For New Year’s Eve I decided to go out and find something interesting and celebratory to send off 2007. Michelob Celebrate - Cherry Lager is a special brew for the holidays. An interesting lager, this notes are cherry are noticeable in the aroma and in the taste throughout. This is not a sweet cherry taste, not very tart either, just enough to make the label say cherry. Ever had a cherry coke from a bar? Just use coke plus cherry juice; I may try some Mic Ultra with some cherry juice and see if it tastes the same. Its been a good year, and this brew certainly celebrates that fact. Cheers to ‘07.
Note: This beer did not have “style” in front of the label.

Specs: 24 oz bottle
8.5% Alcohol

My friends to the west are doing it right again! The color was a nice dark brown, and just a slight bit of head when poured. Sure I didn’t use the Imperial Stout glass as suggested on the back the bottle, but it still had the nice nutty smell before the taste over took me. A little bite of the carbonation hit me then left with the nutty taste of the beer. There was no bite to the nutty taste, and I suspect some chocolate or something has rounded out this overall taste. The aroma led right into this, I should have seen it coming! I would have to rank this higher than the Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown. Not only because of the price difference, but because the taste is so great. I suggest to go domestic on this nut brown ale, and get some Goose Island. I might have to plan a trip to Chicago to go on a tour and see what other beers they have that may not get shipped this far.

Specs: 12oz bottle
5.2% Alcohol

A simple name, a simple beer. Nothing hidden with this one. A light colored pour, great head, and crisp, light aroma. The taste is smooth, light, and leaves nothing to guess. It has a perfect wheat taste! It leaves the palate as quickly as it comes. This is a great example of a local St. Louis beer that should be more popular across the country. I highly recommend this one ! The only downside to this one is the low ABV.

Specs: 12oz Bottle
3.9% Alcohol

That’s right the actual name of the beer is Mystery Beer. They even have a specific website set up to rate this beer. For me I am glad there is only 3 of these in the Fall sampler pack. I know I said fall, but the beers are good for a bit longer, at least according to the box. The smell is sweet, the pour was good, the color was a nice amber color. The taste, well it is just gross. I am not sure what rancid ingredients went into this, but I think ‘Mystery Beer’ is a correct name both to sell the products, and to identify what they put in it to make it taste so bad. It is like a bad fruit mashed up (thinking oranges and raisins), added some chlorine and cumin in it, and let it ferment. If you like this one, let me know, I have some people who can help you!

Specs: 12oz Bottle
7.5% Alcohol

Nothing like some fresh brews from the local brewery! This holiday draft uses some sweet and chocolaty nuts to bring some exciting tastes to the season. Unfortunately I didn’t appreciate this as much as the bartender thought I would. This porter seemed to be on the thin side; dark? Yes. Filling? Not so much. Tasty? So-so. I expected more from this pitcher, it was pretty nutty but left a taste of old coffee on the tongue. I enjoy most of their beers, but this was just not what I expected.

Specs: 1 pitcher
unspecified ABV

I just can’t get past the season already. It has been moving just too fast. Let’s slow down and do day 13 of the 12 days of Christmas. I have today a special delivery (Thanks Ben!) of a beer that just isn’t around in this town. 2 below is a nice winter ale that has a nice slight hops taste, but keeps is calm for those who are not too fond of the hops. The pour was clean, and the color and clarity of this beer was amazing. I really need some back light on these beers to show the colors better. They mention that they bring the beer to a nearly freezing state to get its brilliant clarity. This may be a winter beer, but I think it should be served year round! I would suggest this one if you can find it, or find someone who will bring it from the central US. I am left with only 2 more after this because I am a sharing fellow.

Specs: 12 oz bottle
6.6% Alcohol

We love a brewery that can survive such a long time with single beer. That’s the Grolsch Lager. Sure they have the Amber and Blonde, but this is their flagship. Chris and I celebrate Christmas, and Chris’ birthday, this year by sharing a nice bottle of beer. This beer has been around since 1615 and is served in more than 70 countries. We don’t know if there is a better beer that anyone and everyone should know and enjoy no matter who or where they are. Chris and I are going to just enjoy this lager that is the staple of lagers. So if you have not had one, go get one and leave us comments on what your thoughts of this one are. Who are we to judge a beer that has been around 392 years?! Please enjoy your beverages this season, be safe, and ENJOY!

Specs: 1.5 Liters
5% Alcohol