Anchor Steam 2011 Christmas Ale

Anchor Steam produces their Christmas Ale every year, but like many seasonals, the recipe is somewhat different every year. This year's pours a dark mahogany brown, with a two-finger khaki head. I'm picking up some apple, kind of like a cider with raisin, plum and a little rum. There's some spices floating around, maybe a touch of cinnamon; definitely some nutmeg as well. Brown sugar and maple start to pop out as it arms up.

Leinenkugel's Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout

A limited edition from one of my go-to beers, Leinenkugel (yes, I do have Jake Leinenkugel's autograph). Like most imperial stouts, Big Eddy is midnight dark, with a dark brown head. The 9+ % ABV gives it a nice warmth, and there's a great balance between hops and malt. Tastes include raisins and plums and some sweet dark chocolate. Very smooth going down.There's a lot going on here and I might have to sample a third (this is my second) to get the fullness of the tastes and aromas. 

Pyramid Snow Cap Winter Warmer

Dark red in hue, with an aroma akin to black cherries and raisins, Pyramid comes through again with their Snow Cap winter warmer. After the first few sips, and then a healthy (yes, healthy, my family doctor says that one - two drinks a day is good for me) swig the spices started kicking in: nutmeg, cinnamon, and hops. Yes, hops have figured prominently in some of the better winter beers that I've sampled thus far; and what's wrong with that?

Winter Tilt Festivale from Empyrean Ales

Pours a reddish brown, almost the color of strong tea. Nice thick khaki-colored head.  Most definitely unfiltered, like all Empyrean's offers. Has some similarities to Belgian wits, with a nip pf hops on the back side. Some fruitiness, possibly orange peel and maybe a hint of peach. Not too heavy on the spices. A keeper for sure.