Merry and Bright Christmas Ale

Review Date 7/10/2004 Last Updated  12/17/2017  By John Staradumsky

  Style: Winter Warmer   Brewery: Line Creek   Country: USA   State: Georgia   $ Per OZ: $.17 (B)   ABV: 7.4%

I had a decision to make. I was shopping for beer at Total Wine on Black Friday, and I had a decision to make. There was a new Christmas beer I spied, in the singles section: Line Creek Merry and Bright Christmas Ale. Now, there was no debate about buying the beer, I just love Christmas Ales, and having checked it out on Untappd, the reviews were positive. No, the question was, buy the single, or a six-pack? Given that I had not tried anything from line Creek (but should have by now), and it being the holiday season, I took the plunge and bought the six-pack. And you know, I’m glad I did.

There is an entry for this beer on the brewery website, but they really do not say anything about it there, other than to say it is brewed with Orange Peel, Ginger, Cinnamon. They cite the alcohol content as 7.4% by volume with 28 IBUs. Nor do they expound upon it on the label. Ah well. You had me at Christmas Ale, Line Creek.

Pricewise, this is not too bad at $11.99 the six-pack. I plopped my cans into the cart where they joined a veritable Christmas parade of holiday treats. I got them home, and popped a can that very night.

Line Creek Merry and Bright Christmas Ale pours to a decidedly non-bright brownish color that is not opaque but allows light to pass through. A thick creamy tan head forms upon my pour, and the nose is vibrant with holiday spice and citrus. Taking a sip, the beer is lightly malty up front with light chocolate, burnt toffee, and caramel notes, then segues to the spicy cinnamon and ginger. Bright bitter citrus rind pokes through, and the beer finishes dry with spice.

Line Creek Merry and Bright Christmas Ale is quite delicious, and I must say reminds me of Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig. As fate would have it, I also drank a bottle of that the same night, and they do indeed taste very similar. The Line Creek beer is a bit stronger, but the two are equally delicious.

Looks like I have a new winter seasonal to add to the stable. Thanks Line Creek! I’ll be back to try more of your beers for sure.

Glad I tried it?  T

Would I rebuy it??