Review – Alesmith Yulesmith Holiday Ale (Summer 2008)
Christmas, Thanksgiving, and bi-anual Alesmith Yulesmith releases are the only things I truly look forward to with joy in my heart. During the Winter holidays, Alesmith Yulesmith is a sticky sweet, red Imperial ale. For the summer, and in this case, this week, it is a wonderful Imperial IPA.
Alesmith Yulesmith Holiday Ale Summer 2008 Release – 22oz bomber poured into a Samuel Adams special beer glass. 8.5% abv.
Appearance: A yellow golden with active bubbles floating to the top. A creamy looking, white fluffy head at the top. The fluffy head leaves its mark all the way down the glass.
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Aroma: Sugary lemons, oranges, brown sugar, pineapples, and toffee. Also a small level of pine notes at the end.
Taste: Bitter, yet sweet citrus, brown sugar syrup, pineapple juice and some spice. Butterscotch flavors come out with the fair amount of malt, and intertwine with the large hop bill.
Mouthfeel: Syrupy and candy like. As my idols at Craft Brew Radio might even call it , MAN CANDY perfectly describes this!
Overall: While this isn’t your typical summer drinker, this is the ultimate summer treat. While I would guess the IBU count hovers near the 100 mark, this beer does not come across as “too bitter.” It has gone up in price again this year, from $6.99 to $7.99, but because it is a bi-annual treat, it is worth every cent.
