Deschutes Jubelale

Brewed by Deschutes Brewery
Style: English Strong Ale
Bend, Oregon USA

Really tasty. This should be available all year. Very toasty and delicious. Nice caramel flavor. The hops are perfect for a hophead like me.

This is my favorite winter warmer brew. Unique chocolate-covered bananna flavor, with tons of malt and a surprisingly strong fush of hops at the end. The perfect beer for a cold winter’s night.

A very impressive winter seasonal. Great taste. Only overshadowed in my mind by the Pyramid Snowcap in terms of west coast beers.

Release (2003)<P> Draught @ Papago: This magnificent beer pours a transpicuous deep burnished copper color, the head mastodonic in size, spumescent in texture, and the color a winsome tan color, as the head deliquesces, a satiny sheet of lace forms to caress the glass. Big malt laden nose, caramel candy sweet, hints of the hops lay just beneath this delight for the senses, ambrosial start, nicely malt laden; the top has a moderate feel to the palate. Finish is agreeably carbonated, the hops spectacular in their spicy presence, nice droughty aftertaste that lingers on the palate. Each year I await the release of this beer like a kid waiting for his new Christmas bicycle and thanks to Papago Brewery, my most favorite “Beer Palace”, and Deschutes Brewery one of my top three favorite breweries, I get a double barreled treat, draught and bottles to store away, well we will see how long they stayed stored, the Vegas Line say that the odds are 10 to 1 against them lasting till the next release.

It's a pity that they only release this wonderful ale seasonally. It probably ranks at the top of my favorites from Deschutes' offerings.

Jubelale is my favorite winter seasonal. On a few occasions, I’ve had the chance to try this on cask or on nitro, and it is truly an amazing experience. It manages to be malty, roasted and hoppy in a very well balanced way. I also really like that Deschutes has a local artist make a new label for this beer every year. When I find myself gearing up for 6 months of dark days, the appearance of a new Jubelale label brightens my day.

I am happy to report that Jubelale is back for the 20th year and still tasting great. I was able to land a first batch sixer from John’s Market, and although the label has certainly been better in years past, the beer stills holds its status as a superior Northwest winter ale. Jubelale is a staple winter beer, and I look forward to enjoying it as the weather gets colder!!!

Will totally have this again. Beautiful complex nose and flavor featuring cinnamon, mincemeat (heavily), apple and dark malt. I was very surprised and pleased. Re-rate 9/25/08: a 2005 bottle. Was wandering around in Beverage House in Thatcher, AZ (google it and be floored) and found a sixer of 2005. Thick black licorice, brownie and black currant in nose and flavor. Additional flavors include spice, prune, and burnt toffee. Totally exceptional.