Day 14 of the 7th Annual Holiday Beer Advent-ure Calendar
Day 14: Unplugged Brewing Holiday Lights
We did not mean to put two Unplugged beers on the calendar almost back to back but what a fun surprise! It’s also rare we get two beers from the same brewery, let alone a newer brewery. Holiday Lights is Unplugged’s winter warmer beer. There’s not too much of a description out there about this particular beer. But these are generally dark, a little boozy, and a little spicy. Let’s see if this one follows suit!
Reflections
Ben: Holy molasses. At least I think that’s what I taste a lot of, or honey. It’s definitely on the sweet side, with some slight spice as well. I think I’d like this more if it wasn’t so sweet, it’s borderline cloying. I’ll finish the can, but probs won’t reach for this again.
Julia: I’m not going to lie, I was super excited to have another Unplugged beer on the list. I just really enjoy so many of their beers. But this one was a bit disappointing. It’s super sweet and I get a molasses taste which I don’t love. I’m also turned off by the 16 oz can. I do get the Christmas spices and it’s clearly a Christmas ale but it’s also a little bland too. I just wish it was a tad crisper and less sweet and perhaps a bit “spicier.
Adam: Quite drinkable | but quite forgettable | sugar cane | orange and nutmeg | nothing jumps out | but I like it
Alex: Unplugged Brewing’s Holiday Lights Winter Warmer Ale tastes smoky to me more than anything else. It’s another 16 oz can, and another one I definitely only need half of. I don’t dislike it but I don’t love it either. I feel undecided, but that is what I’ve got today!
Scott: We’re on a delicious beer streak right now. The Unplugged Brewing Holiday Ale is a delicious, spicy, malty, rich and well balanced beer that I’d be happy to pit against the Great Lakes and Fat Head staples. It’s another one from Unplugged that I’d prefer to be in a 12oz can, but the taller vessel definitely benefits the great artwork on the label.
Christa: Excited to try another Holiday variety from Unplugged! I like this one a lot more than their stout. What I appreciate about this one is how spicy it is, not too much that it’s unpleasant, but just enough of a kick to make it memorable. I would drink this one again but what some of the buds said about our first Unplugged: the size of this can is overwhelming. I’m glad I had a partner to help me drink it!
Tony: I remember Megan and I picking this one out mainly because we hadn’t tried it before and it had a fun name and can design. For me, thats kind of where the fun stops (wah wahhh). Its an ok tasting beer it just doesn’t have a lot of depth to the flavor. I get some caramel and maltiness and maybe a little cinnamon spice. A positive is that it doesnt taste too sweet. Something about it just isnt registering with me, it feels a little thin and not as bold a flavor as some of the other beers so far.
Megan: Another Unplugged beer on the list! I get cinnamon and cloves right away. This seems like it’s a good middle of the spectrum holiday beer. Not too hoppy, dry, light, dark or heavy. My question would be is this too sweet? Since everyone seemed to like the Crackling Embers, I’m hoping this one will be a hit too.
Brad: Very sweet. Another 16oz holiday ale, yippee! I liked it, but didn’t love it. The aftertaste was sweeter than any beer I’ve had in this category and doesn’t really leave your mouth even well after you finish the beer. I can appreciate Unplugged trying to get into the great tradition of NEO holiday ales but it’s towards the bottom of the pack when it comes to beers I’d choose.
Heather: Unplugged does a great job with can design. But… that’s about it. The Holiday Lights Winter Warmer Ale is not my style. It’s pretty meh, and it lingers in the mouth much too long. Somehow it’s malty, but thin. There’s spice, but it’s bland. It’s just not working.