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Berry Christmas to You: Butte Creek Christmas Cranberry AleDec 10 '05 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Try it. You'll like it.
When I walk into a beer store this time of year, I’m always hoping for a present. I’m not looking for a freebie, of course, far from it. Just maybe, if Santa has been by, a new Christmas or winter holiday brew. I got one indeed just yesterday with Butte Creek Christmas Cranberry Ale, a yummy new holiday concoction from Chico, California’s Butte Creek Brewing Company. Most beer enthusiasts, when they hear reference to Chico, California will almost invariably think of that 800 pound gorilla of the craft beer world, Sierra Nevada. But in the shadow of this most famous brewer of quality ales, Butte Creek has managed to carve out a loyal following for its brews since it started brewing back in 1996. Part of this is through aggressive distribution. I recall seeing Butte Creek beers for sale in Portland, Maine, more than 6 years ago. This is about as far away from Chico as you can get while still remaining in the contiguous United States. Today, there beers are distributed in over 20 states (including Hawaii!). It just recently arrived in Georgia. Butte Creek brews its beers from organic ingredients, though that has never been a deciding factor for me. I just like them because they taste good. They already have a winter seasonal, too: Butte Creek Winter Ale . When it comes to holiday beers, though, one is never enough. A comparison is inevitable with Samuel Adams Cranberry Lambic . I like this beer about as well, though it’s a little different. It has more cranberry flavor but is a little less tart. Many beer enthusiasts balk at Boston Beer’s usage of the “lambic” descriptor, a pitfall Butte Creek does not have to worry about. Butte Creek Christmas Cranberry Ale was previously a draft only product, but it’s now also sold in 22 ounce “bomber” bottles. It does seem a bit expensive at $4.29 a bottle. The label features a jolly looking fellow in a Santa Suit getting ready to quaff a hefty mug of this reddish hued brew. Butte Creek Christmas Cranberry Ale pours to a bright reddish color with a tint of orange. A light creamy head forms on the pour, and a fruity light berry nose is readily apparent. There is a good body with a gentle but pleasant maltiness. The fruit emerges immediately; they say the beer has just a hint of cranberry but I’m getting a bit more than that. The fruit is balanced, though, and is not as sour or tart as fresh cranberries can be. The finish is nicely balanced, with a gentle grassy hop character and subtle bitterness. Overall, I like this one a lot. I think it would be better with even more cranberry flavor, but it’s delicious as it is. Very quaffable, very refreshing, and very much infused with holiday spirit. As natural as cranberry sauce with your Christmas turkey. Epinions Criteria: Overall Rating: Four Stars Beer Rating: Better than most Weight: Medium body Flavor: Balanced. Complexity: Average Price: $4.29 per 22 ounce bottle.  |
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