Usually, I save a 6-pack of bottles so that I'll be able to get them out and try older beers from year to year.
I used to do Vertical Flights, but I have not really gotten around to it lately.
This year, I actually didn't bottle any beers, so 2016 won't be part of any Vertical Tastings other than this year. But, I did get out some old X-Mas Ales and did a little one this past Sunday while watching the Bears lose to the Packers.
It made the game feel better to taste several pretty-high alcohol beers at once.
As a reminder ... my 2016 X-Mas Ale is a peppermint beer. I have been drinking it since around Thanksgiving. It has been pretty good, although I'm pretty sure I prefer the base beer recipes that I've done the past couple of years.
This past Sunday, I got out a bottle each of
- X-Mas Ale 2010 ... Cinnamon, Apple Pie Spice, and Cherries
- X-Mas Ale 2011 ... Hazelnut Extract
- X-Mas Ale 2012 ... Peppermint Extract
- X-Mas Ale 2016 ... This year's Peppermint Beer.
Generally speaking, I am pleased with how these beers have held up over the years. I'm not so much a fan of the Hazelnut flavoring in 2011, but I felt that way when the beer was new.
Of the beers I tasted Sunday, I would say this year's is the best. 2012 was a close 2nd.
The SheppyBrew Beer Model preferred the 2012 peppermint beer.
I'll try to get in another "flight" with the 2013, 2014, and 2015 beers over the next couple days.
Be sure to check out Sheppy's Blog: X-Mas Ales to see how that goes.
Go Blackhawks! (I've given up on the Bears)
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