2X the Holiday Cheer!

Brewery- Southern Tier Brewing Co.

Beer- 2XMAS

Style- Herbed/Spiced Beer

ABV- 8.0%                                     

Brief Sidenote-  Southern Tier actually based the recipe for 2XMAS on a traditional Swedish Glögg recipe. Swedish Glögg is a spiced red wine served traditionally during winter, especially around the holidays.  So, 2XMAS is very much a great meeting point for wine and beer lovers alike.  

Description- Southern Tier 2XMAS pours a clear ruby red color showing  a slight golden hue with a mild beige head that quickly dissipates.  The aroma of figs, cinnamon, raisins, gingerbread, and slight hints of clove and orange will be evident upon your first smell of the beer.  Immediately upon your first sip the cinnamon and ginger spices will make an immediate appearance on your taste buds and the taste will linger long on your palate after swallowing.  The aftertaste has slight hints of caramel, along with the aforementioned spices, with a mild amount of heat from the alcohol, but not enough to detract from the experience.  2XMAS is a very malt forward beer with very little evidence of hops, mainly due to the spicing involved.  The carbonation in 2XMAS is very mild, but enough to rinse the palate after each sip.  This is a true holiday treat and no holiday celebration would be complete this year without this beer on the table.

Food pairing- Southern Tier 2XMAS is a perfect desert beer that is a dream for any chocoholic.  A true treat is to have some dark chocolate slowly melt in your mouth and just before it is all gone, take a nice sip of 2XMAS and let the beer linger in your mouth briefly, once you swallow you will be grinning from ear to ear.  Did Santa Claus leave some gingerbread cookies behind?  Well grab some 2XMAS and finish them off for him.  The spices in the beer and the gingerbread are a beautiful match and if Santa had some 2XMAS with his cookies, he may not leave any behind! 

The Final Word – Southern Tier has built up quite the reputation for award winning beers and every year they continue to release new beers that continue to amaze.  2XMAS was added to the beer lineup in 2012 and it has successfully made it into the seasonal rotation and with good reason!  This is a very unique take on the traditional higher ABV style and is also a great beer to serve to those friends who prefer wine; you just might win them over with this great beer!    2XMAS is a must to have every holiday season, so grab yourself some bottles and start a new holiday tradition!

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Where can I get it?-  Currently available in bottles at:  J and H Beer- Wilkes-Barre,  Wegman’s- Both Dickson City and Wilkes-Barre,  Georgetown Beer and Deli- Wilkes-Barre, and Backyard Alehouse- Scranton.

Enjoy the Dark Side

Brewery- Magic Hat Brewing Co.

Beer- Heart of Darkness

Style- English Stout

ABV- 5.7%

Description- Heart of Darkness pours a wonderful pitch black color with a thick sandy brown head.  The scent of chocolate simply emanates from this beer, but if you breathe in deeply you begin to pick apart scents of roasted malt, a slight nuttiness, and slight hints of caramel.  If you think the smell sounds wonderful than you will be very happy with the taste, as it matches the scent perfectly.  Heart of Darkness packs a chocolate punch to your taste buds, but not milk chocolate, more along the lines of dark bittersweet bakers chocolate, with a mild aftertaste of coffee.  The body of Heart of Darkness is somewhere in between a porter and a stout, that is to say it is not overly thick, which makes this beer that much more drinkable.  The mild carbonation in the beer also cleans the mouth out nicely, so it is perfect to pair with foods, more specifically desserts.   Maybe this beer has a heart of darkness, but it also has a slight taste of heaven.

Food pairing- Heart of Darkness is a perfect match for desserts, especially of the chocolate persuasion.  A deliciously rich chocolate cake melds beautifully with the malty chocolate and mild coffee notes found in this beer.  Did your loved one get you a box of chocolate truffles this holiday season?  Well put away that dessert wine and great a bottle of Heart of Darkness and taste a truly delicious pairing.   However, if you are so daring, I have two words for you, BEER FLOAT!  Heart of Darkness is absolutely perfect for making a rich and creamy beer float. So grab yourself a pint of your favorite vanilla bean ice cream and put a scoop or two into a pint of this delicious offering from Magic Hat and enjoy it until the last drop is gone.

The Final Word – Magic Hat's Heart of Darkness is a beer that seemingly has something for everyone.  Fans of stouts or porters will love this beer and those new to the style will find this beer very approachable due to its mild sweetness.  Stouts are a perfect drink on those cold winter nights and Heart of Darkness is a perfect beer to have by a nice roaring fire to warm up.  So be sure to grab a bottle, or 6, and enjoy this delicious drink with friends and family this holiday season.

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Where can I get it?-  Currently available in 12oz. bottles at:  The Keys Beer and Spirits- Scranton,PA; Krugel's Georgetown Deli- Wilkes Barre, PA; Januzzi's Pizza- Wyoming, PA; Whats Brewin 6 Pack Ale Shop- Old Forge, PA

What is a Winter Warmer?

Style: Winter Warmer

Brief history: The history of Winter Warmers cannot be pinned down to one singular drink, as the tradition of drinking higher alcohol drinks in the winter dates back thousands of years. Winter Warmers tend to fall into two different categories: one that uses spices and one that does not. The spiced versions tend to be American or Belgian, and the English and German brewers do not traditionally use spices in their beer. The basic idea behind the style is a maltier and higher ABV drink to warm up on cold evenings. The overall impression should be a stronger, darker, spiced beer that often has a rich body and warming finish that is perfect for the cold winter season.

Standard characteristics: The style is focused on balance between all the flavors and should not be overly spicy or overly malty. However, the beers are typically more malt-forward and are a bit heavier than many traditional beers. The spices should be background notes that add a layer of complexity. The ABV range for Winter Warmers is very wide and typically higher than most styles, usually starting at six percent ABV on the low end and up to 12 percent on the high end.

Nose: There is a wide variety of aromas in this style of beer, and you may find notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, molasses, maple syrup, plums, raisins, pine, gingerbread, or chocolate, as well as a host of others. The overall aroma should be very well-balanced and inviting while also maintaining a level of complexity.

Body: Although a wide range can occur within the style, the body is typically medium-to-full and possesses a certain amount of malty “chewiness.” The carbonation tends to be lower, which gives way to a smooth, easy-drinking characteristic, although some variations have a higher carbonation level.

Taste: Spices are typically present in the taste (same as those listed in nose), with more notes of dried fruit as well as other fermentables (honey, brown sugar, etc.). Some variations have more hop presence, which provides a stronger bitterness but is still restrained. Balance is vital within this beer, and the special ingredients should complement the base beer and not overwhelm it.

Food pairing: Winter Warmers are a great pairing with rich holiday foods. Whether its pork, duck, turkey, goose, or rabbit, the beer’s strong malt-forward presence makes the perfect accompaniment. Warmers are also great with rich holiday desserts, ranging from cookies to Christmas cakes to more complex, creamy dishes. Winter Warmers have enough heft and complexity to hold their own against the richest of dishes.

Recommendations: The Winter Warmer style is very approachable, but with some having a stronger malt characteristic than others, it can be off-putting for those who are used to hop-forward beers. This is a fantastic style that is perfect for the winter season. Some of the best winter warmers to try are:



• Great Lakes Brewing Company- Christmas Ale

• Anderson Valley Brewing Company - Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale

• Thirsty Dog Brewing Company - 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale

• Boulevard Brewing Company - Nutcracker Ale

• Samuel Smith Brewery - Winter Welcome Ale

• Elysian Brewery- Bifrost

• Odell Brewing Company - Isolation Ale

• Harpoon Brewery - Winter Warmer

Warm Yourself by the Fire

Beer: Fireside Chat

Brewer: 21st Amendment Brewery

Style: Winter Warmer

ABV: 7.90%

Description: Fireside Chat pours a deep hazel brown with a big frothy tan head that has fantastic retention and leaves a nice sticky lacing on the glass as it recedes. The aroma is very malt-forward, with notes of roasted malts mixing with warm cocoa and cinnamon to create a very inviting smell. The taste is fairly malt-forward, but not as much as one might expect with this style. The malts hit the palate first with a roasted sweetness that is followed quickly by the cinnamon and cocoa for a touch of bitterness before a warming dry finish takes over. The medium body and light carbonation create a very smooth and easy-drinking beer; the hidden 7.9 percent ABV can quickly sneak up on you. I cannot think of a better way to warm up on a cold winter evening.

Food pairing: The smooth body and notes of chocolate direct this beer towards the dessert end of a meal; however, there are a lot of complexities within this beer that make it great to pair with a wide variety of rich dinner selections. A simple pairing would be with a bowl of fresh chili, preferably made with black valentine beans if you have them available. The spices have met their match against the rich malty backbone of Fireside Chat, but the two combine for a wonderful layer of complexity to a relatively simple dish. If you are looking for a meatier dish, try Fireside Chat with either rabbit, duck, or even venison. You can, of course, have Fireside Chat with a wide variety of desserts; I highly recommend trying it with crème brûlée, white chocolate mousse, or a simple dish of ice cream.

The final word: The winter warmer style can be a bit too malty for some not used to it, but Fireside Chat manages to overcome that hurdle and is extremely smooth and enjoyable. The point behind the style is to be a beer that “warms” you on cool evenings, and this beer is certainly one that you can see yourself enjoying while sitting with friends around a warm fire on a cold winter evening. The straightforward yet complex flavorings within this beer make it one that you can enjoy long into the evening. Fireside Chat is yet another fantastic beer from a brewery that is consistently producing amazing and drinkable beers and is also the perfect beer to have before settling in to a long winter’s nap!

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Where can I get it? Currently available in 12 oz. cans at: Aurants- Duryea, PA; Backyard Ale House- Scranton, PA; Joe’s Six Packs to Go- Dunmore, PA; and The Bog- Scranton, PA

Dark and Delicious

Brewer-Brooklyn Brewery

Beer- Brooklyn Local #2

Style- Belgian Strong Dark Ale

ABV- 9.00%

Description- Brooklyn’s Local #2 pours a deep brown with slight ruby/mahogany highlight and a rocky tan head that leaves behind a thin lacing as it disperses.   The aroma is complex and extremely enjoyable with notes of dark fruits, caramel, toffee, honey, Belgian yeast, and subtle hints of sweet oranges.  The taste backs up the nose with caramel and dark fruits up front followed by subtle spicing and sweet citrus followed by hints of chocolate before a quick dry finish takes over.  The body is locked into the medium-full range with low carbonation creating a very smooth beer with the 9% ABV nonexistent in the taste.  This is on par with some of the best Belgian strong dark ales available on the market today.

Food Pairing – Local #2 is a fantastic beer to pair with a wide variety of meats, try pairing with the richer varieties such as: pork, ham, duck, or goose.  For an exquisite treat, try pairing Local #2 with a venison steak topped with a tart cherry sauce, the sauce will highlight the dark fruit flavors within the beer and the venison will meld into the rich malt bill.  Local #2 is also a fantastic beer to have on the table for pairing with desserts, especially those of the chocolate variety.  Try pairing this beer with rich dark chocolate, preferably bars that are at minimum 70% cacao and higher.  The chocolate will bring the chocolate malt bill to the forefront while also highlighting the rich dark fruit flavor.

The Final Word – Brooklyn’s Local #2 is one of the most enjoyable beers that I have ever had and has so much depth within that it is a beer that can be enjoyable for a very long time.  The big bottle offerings from Brooklyn are all exceptional in their own right and Local #2 certainly stands on its own and has won a vast array of medals, including 2 gold medals at the World Beer Championships.  Brooklyn has yet again proven that while Belgian brewers have been brewing this beer for far longer, American brewers can create a beer that is every bit as complex and enjoyable as those master craftsman.  Local #2 is yet another absolute must try for craft beer fans.

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Where can I get it? -  Brooklyn Local #2 is available year-round in 750mL cork- caged bottles.  Currently available at: Wegman’s- Dickson City, PA & Wilkes Barre, PA; Krugel’s Georgetown Deli- Wilkes Barre, PA; call around for this one, if it is not currently in stock it is fairly easy for anyone to order for the store.

Number 1 with A Bullet

Brewer-Brooklyn Brewery

Beer- Brooklyn Local #1

Style- Belgian Strong Golden Ale

ABV- 9.00%

Description- Local #1 pours a beautiful golden straw color with huge frothy white head that sticks around for a while and leaves a lovely lacing on the glass as it dissipates.  The aroma is that of a classic Belgian ale with the Belgian yeast aroma on display with notes of bready malts, apple, pear, clove, and subtle hints of banana and grassy hops all present as well.  The taste is absolutely wonderful.  At first the crispness from the malts hits the palate followed by some notes of fruit and backed by very subtle spicing before a very refreshing and dry finish kicks in to finish it out.  The body is in the medium to full range with very effervescent carbonation that creates the perfect balance and gives the beer it’s crisp and dry mouth feel.  The 9% ABV is extremely well hidden with no alcohol heat present even as the beer warms up.  Local #1 is an absolutely out of this world example of the style.

Food Pairing – Local #1 is a beer that belongs on the menu of any high end restaurant to pair with the finest of foods, but it also somehow manages to make itself at home with basic American cuisine.  Try pairing this beer with a lovely chicken or shrimp pasta alfredo dish, this is a pairing that really allows the bright carbonation to shine.  Another masterful pairing is with ginger glazed salmon, the combination between the bite in the sauce, the oil in the fish, and the spicing and carbonation of the beer create manifestations on the taste buds that you never knew possible.  If you are looking for something with a bit more spiciness, but not too much, try pairing Local #1 with a creamy Chicken Tikka Masala dish, you can have it mild or spicy; this beer can hold its own.

The Final Word – Local #1 proves yet again that Brooklyn Brewery, despite being one of the pioneers in the craft beer industry, has certainly not settled and is still producing absolute world class beers.  Local #1 has such depths that one can get lost in all the complexities, yet at the same time it is very drinkable and a fantastic beer for those new to the craft beer world.  The beer itself has fabulous presentation and the ability to fit on to the table of the finest dinner or at home with a pizza while sitting on the couch.  If you have not yet had Local #1 it is an absolute must have beer for any fan of craft beer.

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Where can I get it? -  Brooklyn Local #1 is available year-round in 750mL cork- caged bottles.  Currently available at: Wegman’s- Dickson City, PA & Wilkes Barre, PA; Krugel’s Georgetown Deli- Wilkes Barre, PA; call around for this one, if it is not currently in stock it is fairly easy for anyone to order for the store.