Saint Arnold Christmas Ale

Brewed by Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Style: English Strong Ale
Houston, Texas USA

12 oz bottle

Secret Santa sent me this a month ago. This is the last of my Christmas stock before I move on to the new wave of seasonals. If you have the chance to try this one give it a shot. I had not heard of Saint Arnold before October. Now I wuold love to try as many of their releases as I can get my hands on.

Aroma / Appearance - A one finger stark white head graced the tulip glass. Below was a muffled orange body that I have come to expect from Christmas beers this year. Orange zest, strawberry vanilla ice cream and cranberry cake form the smells of the season. The smell of two day old milk is not quite what I would expect but hardly offputting.

Flavor / Palate - Chocolate raisinettes, vanilla and strawberries coat the mouth in warm alcohol. It fades quickly but not before leaving an impression. I have had a few better within the last year but this is no slouch.

Bottle. Thanks Zinister. Nice dark copper pour with a small head that quickly dissappeared. Malty and spicy. Pretty good all around.

12oz bottle acquired in trade with mmm///beer. Pours a clear, deep copper color. Head was small then disappeared to nothing. Notes of malt and various spices on the nose. A nice winter brew. Thanks mmm///beer!!

Bonus from lb4lb. Thanks Deniz. Pours a slightly hazy reddish amber color with a large, foamy, creamy colored head. Random splotches of lacing decorate the glass. The aroma shows toasted caramel malts, lightly toasted grains, mild spices and hints of dark fruits. I also picked up a decent amount of floral hops. The flavor mostly follows suit, though the grains emerge a bit more, and it gets a little sweeter and more caramelized. Smooth and medium bodied, this one finishes with a peppery spice kick. Mouthfeel is pretty fizzy. I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Very easy to drink, and well crafted.

Courtesy of Zinister! Pours a ruby amber colour with a lively active carbonation bubbles. Fizzy off white head that dissapated to slight ring instantly. Nose of sweet syrupy candy malts, dark fruits, caramel and mild spice. Initial taste coats your mouth with a velvety syrupy sweet malt touch. The very malty character displays some caramel and strawberry artificial candy. The fizzy mouthfeel draws the flavor away. Finishing with a tangy spice and whisky warming overlay. Palate duration is average. Medium body. Overall interesting brew.

12 oz. bottle (inaugural batch - July 2007) from Zinister, enjoyed on Christmas Day. Pour is clear ruby brown with a smaller tan head. Visible carbonation on the pour, that stops quickly. Aroma of sweet biscuit malt, very deep - reminiscent of a Scotch Ale. Some dried fruit (raisins) in the aroma as well. Taste is full maltiness, sweet from beginning to end. Nice holiday spicy twang to the finish. Towards the end, the body of this flattened out quite a bit. Nice to see a new one from Saint Arnold, thanks Michael!

bottle. Poured a auburn reddish color. Aroma is strong spice and cloves. Taste is nice and smooth with a crisp spice finish.

Pours a clear bronze with a tan head that dies completely. Smells sweet, candies with a little spice. Tastes of sweet malt, a little fruity with a spicy finish. Medium and smooth in the mouth with the perfect amount of carbonation. Very drinkable and delicious.