Holiday Beers: Solstice and Shiner

I guess there’s nothing more American than sitting back watching Monday Night Football and cracking open a couple of beers. Once again, these are two different craft holiday entries that are quite different from yesterday’s mellow Belgians.

Up first is the Winter Solstice Ale from Anderson Valley Brewing Company. This traditional ale has their secret blend of holiday spices that seem to include flavors of clover, cinnamon, and a slight hint of sweet cherry. It ends with a rich malty flavor which is typical for what I find in most ales. This is my first exposure to the AVBC and I’m rather pleased with the result. At about $2.20 a 12 oz bottle, this is a beer that can be enjoyed all month at a reasonable price.

Kevin and Shel:

Up next is a very odd winter beer. My thoughts usually turn to cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, chestnut, ginger or evergreen smells. Shiner Holiday Cheer from the Spoetzl Brewery opted for peaches and pecans. Added to dark wheat ale, this brings forward flavors of candied pecans and the juiciness of a fresh peach. A great example of something a little different, but not quite up my alley.

Kevin:

Note: Michelle avoided the second beer due to her severe nut allergy and the use of pecans in the brewing process. After our recent run-in with peanut flour in sugar cookie dough, we’re not sure if brewing with pecans would cause a reaction. Better safe than sorry.

- Kevin

Christmas Ales Series

• Part 1: Belgian Ales
• Part 3: Wrapping Up (American & British)

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4 Responses to “Holiday Beers: Solstice and Shiner”

1. 5chw4r7z says:

   December 23, 2008 at 3:08 pm

   Those both sound good, I need to try them.
   Have you had the Harpoon Winter-Warmer?
   My favorite beer right now, I got the last 2 6-packs on the shelf at Party Source, hope they get more soon.
2. Tom Streeter says:

   December 23, 2008 at 9:22 pm

   I liked the Shiner, but the peach and pecan were a bit of a surprise at first. It works, but it takes a minute. Both flavors are very Central Texas.
3. Kevin Gerl says:

   December 23, 2008 at 9:44 pm

   I’ve always been a darker beer guy, but the peach didn’t seem out of place in the wheat beer. It was a very different approach to the holiday season.
4. Kevin Gerl says:

   December 23, 2008 at 9:50 pm

   I’ll have to check at Party Town this weekend to see if they have any left.