12 Beers to Christmas

Wow, it's hard to believe it is that time of year again and by that "time of year", I don't mean shopping or snow or caroling, I mean my annual Christmas beer countdown.  Four years ago, Zoe started the idea of getting me 12 different/new/good beers I could use as my own little beer advent calendar.

How many days to Christmas, you ask?  Well by my count, Stone, Founders, Samuel Smith's & Youngs…4, to be precise.

It is really is hard to believe this is my fourth year of "drinking down", but pictures don't tell a lie.  Here's a recap of 2009:

Skip ahead to 2011 and Zoe has another great selection. First up, Abita's Christmas Ale.  Although I am familiar with Abita, this is the first time I have had their Christmas Ale.  My lack of experience doesn't matter, as they change the recipe every year.  It really is like Christmas.

The 2011 poured a really warm reddish color with a one finger head.  My first sip was an immediate hit of roasted malt, with a little bit of carmel.  This was quirky followed by a peppery hoppy finish, which just seemed to linger the right amount of time.  This is definitely a strong ale and hopefully, a strong sign of beers to come!