Breckenridge Brewery Christmas Ale Review And Tasting Notes

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the spirit than with a festive Christmas ale? Breckenridge Brewery, a Colorado-based craft brewery, has been perfecting their Christmas Ale recipe for over two decades. In this review, we'll dive into the world of Breckenridge Christmas Ale, exploring its history, flavor profile, and overall drinking experience.

Breckenridge Brewery's Christmas Ale is a winter warmer, brewed with a blend of traditional British and American malts, along with a touch of holiday magic. The beer is designed to evoke the cozy, comforting feelings of the holiday season, with a rich, malty flavor profile and a hint of spice.

The History of Breckenridge Christmas Ale

Breckenridge Brewery was founded in 1990 by Richard Squire, a passionate homebrewer turned professional brewer. The brewery quickly gained a reputation for its creative, high-quality beers, and the Christmas Ale was one of the first seasonal offerings. Over the years, the recipe has undergone subtle tweaks, but the core ingredients and flavor profile have remained the same.

The Brewing Process

Breckenridge Christmas Ale is brewed using a combination of two-row and Munich malts, along with a touch of chocolate malt for depth and complexity. The beer is hopped with a blend of traditional British and American hops, including East Kent Goldings and Cascade. The brewing process involves a combination of traditional brewing techniques and modern technology, resulting in a smooth, full-bodied beer.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

Breckenridge Christmas Ale pours a deep, rich amber color, with a creamy, off-white head. The aroma is warm and inviting, with notes of caramel, toffee, and a hint of spice. The flavor profile is complex and layered, with a rich, malty sweetness balanced by a subtle hop bitterness.

On the palate, the beer is smooth and creamy, with a medium body and a lingering finish. The flavors are reminiscent of a traditional English winter warmer, with notes of dried fruit, nuts, and a hint of spice. As the beer warms, the flavors become even more complex, with a subtle nuttiness and a hint of vanilla.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Breckenridge Christmas Ale is a versatile beer that pairs well with a variety of holiday dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Roasted turkey or beef: The rich, malty flavors of the beer complement the savory flavors of roasted meats.
• Mashed potatoes: The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of the beer pair perfectly with mashed potatoes.
• Holiday cookies: The spicy, sweet flavors of the beer complement the flavors of traditional holiday cookies.

Overall Impression

Breckenridge Christmas Ale is a delicious, festive beer that's perfect for the holiday season. With its rich, malty flavor profile and subtle hop bitterness, it's a beer that will appeal to fans of traditional English winter warmers. Whether you're enjoying it on its own or pairing it with your favorite holiday dishes, Breckenridge Christmas Ale is a beer that's sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

Rating and Recommendations

• Rating: 4.5/5
• Recommendations: If you're a fan of traditional English winter warmers, you'll love Breckenridge Christmas Ale. It's also a great choice for anyone looking for a festive beer to enjoy during the holiday season.

Conclusion

Breckenridge Christmas Ale is a delicious, festive beer that's perfect for the holiday season. With its rich, malty flavor profile and subtle hop bitterness, it's a beer that's sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Whether you're enjoying it on its own or pairing it with your favorite holiday dishes, Breckenridge Christmas Ale is a beer that's sure to become a new holiday tradition.