Goose Island Christmas Ale 2011

Part of the Christmas Eve Joyce get-together, Goose Island is one of those brands where you just can't go wrong. This year's offering for the Winter seasonal is an American brown ale. Pours a hazy orange-brown with a small tan head and a distinct, yet subtle hop bite. There's also an additional sting from some ginger and an overlay of spices, maybe some cinnamon, nutmeg and even a little lemon. After the initial hoppiness, I got some toffee-like sweetness. Very nice, a perfect Christmas brew.