We’re back with another regular episode in our Christmas beer series. This week we look at Great Lakes Christmas Ale. This is one of Jim’s favorite beers, so make sure to listen up.
News
It seems like every year around this time there is a new controversy involving beer labels and Santa. This year a product called Santa’s Butt Winter Porter (which we will not be reviewing on the show) has been denied a label approval by the State of Maine due to the fact that Santa may appeal to children and then the beer may appeal to children. The importer of the product, the Shelton Brothers, have filed a motion in court saying that they are having their first amendment rights violated.
Great Lakes Christmas Ale
- Great Lakes Brewing Company is located in Cleveland and was established in 1988 by Patrick and Daniel Conway and was actually the first microbrewery in the state of Ohio.
- The company originally started off as just a brewpub but has expanded over the years and now operates a full scale production brewery right next store to the brewpub
- So what are the vitals on this beer. Well, it weighs in at 7.5% ABV which is a little higher than the previous beers that we have tasted so far, and is classified as a Winter Warmer.
- The base of this beer is going to be the malt coming through. If you want a hoppy beer, this is not the one for you. You can taste subtle hints of cinnamon, ginger, and most certainly the honey that just comes along on the back end of the beer.
- Oh, and even though this is 7.5% abv, you most certainly can not taste the alcohol in this one. It tastes like one you could drink all night long in front of a roaring fire.
Next Week
Next week we will be heading back West to California and Sierra Nevada for the Celebration Ale.
Your Next Beer 
random comment – my google search bar knows to autocomplete “your next be..” 🙂
As well it should, the question is. If we go to Rustico after work on Thursday will your order a beer?