West Sixth Brewing Christmas Ale Christmas / Winter Specialty Spiced Beer at 9% ABV (2015 Craft Beer Advent Calendar Day #15, 355 ml, no bottle date or best before, reviewed 15-Dec-2015)
Appearance: opaque brown with hints of clear deep amber-brown around the margins, thin beige head diminishing gradually to a thin ring, minimal patchy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: ginger and nutmeg, cloves/cardamom, orange peel, other dark roasty malt tones. (7/10) Taste: moderate-strong sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-high carbonation, shortish duration slightly boozy finish. (3/5)
Not a bad little warmer for a cold winter night. Carbonation is higher than I’d like for the style, making the body feel lighter than I’d prefer, and the strong spice mixture is for all intents and purposes identical to any number of “pumpkin” ales I’ve had. The spice is actually just about the entire story: although there’s a little citrus and malt lurking in the background, it’s a long way behind the aggressive spices. But, that said, it’s not unpleasant. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
