Have you ever heard that song “Jingle Bells” performed by The Singing Dogs? Of course you have. Well, I have to tell you that I can’t get it out of my head right now. That’s because I just drank a bottle of Thirsty Dogs 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale by the Thirsty Dog Brewing Company of Akron, Ohio. This is the first beer I’ve ever tried from Thirsty Dog, and it’s made a lasting impression on me for sure.

As I sip and type, it’s late July and I’m doing my annual Christmas in July gig, enjoying Christmas beers I’ve set aside in previous years for this event. Getting a bottle of Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale was about as wonderful a Christmas in July present as anyone could hope for, and thanks to our own Dave Coulter for sending one my way. Last winter, Dave supplied me with a bottle of Black Box Cleveland’s Own Christmas Ale. Can’t thank him enough for hooking me up with all of these great Ohio Christmas beers.

Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale is sold from November 1^st to December 25^th according to their website, but it seems that they, like I, celebrate Christmas in July by releasing some of this mid-summer. Here’s what they say about the beer on the label:

This beer’s name sums up the idea of bringing the best together to celebrate. It is filled with seasonal flavors from generous amounts of toasted and caramel malts, mixed with equally generous amounts of honey, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. We feel it is the perfect libation, filled with flavors of the season.

Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale has an alcohol content of 8.3% by volume and 21.5 IBUs.

Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale pours to a bright ruby color with a generous creamy head of foam and an absolutely delightful spicy nose packed with pungent cinnamon and nutmeg. Taking a sip, this beer just bursts with flavor! Cinnamon, like a cinnamon hot ball you used to love as a kid, ginger, nutmeg, smooth vanilla, caramel maltiness, cherry fruit, and some toasty rich honey notes. I don’t get a lot of hops in the finish, but all of those wonderful spices reemerge and dry the beer out perfectly with a hit of alcohol warmth to balance the equation to perfection.

Folks, we have a winner! This one is just so full of holiday spice and cheer that I can see how it would shine brightly like Rudolph’s famous red nose in the depths of winter. That said, it’s just as welcome in July, as the spicy flavors are a true treat to the palate and recall a cooler time of year as we approach the Dog Days of summer (pun intended).

Not to be missed……

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