• Philip Joyce
• On December 21, 2013

ABV: 8.3% | IBU: 45

Everyone has their favorite local watering hole. Because Avery Brewing Company is my local watering hole I am generally biased towards their beers. Their holiday seasonal is not only delicious, but unique to other breweries winter seasonals in that it is one of the most quaffable of the holiday ales I have had. I can easily get through two or three pints without feeling like I was pouring cinnamon and cloves on my tongue. With no spice additions or other adjunct ingredients, Avery puts their twist on a holiday ale with their Old Jubilation Ale.

On first approach, ones chapped and red winter nose is greeted with toasted nut and toffee aromas. The mild aromas and cold hands quickly invite the first sip so that the cold beer can be placed back on the bar just as fast as it was picked up. The big malty flavors of this beer are backed up with a slight roastiness. The beer finishes with a slight bitterness and is fairly light on the tongue. Don’t be deceived. This beer finishes clean and with a medium mouthfeel, but it is above medium on the ABV scale. While it would be very easy to drink two or three pints of this fine brew, you can expect to have the redness in your cold nose consume your entire face. There is no fear of staying warm with this one.