Day 14 of the 5th Annual Advent-ure Calendar

Day 14: West Side Brewing Holiday Ale

West Side Brewing is located in Cincinnati, Ohio but this is the first time we’ve seen them up in these parts! We’re always excited to try a new Ohio Christmas ale since we tried SO MANY last year. From the brewery: “A deep amber ale thanks to the use of three crystal malts, this festive brew has layered malt sweetness, a touch of fruitiness from Galaxy hops, and cheery holiday aroma thanks to cinnamon, ginger, and sweet orange peel.”

First we want to say CONGRATS to Tony & Megan on their wedding today!!!

Reflections

Beard & Broad
Beard: First, love the matte finish on the can. The branding is also simple, yet festive. The beer inside said can is nice too! There’s nothing too spectacular about it in terms of the other holiday beers it’s up against, but I could drink like 10 of these. It has merely subtle notes of the spices listed, but it all works really well together. It also tastes like there’s a touch of vanilla but’s it’s probs just the crystal malts. I might not buy this every season, but I’d definitely order it at a bar for a change of pace.

Broad: Ah, I’m so happy to be drinking this beer mainly because it’s not Mad Elf. This one smells good and tastes even better. It’s slightly malty, with hints of cinnamon, ginger and citrus. It’s super easy to drink and very smooth. It’s almost too light. I wish it was a tad more flavorful. But with that being said, I would happily drink many more of these in the future.

Adam & Alex
Adam: West side holiday Ale is a standard Christmas beer but with a few notable differences. It’s very strong ginger forward. Also the more it settles the more orange I notice. I would try it again.

Alex:  West Side Brewing Holiday Ale is another first try for me.  I definitely think it is a more traditional holiday beer.  I could taste the ginger and cinnamon, and as I drank it I could taste the touch of orange peel as well.

Scott & Christa
Scott: Hello maltiness.  The West Side Brewing Holiday Ale tastes like the love-child of the words amber and malt.  It’s a very smooth, almost light beer that lacks the spice of many other Christmas beers we’ve encountered during this journey.  It’s the complete opposite of yesterday’s beer, which is neither good or bad.  It’s a beer that a lot of people can drink who are not big fans of the spicier variety, but I do wish it had a little more character in its flavor.

Christa: I was so excited to try West Side Brewing’s Holiday Ale. I grew up in Cincinnati and my friends and family love this brewery. I’ve only had their juicy IPA, it was delicious, so I couldn’t wait to pour this one. And, it’s good. It’s very subtle, a little spice, a small hint of citrus, and maybe, some molasses. It’s good. Is it great? No. I’d get the juicy IPA again or one of their other offerings. But, I’m happy to see them represented and am curious how the team will feel. West Side for life!

Tony & Megan
Tony: Depending on when you’re reading this, Megan and I will be married! UNCE! UNCE! UNCE!…..and the beers are starting to get back in the right lane with this one. It doesn’t have a lot of depth but it’s ok. I mainly get the hoppy IPA flavor, but maybe slightly watered down. I do get some of the cinnamon and ginger mentioned on the can and a hint of fruitiness which is nice. I don’t recognize this one from previous years so it was definitely fun to try. Won’t be at the top of my list but not at the bottom either. Middle of the road for me……#honeymoontime!!!

Megan: Tony and I are getting married today!!!! Ok back to business. The can says this is an amber ale but by the taste of it, I thought it was an IPA. It’s dark in color but lighter in taste than I expected. You definitely get the cinnamon and spices and the malts aren’t overwhelming but I don’t know if it’s my favorite so far. I don’t think I’ve had anything from this brewery before so it was nice to try and I’d totally be down to try other brews!

Brad & Heather
Brad: This is a good beer. I was pleasantly surprised since I’ve never heard of this brewery. Nothing blew me away with the beer except it kept a good head on it throughout. There is a somewhat strange aftertaste which could be from the orange peel but it’s not stopping me from enjoying it. I don’t really understand why it’s considered a Holiday Ale but I’d drink it again.

Heather: West Side = Best Side. I love that this is just called “Holiday Ale.” Simple. Easy. Kind of like what’s inside — it’s an easy, simple beer to drink. I’m getting a lot of ginger taste, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s fine. I’d drink it again.