Day 22: of the 3rd Annual Advent-ure Calendar
Day 22: 21st Amendment Brewery Fireside Chat
21st Amendment always has such fun cans which always grabs Broad’s attention. They also happen to make delicious beer. From their website: “Like FDR’s Depression-era radio addresses, which were like a kick in the butt and a hug at the same time, our Fireside Chat is a subtle twist on the traditional seasonal brew. We begin with a rich, dark, English-style ale and then we improvise with spices until we know we have a beer worth sharing with the nation.”
REFLECTIONS
Beard & Broad
Beard: I remember liking this a bit more in years past, but it’s still fine. There just doesn’t seem to be anything too special about it this year, and the flavors don’t pop like I remember. However, I will still seek this out next year as it’s normally one of my faves.
Broad: I’m normally not a fan of English-style ales but this is the exception. It has a dark, rich, malty flavor with a hint of holiday spice. I wish the holiday spices were more prevalent or that there was something else to this beer such as a smoky flavor. It’s good but I probably would only have it a few times a year. Another good can, always a fan of President references.
Adam & Alex
Adam: I’m not a huge fan of English ales and this is no exception. It’s just not great. It feels like they put all the expected holiday spices together with no rhyme or reason. It falls flat to me.
Alex: I know we’ve had Fireside Chat in the line up in prior years, and I still feel meh about it. It’s not awful but it’s not something I would ever seek out. I taste the holiday spices but my tastebuds are just not into it.
Scott & Christa
Scott: This is not my first Fireside Chat. It’s a delicious, warm, spicy Christmas ale that truly embodies the holiday season. It doesn’t beat my favorite Christmas beer, 12 Dogs by Thirsty Dog, but it’s a top tier holiday ale that shouldn’t be passed over.
Christa: I love this beer! I was excited for this one to come back into our rotation. I smell vanilla, caramel, and a blend of other holiday spices familiar to winter ales. It’s slightly sweet and subtly spicy with a hoppy aftertaste I of course enjoy. I am a sucker for anything featuring FDR on the design so this beer is a win for me. I would definitely enjoy it fireside or really, anytime, anywhere.
Tony & Megan
Tony: I’d like to have a fireside chat with the brewer of this one to learn a little more because this one is interesting. I can’t put my finger on it but the flavor just doesn’t work for me. Its on the lighter side with a slight amber hue in terms of color and the taste is as they describe it “a winter spiced ale” but maybe its too much spice, too malty, I’m not quite sure. It does give that holiday feel with the spices but this one just isn’t jiving with my taste buds this time around.
Megan: Dark, malty, spicy…This is a christmas beer. It has that caramel smell but is full of spices and sweetness. Its not too sweet or too bitter but it is a heavier beer so i dont know how many i could drink in one night. Can we also talk about the can? I think this one and the reindeer games were my favorite designs this year.
