BTN: Ales for celebration

[Keith M]

Ommegang Adoration. Cooperstown, New York. (belgian strong dark ale) - 750 ml bottle with mushroom cork, 10% - appears dark crimson brown, smell beautiful rich and sweet, not overpowering as this style can be, sandalwood with light indian spice, beautiful, mouthfeel firm with delicate carbonation, medium structure, taste dried orange peel, peachy spiced fantastic concentration, flavor and focus without being overpowering, not quite refreshing, but surprising close, outstanding beer. Special winter ale brew with spices, cardamom, mace, grains of paradise and sweet orange peel. Bottled on 28 August 2009

Les Brasseurs de Gayant La Goudale. Douai Cedex, northern France. (biére de garde) 75 cl bottle with mushroom cork, 7.8% - imported to USA by United States Beverage, Stamford, Connecticut – appears orange with white head, smell beautifully lively, honeyed citrus, not sweet but vibrant nose, fantastic, mouthfeel sparky carbonation, slightly viscous, taste delicious and well-integrated, great refreshing acidity, faded peaches, light citrus essence, well-defined and complex, really rather fantastic, superb integration, light leather at times, flighty and airy at other times, did I mention I liked it?

[Carl Eppig]

Nice report. We've been enjoying Shipyard Prelude. This seasonal is named after the excellent Christmas festival celebrated in Kennebunk/Kennebunkport, ME. Nice dark color with poured. Off white foam head that is small and sparse. Nice roasted nut aroma. The flavor is that of nuts and dark chocolate. A very nice Christmas beer.

[Alan A.]

I've had La Goudale before and it's a nice biére de garde. We can't get Ommegang Adoration here in Alabama thanks to a law that limits beer container size (16 oz, and Adoration is only available in 750 ml) however I do enjoy other Ommegang products. I plan on posting some reviews, possibly Scaldis Noel, Sweetwater Festive Ale, Corsendonk Christmas Ale, Bell's Christmas Ale, Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, and Abita Christmas Ale all of which I've already tried this year plus Delirium Tremens Noel, and Gouden Carolus Noel (if I can find it.)

[Carl Eppig]

Another festive ale around here is Tuckerman's 6288 Ale. It is named after the height of Mt Washington in feet. It is rich, dark, and hoppy with nuts and chocolate like the Prelude, but it is a much richer brew.