Delafield Holiday Ale

On draught at the brewpub out side of Delafield, Wisconsin. Pours a clear dark copper amber brew with a thin off-white head that slowly dissipates to a fine film and thin off-white ring. Aroma of caramel malt, a touch of raisin, mince meat pie filling, a touch of marzipan, and flowery hops. Taste is medium bodied, with flavors of multi-grain malt, flowery hops, some light white grape raisin, a touch of yeast and some toffee. Finish is semi-sweet with a light maple syrup, caramel malt and flowery hop aftertaste.

Clear, transparent copper-amber in color with a creamy off-white head that recedes to an oily ice sheaf, clinging to the glass with ice cream lacing. Honey baked bread leads the aroma, joined by mildly buttered almonds, crisp caramel, and a forest woodiness that underscores a piney hop profile. Interesting first quaff. Flakey whole wheat dinner roll flavors mingle with a caramel and brown sugar duet. Not watery, but something’s conspicuous about the flavor’s absence. Maple syrup (flavor, not mouth feel) sliding down tree bark. Hops tend to do little to balance; rather, they tug an astringent dactylic thread. Tingly, sharp pangs on the palate, finishing like sourdough bread glazed with maple and then flecked with bran flakes.

Dark red color with a thin head. Slight caramel aroma with a touch of raisin. That touch becomes a smoothie in the taste. Loaded down with malts, it actually tasted like Northern Brewer homebrew shop smells.

Light umber color with a moderate dissipating off-white head. Earthy malt and mild caramel aromas. Flavors start with a dry raisin and lead to a lightly toasted malt finish. A mild astringency in the finish also that knocks things down a touch, but a decent amber, as ambers go.