Next is Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale purchased at Vintage Estates.
"The name sums up the idea of bringing the best together to celebrate. It is filled with seasonal flavors from generous amounts of toasted and caramel malts, mixed with equally generous amounts of honey, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. We feel it is the perfect libation, filled with flavors of the season." This is best served between 43-49°F, has 21.51 IBUs, 18.5°P, and is 8.3% ABV.
Overall average rating: 8.8/10
It is a clear light red amber color with aromas of ginger, honey, cinnamon, and clove. The taste is pretty much what we smell, with top and side tongue bites.
Shawn- I prefer this exponentially to Great Lakes Christmas Ale. This is delicious and pure and is smartly executed. I am a huge ginger fan, and it is good from the smell to the taste with a refreshing finish, 9.25/10.
Angela- This is a Christmas ale. It is spicy and drinkable, something I actually drank while baking the hundreds of Chistmas cookies I baked this year, 8.75/10.
Chris- This is a phenomenal beer, though I think the flavors could be developed a bit more, 8.5/10.
Next on our pumpkin beer journey is Thirsty Dog Pumpkin Ale purchased at Vintage Estates.
The label has a jack o' lantern with the brewery name and logo carved into it. This beer is brewed with pumpkin, honey, and spices. The pumpkins are from the summer's harvest of five varieties of locally grown pumpkins which are hand selected and caramelized just prior to brewing. This beer is best served at 38-40°F and has 13.5°P, 13.5 IBUs, and 5% ABV.
Overall average rating: 7.7/10
This is a transparent rich amber/copper color with a carbonated, egg white head that is slow to diminish. The taste is sweet - primarily pumpkin followed by honey and cinnamon with a little clove and nutmeg. The carbonated taste has a middle of the tongue bite and tastes like the aroma - pumpkin, honey, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Shawn- This is delicious and very well-balanced. The honey and spices don't overpower the pumpkin; they complement it nicely, 8/10.
Angela- This beer is crisp and refreshing. It is not overwhelmingly spiced but it definitely has flavor, 8/10.
Chris- I would rate this higher if I could taste it more, but for me the carbonation throws the flavors off. (Shawn: "I think the carbonation helps move the flavors around the tongue.") It's good, but a little overly carbonated for me, 7/10.
