Dessert beer.
Great Divide brewer's notes:
A very special, and very limited, entry in our venerable Yeti Series, Mexican Chocolate Yeti is a sensory delight. We’ve added a variety of spices, vanilla and coffee to Yeti Imperial Stout to create our version of a traditional champurrado drink. Spiced chocolate drinks have been part of Aztec and Mayan cuisine and culture for centuries, but they have yet to be paired with a Yeti!
3. Central Waters Brewer's Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Belgian Style Quad
The name of this beer is longer than a Welsh town name; a lot of descriptors. This 2016 vintage offering is by way of Beer Santa, my good friend PfoxyJohn, President Emeritus of The Wisconsin Beer Mafia. The man has impeccable taste in beer, and friends. Cheers Mister Pfister. Mmm, Bourbon barreled beer...
Central Waters brewer's notes:
Barrel aged Quad is brewed in the spirit of collaboration. We combine traditional techniques and ingredients like Belgian candi sugar with American innovation and experimentation by the use of bourbon barrels. Our Quad is amazingly balanced and smooth while maintaining the dark fruit notes that are the trademark of the style.
4. Une Annee Peche
Anyone who's bitten into a fully ripe, just-picked peach--hot from the summer's sun and ripe enough to be what the Masumotos call a 'gusher'--knows that the feeling is completely, thoroughly arresting. - David Mas Masumoto
Anyone who knows me well also acknowledges my extreme love and obsession for all things peach. It is a passion, a weakness, some would say a fetish.
I also have a fondness for sour beers. This beer combines two of my great loves.
After visiting Une Annee Brewery near Chicago in December 2019, with the previously mentioned PfoxyJohn, Mister Pfister obtained this much sought after peach delicacy and sent one to me, knowing how I covet thy magical juicy pitted fruit.
I will not share this one, it is my precious.
Une Annee brewer's notes:
American Wild Ale - 6.5% ABV. American Wild Ale brewed with fresh peaches for a tart effervescent sour ale that's packed with fruity goodness.
5. Blackberry Farm / Trillium Farm & Fury
Another peach ale?
You're damn skippy.
Lou, why do you love peaches so much?
Because, peaches. What's not to love?
Thank you Jason, my young Tennessee beer brother, for gifting me this knowing we share a love for all things peach.
Blackberry Farm brewer's notes:
Brewed with Boston’s Trillium Brewing Co. This wild ale utilizes locally malted grains, as well as Massachusetts raw wheat, aged hops, and Trillium’s wild yeast culture co-fermented with our house yeast. The beer was then aged on locally harvested whole Flaming Fury peaches from Mountain Meadows Farm.
6. AleSmith Port Barrel Aged Wee Heavy (2016)
Thank you to local beer friend Todd for this ale which has been cellared for some years now, waiting for it's place on the Twelve Beers of Christmas list.
AleSmith brewer's notes:
This aged version of our traditional Scotch-style ale is matured in Port wine barrels to impart added layers of complexity to its already rich, malty flavor profile. Notes of sherry, dried fruit, vanilla and red wine tannins from the wine-soaked oak combine with the beer’s caramel and toffee character to create a truly unique and splendorous offering. Savor it now or age for years to come.
7. Yazoo Funk Fest 2020
Sadly there was no Funk Fest in 2020 in Nashville. COVID saw to that. Still able to get my hands on few bottles of the beer that was brewed specifically for that event. Yazoo Brewing's Embrace the Funk Brewmaster, Brandon Jones, is a wild ale funkmaster genius. His elixirs and concoctions are widely sought-after and highly regarded. Brandon is also a pizza enthusiast and barbeque connoisseur, which extends his genius to Jedi levels.
This one will be my New Year's Eve celebration choice.
This is the way.
Yazoo Brewing brewer Brandon Jones' brewing notes:
Our yearly creation to celebrate Funk Fest! Imperial Saison that underwent maturation for 18 months in red wine puncheon style oak casks with our house mixed culture. Re-fermented on Passion Fruit and dry hopped with Galaxy and Nelson Sauvin.
8. Yazoo Never Say Never Again
Since 2020 was such a stinker, this aptly named brew will grace my New Year's Day festivities. Another gem from Brandon Jones and Yazoo, this barrel-aged selection comes from Nashville Food Blogger/ Beer pairing guru @bakerandthebeerd (Joe), who is a must-follow on Instagram.
Yeah, I love Yazoo Embrace the Funks brews, that is why they have been included on so many of my Twelve Beers of Christmas lists. Check out the past year's posts at the bottom of this page to see just how many.
Yazoo Embrace the Funk brewer's notes:
A sour Belgian Dark Strong ale aged in Sherry casks before a double barrel extended rest in Port, Bourbon, Merlot and TN Whiskey barrels.
9. Westbrook Fruit/Wood/Time Raspberry
Raspberry, bramble fruit of the genus Rubus (family Rosaceae). Raspberries are an economically significant crop throughout much of northern Europe, as well as in the United States and Canada, and are thought to have evolved in eastern Asia. Raspberry fruits contain iron, vitamin C, and antioxidants and are usually eaten fresh, often with cream or ice cream, as a dessert fruit. Jams and jellies are also popular, and the fruit is commonly used as a pastry filling and as a flavoring for certain liqueurs.
And beers.
Yes indeed, another sour fruited ale, from another stellar brewery.
Picked up this jewel while working in Spartanburg, SC. Should be fantastic.
Westbrook brewer's notes:
A blend of 33% dry sherry cask matured mixed fermentation saison and 67% oak foudre aged sour beer. It was blended and refermented with black raspberries for three months in second use 500 liter marsala puncheons.
10. Calfkiller Tree City Whiskey Barrel Brown
Calfkiller Brewing is located near Sparta, TN on the Calfkiller River, thus the unusual name. Owned and operated by the very cool and friendly Sergio brothers, this small brewery produces some fantastic brews. It is a great day trip and a scenic drive along the Cumberland Plateau in Middle Tennessee. This barrel aged brown ale came to me by way of young Jason, again. That guy. He's always got the good beers. And he's to big too argue with so I let him give me this beer. True story.
Calfkiller brewer's notes:
Our new barrel aged beer “Tree City Whiskey Barrel Brown” is finally out! It is a fantastic brown ale aged in a George Dickel whiskey barrel for 6 months before it was bottled. YUM!!!!
11. New Glarus R&D Vintage 2017
Thanks to PfoxyJohn I have tried most of New Glarus' beers. They are considered one of the top breweries in the United States. Quality unsurpassed, every New Glarus offering I have tried has been delicious. I consider them one of my top five favorite breweries. I am already looking forward to this. Thank you very much John.
If you know you know.
New Glarus brewer's notes:
Naturally occurring spontaneous fermentation creates this American Gueuze. Coolship brewed and Wild cave aged. Dan's masterwork blend of three years brewing is sour, citrusy, horsey and vintage worthy.
12. Epic Big Bad Baptista
This Utah brew is the second Mexican themed beer in this year's Twelve Beers of Christmas. Another haul from Freedom Liquor in Colorado Springs. Coffee and cinnamon additions to this ale are most intriguing. This brute will finish my dozen for 2020 and may just finish me if not shared.
Epic brewer's notes:
Big Bad Baptista is inspired by traditional Mexican coffee, Café de Olla, which is served with cinnamon and piloncillo, an unrefined sugar. The Cinnamon adds another layer of complexity and accentuates the earthy character of Mexican Coffee, but more importantly, it captures the essence of a place and its culture.
I present the Twelve Beers of Christmas 2020. Sour and fruited ales, barrel aged brews, big bold beers, offerings from friends, my work travels and my favorite breweries. Hope you enjoy these as much as I will. Try your own Twelve Beers of Christmas. It is a fun way to celebrate the holidays, try new beers, and maybe you will find a new love.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays to all y'all. Cheers!
The Ghosts of Christmas Beers Past...
Twelve Beers of Christmas 2008
1. Anchor Our Special Ale (2008)
2. Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
3. Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel
4. Great Lakes Christmas Ale
5. Bison Winter Warmer
6. Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock
7. Delirium Tremens
8. New Glarus Apple Ale
9. Corsendonk Pater (Abbey Brown Ale)
10. Corsendonk Agnus (Abbey Pale Ale)
11. Thirsty Dog Siberian Night Imperial Stout
12. Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Ale (2008)
Twelve Beers of Christmas 2009
1. Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs Christmas Ale
2. Goose Island Christmas Ale
3. Tommyknocker St. Nicks Cocoa Porter
4. Avery Old Jubilation Ale
5. Rinkuškiai Missing Elf
6. Fort Collins Double Chocolate Stout
7. Ken Schmidt / Maui / Stone Kona Coffee Macadamia Coconut Porter
8. Rochefort Trappistes 6
9. Rogue Santas Private Reserve Ale
10. Jolly Pumpkin Noel de Calabaza
11. Cantillon Iris
12. Lurgashall Christmas Mead
Twelve Beers of Christmas 2010
1. Spaten Optimator
2. Dogfish Head Olde School Barleywine
3. Ass Kisser Double IPA
4. Stone 14th Anniversary Emperial IPA
5. Terrapin Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout
6. Depot Street The Limited Maple Pecan Porter
7. AleSmith YuleSmith – Summer
8. a. Oskar Blues Gordon / b. Oskar Blues Gubna
9. Maredsous 10
10. Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Urbock
11. Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Fritz & Ken Ale
12. Victory Old Horizontal
Twelve Beers of Christmas 2011
1. AleSmith Yulesmith – Winter
2. Brew Kettle White Rajah
3. Brooklyn Black Ops
4. Capital Eternal Flame
5. Dogfish Head Miles Davis' Bitches Brew
6. Founders Backwoods Bastard
7. Hoppin' Frog DORIS The Destroyer Double Imperial Stout
8. Lagunitas Hairy Eyeball Ale
9. Odell Mountain Standard '09
10. Olde Hickory Bourbon Barrel Aged Bardstown Ale
11. Ommegang Brasserie D'Achouffe Gnomegang
12. Three Floyds Dark Lord Imperial Stout
Twelve Beers of Christmas 2012
1. De Ranke Pere Noel
2. St. Bernardus Christmas Ale
3. Hopworks Organic Abominable Winter Ale
4. Lompoc C-Son's Greetings
5. Midnight Sun CoHoHo Imperial IPA
6. N'Ice Chouffe
7. Ninkasi Sleigh'r Dark Double Alt
8. Oakshire Ill-Tempered Gnome
9. Pelican Bad Santa
10. Port Brewing Santa's Little Helper
11. Samuel Adams Merry Mischief Gingerbread Stout
12. The Bruery 5 Golden Rings
1. Anchor Our Special Ale (2008)
2. Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
3. Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel
4. Great Lakes Christmas Ale
5. Bison Winter Warmer
6. Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock
7. Delirium Tremens
8. New Glarus Apple Ale
9. Corsendonk Pater (Abbey Brown Ale)
10. Corsendonk Agnus (Abbey Pale Ale)
11. Thirsty Dog Siberian Night Imperial Stout
12. Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Ale (2008)
Twelve Beers of Christmas 2009
1. Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs Christmas Ale
2. Goose Island Christmas Ale
3. Tommyknocker St. Nicks Cocoa Porter
4. Avery Old Jubilation Ale
5. Rinkuškiai Missing Elf
6. Fort Collins Double Chocolate Stout
7. Ken Schmidt / Maui / Stone Kona Coffee Macadamia Coconut Porter
8. Rochefort Trappistes 6
9. Rogue Santas Private Reserve Ale
10. Jolly Pumpkin Noel de Calabaza
11. Cantillon Iris
12. Lurgashall Christmas Mead
Twelve Beers of Christmas 2010
1. Spaten Optimator
2. Dogfish Head Olde School Barleywine
3. Ass Kisser Double IPA
4. Stone 14th Anniversary Emperial IPA
5. Terrapin Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout
6. Depot Street The Limited Maple Pecan Porter
7. AleSmith YuleSmith – Summer
8. a. Oskar Blues Gordon / b. Oskar Blues Gubna
9. Maredsous 10
10. Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Urbock
11. Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Fritz & Ken Ale
12. Victory Old Horizontal
Twelve Beers of Christmas 2011
1. AleSmith Yulesmith – Winter
2. Brew Kettle White Rajah
3. Brooklyn Black Ops
4. Capital Eternal Flame
5. Dogfish Head Miles Davis' Bitches Brew
6. Founders Backwoods Bastard
7. Hoppin' Frog DORIS The Destroyer Double Imperial Stout
8. Lagunitas Hairy Eyeball Ale
9. Odell Mountain Standard '09
10. Olde Hickory Bourbon Barrel Aged Bardstown Ale
11. Ommegang Brasserie D'Achouffe Gnomegang
12. Three Floyds Dark Lord Imperial Stout
Twelve Beers of Christmas 2012
1. De Ranke Pere Noel
2. St. Bernardus Christmas Ale
3. Hopworks Organic Abominable Winter Ale
4. Lompoc C-Son's Greetings
5. Midnight Sun CoHoHo Imperial IPA
6. N'Ice Chouffe
7. Ninkasi Sleigh'r Dark Double Alt
8. Oakshire Ill-Tempered Gnome
9. Pelican Bad Santa
10. Port Brewing Santa's Little Helper
11. Samuel Adams Merry Mischief Gingerbread Stout
12. The Bruery 5 Golden Rings
Twelve Beers of Christmas 2014
Twelve Beers of Christmas 2015
