It's here! Christmas in July! That's right, it's the second most wonderful tine of the year, and the second most wonderful time for a beer, too. One of my favorite things about Christmas In July is the way it breaks up the heat of summer (and there is a lot of that this year) with cooling thoughts of gently falling snow, holiday music, and brightly colored lights. I save a large supply of Christmas and winter seasonal beers every year just for this occasion, mostly old favorites but some new and exciting beers, too.
Count KCBC Bad Penguin Pale Ale in amongst the new friends I'm making this July. I had never had it before, but I have enjoyed the beers I have tried from this brewery and I mean hey, it's a holiday beer, so I am all over it. The name is obviously a play on the film Bad Santa, and the Bad Penguin on the label even has a scowl reminiscent of Billy Bob Thornton. KCBC Bad Penguin Pale Ale has an alcohol content of 5.2% by volume and the label on my can is stamped CANNED ON 10/20/25. Total Wine claims it is currently in stock in South Sarasota, Florida as I type, so if you want to try it for Christmas in July yourself and are in that area, you may be able to.
About KCBC Brewing
Kings County Brewers Collective (KCBC) began when a motley crew of Brooklyn-based brewers decided to join forces to create a new brewery & taproom for beer drinkers across New York City and beyond. Kinda like Voltron-except for beer.
KCBC Bad Penguin Pale Ale in a Santa's Brewery Jolly Ale Glass
Tasting Notes
KCBC Bad Penguin Pale Ale pours to a pale orange amber color with a thick fluffy white head and a nose of bright fresh citrus and pine. Taking a sip, the beer is medium in body, just right for a pale ale. It immediately bursts with fresh hoppy notes of grapefruit peel and pith, tart lemon, and resiny pine. The latter reminds me of a walk through the forest to select your tree a few weeks before Christmas. It finishes balanced and refreshing with a gentle bitterness.
Value & Verdict
I paid $5.49 for my pint can from Half Time. Total Wine has it listed for $17.49 a 4-pack in their South Sarasota, Florida store.
A wonderful addition to my Christmas in July repertoire, and a beer I would love to drink again, next time perhaps for Christmas in December.
