Mitchell’s Backyard Brewery Christmas Beer 6 Pack

TASTING NOTES FROM THE CURATOR

Mitchell’s Backyard Brewery’s Christmas Beer is a deeply dark amber color with a nicely tanned head. Cinnamon spice wafts straight up to your nose when you pour it into a glass. Roasted malts hit your tongue with a hint of something akin to mulled wine. It holds little to no bitterness. At 6.3 ABV, this medium-bodied, malty ale sits heavy on the stomach as the perfect companion to your late-night Christmas feast.

PREPARATION OR PAIRINGS

This ale is adult Christmas cheer in a bottle. For a Yuletide gathering, this is a drink that goes well with your Chelsea bun tree, gingerbread house, and a host of other goodies. Have it with Finca La Rosala Gold Marcona Almonds for a slight nougaty contrast. Blue cheeses and a creamy Camembert round go very well with this heady brew. Have it with a roast turkey or duck, a goat cheese salad, and a heavenly apple tart. For a little more festive aroma, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on the beer foam or the rim of your glass!

THE HOLIDAY BEER THAT PREDATES THE HOLIDAY SEASON

As much as we all love a good spiced Yule drink, Christmas Ale actually predates our candy-cane festivities. The Vikings of northern Europe used to craft this strong, spiced beer at the end of their harvest season, when the days grew colder and they prepared for the winter solstice. When Christianity took hold of the continent, other alcohol-based traditions took over. From Scandinavian Julöl to British Yule Ale, the basic idea of the brew was preserved for us modern-day drinkers to enjoy.

Storage Instructions

Store beer bottles upright to prevent yeast rings from appearing. They must be kept in a cool, dark place at approximately 13°C. Don’t allow beer to be caught in bright light for long periods of time to prevent it from attaining a “skunky” taste.