December 2nd, 2013
Beer Advent Calendar – Day 2: Berkshire Holidale presented by Ryan from 2Beerguys
@BerkshireBrew, @Thirstynobeard
To celebrate the Holiday Season, 2Beerguys.com and Seacoastbeveragelab.com have teamed up with beer bloggers around the country to host the second annual beer bloggers advent calendar. This is the season of sharing and we intend to share our love of beer with you. 31 Bloggers Blogging – click here for the running list of beers/bloggers.
Let’s see who is spreading holiday cheer today!
Blogger: Ryan Jansen
Blog Name: 2Beerguys.com
Twitter/Facebook/Untappd: @Thirstynobeard
Beer: 2013 Holidale Barleywine
Brewery: Berkshire Brewing Company
Beer Details:
Style: Barleywine
ABV: varies year to year but in 9.5% ballpark
IBUs: unknown
Commercial Description:
This Barely Wine Style Ale is brewed with a unique recipe each year. Always brewed to exemplify the far reaches of brewing, this full bodied ale is our gift to you, whichever festivities you choose to celebrate. Whether getting you through the holiday hustle and bustle, or being sipped with family and friends, we welcome you to enjoy our special holiday offering all season long.2013 Holidale – Who doesn’t like chocolate around the holidays? Our 2013 Holidale combines cocoa and malted barley to form a silky smooth treat for your taste buds. Featuring a deep mahogany hue and an aroma reminiscent of roasted coffee and hot chocolate, this barley wine-style ale is sure to please. Hints of cinnamon round out the long sweet finish that will hopefully carry you through this festive season.. Enjoy with holiday desserts or by itself in front of a roaring fire.
Why I selected Holidale from Berkshire Brewing:
It is no surprise to many Barleywines are one of my favorite beer styles. For a long time it has been a style that I have searched out often but have yet to write about it. Berkshire Brewing Company is one of the local breweries we discovered early in our craft beer experience. I am a big fan of the Steel Rail E.P.A. and the Raspberry Barleywine as well as Dean’s Beans Coffeehouse Porter.
I acquired the 2013 Holidale to accompany a 2007 which I had been cellaring for something just like this. Upon opening the 2007 I think this one may have passed its prime it still had the fruity aroma of plums and raisins but there was just something off with the beer (which is understandable/expected). The 2013 poured a rich chocolate brown opaque color with minimal head. The nose was a powerful nutty chocolate which reminded me of hazelnut. There is nothing better than a rich Barelywine to warm you after the winter cold sets in.
Prost & Happy Holidays!
About 2Beerguys:
Founded in 2006, 2Beerguys.com has been devoted to spreading their passion of the craft beer world. Originating primarily as craft beer reviewers, they have molded their organization into premier craft beer educators and ambassadors for craft beer industry. Their passion has taken them on the wild ride of home brewing and beer education.
2Beerguys.com believes that you deserve a good beer, visit http://www.2beerguys.com for more information.
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The Craft Beer Education Series was developed to provide a fun, interactive beer tasting experience. CBES combines general beer education, style-specific education, and an introduction to beer tasting, along with eight tasty beer samples to practice your newly honed skills on! http://www.craftbeereducation.com
About Berkshire Brewing Company:
The Berkshire Brewing Company was founded in 1992 by Gary Bogg and Chris Lalli. They brew nine year-round beers, a number of special releases and some excellent seasonals. For more information, visit http://www.berkshirebrewingcompany.com/