Bell's Christmas Ale is new to Missouri this year, so I was excited to grab a six-pack this week for $10. Bell's Brewery out of Michigan has consistently put out solid beers so I figured this was a no-brainer. I was looking forward to ending the Day of Family Awkwardness with a couple of these.12 oz bottle poured into a thistle glass. Tall off white head that is slow to recede. Minimal lacing around the glass. Color is a hazy orange caramel.
Smell has a mild caramel sweetness. There is a bread quality to the malt aroma. Taste has a dry all-grain cracker flavor. No hops or other spices present. This is OK for the Scottish Ale style this supposed to be. Sweetness develops as the beer warms, the last half is much better than the first.
Mouthfeel is pretty light for a Scottish Ale. This actually comes off as more of an Amber Ale. As far a Scottish Ales go, I think I prefer more of a heavier Wee Heavy.
I have to admit I'm pretty disappointed with this. For a holiday seasonal I was expecting more character. I'm not sure what's so "Christmas" about a Scottish Ale. If you are going to put out a Scottish Ale, call it a Scottish Ale. Calling it a "Christmas Ale" seems a little misleading. This slight "discrepancy" turned into a friendly online debate with KC Worthog and Smashin' Transistors . I think we agree that Bell's Christmas Ale is OK as a Scottish Ale, but to put out a "Christmas Ale" it should be more in line with a Winter Warmer. Winter Warmers are traditional winter seasonal ales that have a higher grain bill to create a bolder, sweeter, and often a higher ABV than more standard ales. Many are spiced in the tradition of wassail (see below).
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