Day 21 of the 7th Annual Holiday Beer Advent-ure Calendar
Day 21: Blue Heron Brewery ‘Twas the Heron’s First Christmas
A brewery that’s new to the list and probably new to most of us in general: Blue Heron. Based in Medina, Ben thinks the label looks familiar and he’s seen it in the wild, everyone else thinks he’s lying. We don’t know too much about this beer but the website says: “Our holiday offering is an English amber ale brewed with fresh ginger, orange peel, cinnamon and orange blossom honey.”
Reflections
Ben: Nope. Not for me. I think there might actually be an off flavor in this. Tastes kind of like it was fermented at too high a temperature or the temp just wasn’t controlled. Even so, it’s quite bitter for a spiced beer and it has to pick a lane: hoppy or spiced. I’d give the brewery another shot, but I’ll pass on this the rest of the season.
Julia: I don’t think I’ve had any beers by this brewery before. It smells sweet so I’m a little put off by that. I don’t love the taste. I taste a lot of honey and honestly, it tastes a little off. Maybe it’s flat? There’s not many bubbles. I don’t get the warm, Christmas ale feels from this one. I don’t even get much spice. It’s just too much with the honey and sweetness. I would like to see something with more spice and toasty-ness. I would still try other beers from this brewery though.
Scott: This is the first time I’ve ever heard of and tried a Blue Heron Brewery beer.The ‘Twas the Herons First Christmas is a spicier brew compared to the last few days of beers, and I admit was not my favorite on first sip, but it’s growing on me.I still prefer the maltier, sweeter Christmas beers, but always happy to try a new option.
Christa: I really like this one and I wasn’t expecting to because Scott loudly announces how he feels after each of his sips and I think I fall prey to indirect manipulation. I like that it’s orange blossom and honey, not cinnamon and cloves. They compliment each other and help alleviate some of the spice—my only complaint, too bold for me. But, it finishes very well and I’m really happy to be trying something new.
Tony: This one is interesting. We’re getting toward the tail end of the calendar where it gets harder and harder to distinguish one from the next, but this one has a little extra bite to it. Maybe it’s a little extra bitter? I’m not sure but I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, it’s got some extra snap to it. I get the honey and hint of spice and it all works pretty well together. Overall I kind of liked this one.
Megan: This smells lovely, I get the citrus and the sweetness of the honey. The spices aren’t overwhelming. Seems light enough that I could drink a couple of these in one sitting or since the can is bigger, maybe just one full 16oz can. I like that this is a new beer in the rotation and would look forward to trying it again.
Brad: This one is interesting. I want to dislike it due to reading it has orange blossom in it but I actually kind of like like it. It pours a little flat and there is zero head, but I can get past that because it has a pleasant taste. I get a lot of Christmas flavors and smells without a crazy boozy taste. I’ve never had Blue Heron but I am interested in trying their other beers.
Heather:
‘Twas the Heron’s First Christmas
And though there was fun,
My taste buds didn’t like this beer
Not even a one.
Too hoppy it twas
Too bitter I say!
It chased me off cringing
Without much delay.
An experiment gone wrong,
Perhaps it’s because it’s so new?
This just ain’t my jam
I need a new brew.
Take your orange blossom,
Your holiday spice and English ale.
Leave me my Belgians
I’ll love ‘em without fail.
And as I wash this taste away,
I say with pure delight
Merry Christmas to all!
And to Blue Heron, bye Felicia.