With the semester winding down and the holidays fast approaching, there are really only two things we should be doing: trying not to weep soft, sweet tears about how horrible finals are going to be and drinking holiday beers. Specifically, Christmas ales.

Aside from the fact that the beer industry totally neglected to create a Hanukkah ale, I have a few issues with Christmas ales. First of all, the flavors that are generally associated with the holidays, like anise and eggnog, would make for nauseating beers.

Second of all, who sits by the fireplace, unpacking his or her stocking, and thinks, “Gee, I could really go for a cold one right now?” It seems to me that Christmas ales are just an excuse to create prettier labels and trick us all into buying overpriced specialty brews.

Well it turns out that I’m all talk, because I was seduced like everyone else and caved to the Christmas beers. After tasting the truly despicable Saranac Christmas ale one night, I decided to find a more highly recommended brew: I opted for Great Lakes Brewing Company’s version and crossed my fingers.

This beer made me a believer. Maybe not a believer in Christmas miracles or a magical elf factory north of Nunavut, but I sure do believe in the deliciousness of Christmas ales.

For starters, a 12-oz. bottle contains 7.5 percent ABV, which really makes me respect Great Lakes Brewing Co. They seem to understand that all anyone wants to be during the holidays is a little buzzed, if not all-out drunk, and they added more alcohol to help get the job done.

But what was really exceptional about this beer was the taste. There were so many flavors happening, none of which were gross or out of place, yet somehow it still tasted distinctly Christmas-y.

The Great Lakes contained cinnamon, ginger and honey. It reminded me of brunch on Christmas morning. It was flavorful but not overpowering, and it left a pleasant aftertaste. Even though I wanted to savor this beer and treat it like a lady, I downed it much more quickly than acceptable for a Tuesday afternoon.

I couldn’t help it — it truly tasted like a magical Christmas elixir sent from the beer gods to help the world survive what is about to be way too much consecutive family time.

And I’m not the only one who thinks so. This beer won a gold medal at the World Beer Championships in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009, so I’d say it’s legitimately good.

So thank you, Great Lakes, for changing my mind about Christmas ales. I’m a believer now, thanks to your delicious and delectable beer.

I guess I know what I’ll be drinking Christmas morning.

Published on December 5, 2013 at 12:36 am

Contact Avery: avhartma@syr.edu | @averyhartmans