Breckenridge Christmas Ale Review And Tasting Notes

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a plethora of festive beers to warm our hearts and bellies. One such brew that has been a staple of winter celebrations for over two decades is Breckenridge Christmas Ale. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Breckenridge Christmas Ale, exploring its history, brewing process, and most importantly, its flavor profile.

Breckenridge Christmas Ale has been a holiday tradition since 1993, when Breckenridge Brewery first released this seasonal beer. Over the years, it has become a favorite among beer enthusiasts and holiday revelers alike. This winter warmer is brewed with a blend of specialty malts, including caramel, Munich, and chocolate malts, which provide a rich, complex flavor profile.

Brewing Process

Breckenridge Christmas Ale is brewed using a combination of traditional and modern brewing techniques. The brewing process begins with a blend of specialty malts, which are roasted to perfection to bring out the desired flavors. The malts are then mixed with a blend of hops, including Chinook, Willamette, and Centennial, which provide a balanced bitterness and aroma.

The beer is fermented using a special yeast strain that is designed to bring out the complexities of the malts and hops. The fermentation process takes place over several weeks, during which time the beer is carefully monitored to ensure that it meets the brewery's high standards.

Ingredients

So, what makes Breckenridge Christmas Ale so special? Let's take a look at the ingredients:

• Specialty malts: Caramel, Munich, and chocolate malts provide a rich, complex flavor profile.
• Hops: Chinook, Willamette, and Centennial hops provide a balanced bitterness and aroma.
• Yeast: A special yeast strain designed to bring out the complexities of the malts and hops.
• ABV: 7.4%
• IBU: 22

Tasting Notes

Now that we've explored the brewing process and ingredients, it's time to dive into the flavor profile of Breckenridge Christmas Ale. Here are our tasting notes:

• Appearance: Breckenridge Christmas Ale pours a rich, dark brown color with a creamy, off-white head.
• Aroma: The aroma is complex and inviting, with notes of caramel, chocolate, and a hint of spice.
• Flavor: The flavor is rich and malty, with notes of caramel, chocolate, and a hint of fruit. The hops provide a balanced bitterness, while the yeast adds a subtle complexity to the beer.
• Mouthfeel: The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, with a medium body that makes it perfect for sipping on a cold winter's night.

Pairing Suggestions

Breckenridge Christmas Ale is a versatile beer that can be paired with a variety of foods. Here are some pairing suggestions:

• Holiday cookies: The rich, malty flavor of Breckenridge Christmas Ale pairs perfectly with holiday cookies, such as sugar cookies or gingerbread men.
• Roasted meats: The beer's balanced bitterness and rich flavor make it a great pairing for roasted meats, such as turkey or ham.
• Cheese plates: Breckenridge Christmas Ale's complex flavor profile makes it a great pairing for cheese plates, featuring a variety of cheeses, meats, and crackers.

Conclusion

Breckenridge Christmas Ale is a holiday tradition that is sure to please even the most discerning beer enthusiasts. With its rich, complex flavor profile and balanced bitterness, it's the perfect beer to enjoy on a cold winter's night. Whether you're pairing it with holiday cookies or roasted meats, Breckenridge Christmas Ale is sure to become a staple of your holiday celebrations.

We hope you've enjoyed this review of Breckenridge Christmas Ale. Let us know in the comments below what you think of this holiday classic. Do you have a favorite holiday beer? Share your thoughts and recommendations with us!