Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Beer Tasting: Left Hand XXXmas Ale (2005)


The Beer: Left Hand XXXmas Ale (renamed Snowbound Ale in 2006)
Style: Winter Warmer
Reviews: Beer Advocate Rate Beer
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Packaging & Date Stamping: 22oz. brown bottle; "01/21/05"

From where & how stored: Received in a "big bottle" exchange during the holiday season of 2005; stored at 42F refrigeration since then

Pricing: unknown

Availability: Winter Seasonal

ABV, IBU, and Other Available Stats: 7.6% ABV; 16 IBU
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Bryan's Notes
The Look:
- deep mahogany walnut color
- thin head
- bit of oiliness on the glass walls

The Aroma:
- sweet, maple syrup type aroma

The Taste:
- hazelnut
- chocolate covered nuts...praline?
- Flavors fade quickly at the end

The Verdict: A bit thin, but a decent balance of malt and hops. Overall, a decent beer, but not great. This bottle may have been past its prime at almost two years old.
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Adam's Notes
The Look:
- brown copper and somewhat dirty

The Aroma:
- caramel vanilla hints
- fruitiness in the nose

The Taste:
- taste is a bit malty
- somewhat bitter
- reminds me of a maibock a little
- needs to warm
- seems to have a better nose than a follow up taste
- cinnamon appears in the finish as it warms

The Verdict: A wonderful treat on a cold winter night; though, not sure what the xxx is all about

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