Day Five: Santa's Private Reserve Ale from Rogue

Perhaps Santa is a beer connoisseur. That might explain the belly. If you read the labels on Ridgeway's "Bad Elf" brews (see previous posts) they make mention to Santa's cellar. As does the name of this hoppy Christmas offering from Rogue Ales Brewery in Newport, Oregon.

Santa's Private Reserve Ale is actually the brewery's St. Rogue Red repackaged for the holiday season. Although the hops are apparently doubled for the brew.

It's a gorgeous looking beer that's a clear, deep, dark garnet color with a light tan head. The aroma consists of hops, caramel and a touch of maple. Mouthfeel is medium bodied. Initial mild hop front to it. Smooth, yet, bitter hop & fruit dry finish. There's also a bit of pine or spruce that lingers toward the end. Flavor seems more like an IPA than a traditional red ale due to the intense amount of hops in this one. A tasty winter seasonal offering for those who like intensely hop-flavored beers. I wouldn't mind stocking up on a few of these.