Bells Christmas Ale

Brewed by Bells Brewery
Style: Scotch Ale
Kalamazoo, Michigan USA

Had no understanding of product position, simply saw and bought as a seasonal ale. Found myself wanting more and will probably buy more. Enjoyed the citrus / pine hints... very well balanced. If I was looking for a heavier scottish ale, this would not have fit the bill, but very pleasant surprise to the strong brand that is Bell’s.

I loved this beer and I can’t give you tasting notes because i didn’t take notes and around the time i had it, this website was under construction. Anyway, Fantastic retraint and very true. This is real beeer and one for those who love those balanced beers from the British iles. Nice light sipper with nice grain complexity and pure flavors. This is not fruity tuity and over the top like all the west cost stuff. This is a great session ale. At first it seems to light, but be patient because theres alot of intrigue here fot patient people.

Found this one bottled at Lundeen’s in Sycamore, Illinois. Nice, clear, copper-red pour with a thick, eggshell head. Very nice complex maltiness and spiciness in the nose. Spice continues in the flavor, strong maltiness with nutmeg and clove strong. Very nice, strong finish. An excellent seasonal from an excellent brewery.

Wow am I going against the grain on this one. I had this on cask at Romans Pub. Ridiculously smooth body with an extremely balanced spiciness from the hops. Nice copper body with a velvet texture. This was really good. Very nice malt.

From a 12oz Bottle. Courtesy of CharlesDarwin. Thanks, Tom! Somewhat hazy, golden caramel colored pour with a thick finger of fine bubbled ivory foam. Aromas of kettle caramelization and some grapey melanoidins. Notes of vanilla. Yeast characters are very restrained, with only a trace of mild fruity esters. Medium bodied, moderately carbonated mouthfeel with a rich, malty texture. Flavors of caramel and teething biscuit up front on the palate. Rich in malt dextrins, but not overly sweet. A pleasing toasted bread crust flavor comes in the finish. What is wrong with all the rates here? Since when does this beer claim to be a wee heavy? It’s 5.8%! A very respectable scottish ale.

OK Nice beer. I for one am not the biggest Bells fan in the world but have to try new ones when I can. I put this on tap at the Union and when I tried it proclaimed it the best Bells beer I’ve had in a long time. Great flavor, slight sweetness, not like most Scotches and pretty hoppy. I was told by the distributor that this was an ESB but I was also told Scotch Ale. Larry Bell was in the day before Thanksgiving and I forgot to ask him. Overall nice drink, perfect for these cold months. Million times better than the Winter White.

Sampled from a 12 oz brown bottle this beer poured a bright orange-amber color with a large tan head. The aroma was malty, sweet, toasty, nutty and fruity. The flavor was sweet with strong notes of caramel and fruity hops. There was a nutty, toasty middle with a touch of sweet nutmeg. The finish was long with caramel and nutmeg lingering. Excellent.

Bottle...First time ive tried a Christmas beer and was pleased with what i got....very hazy pour..could definatly taste cinnamon and some spice in this beer and ejoyed it alot...enjoy