San Diego Rudolphs Revenge X-Mas

Poured a slightly hazed deep amber color with a minimal head. The aroma was somewhat tart with some chocolate notes. The flavor was mildly tart with some fruit and a touch of roast. Light to medium body.

On tap @ San Diego Brewing brewpub. I asked the brewer Dean what the base beer is for this brew. To my surprise he said there wasn’t one. I guess I didn’t phrase the question very well. He said it is a beer aged three times in three different wooden (maybe oak) barrels. Pretty cool. Dean Rocks!!!

Pours clear deep amber with lasting tan head (well foam ring). It has a nice aroma of red wine, whiskey and wood. I also get faint fruity esters. The taste begins with hints of spice and ginger bread. Those notes are quickly overwhelmed by a mixture of fruity esters like red wine grapes (some tart tannins too) and plums then hints of dry whiskey. Very nice balance of flavors without any being too troublesome. Yum. At the finish mild caramel candy and chocolate malts make an appearance among the red wine and whiskey notes.

On tap at the brewery. This is not a Belgian Strong Ale but I didn’t see a holiday beer category. Dark amber with copper; small head. Wild funky aroma and taste of red wine, crazy plum, rich malts. Tangy, intriguing and strange, but tasty.