I’m sitting here, nursing a Sam Adams Old Fezziwig Ale and reflecting on the beer-filled holiday that was. It began last night, Christmas Eve, with my first ever bottle of Brewery Ommegang’s Three Philosophers Ale, which my dad and I split over dinner. Due to other family member’s travel obligations this afternoon, my family and I had our big Christmas Dinner last night and this Belgian-style Quadrupel with a cherry lambic infusion was the perfect pairing to cut through the rich starches of tofurkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes. I can’t wait for my next bottle.
Christmas morning followed, naturally, with plenty of gift-giving; many of which, as I had hoped, were beer related. I was lucky enough to land a bottle of Uerige Alt, a German beer which is apparently only brewed twice a year, on the third Thursday in January and the third Thursday in November; a much-needed new hydrometer for homebrewing; a festive gift tin with a bottle of Wychwood Brewery’s Hobgoblin Strong Dark Ale and a Hobgoblin commemorative pint glass; the book The Secret Life of Beer: Legends, Lore & Little-Known Facts by Alan Eames; a 365 bottles of beer for the year 2008 day-by-day calendar; and lastly 6 official pint glasses from various UK breweries. I couldn’t be more thankful or greatful for all of the fantastic beer presents I recieved this year, I’m very lucky.
What were your best beer-related presents this year? Let the commenting begin. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and A very happy New Year to you all; cheers!
