Day 24 of the 4th Annual Advent-ure Calendar

Day 24: Thirsty Dog Brewing Company Barrel Aged 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale

We made it to the end and so did you if you stuck with us every day! We picked a hell of a way to end the calendar, with the Barrel Aged 12 Dogs! “Aged in BOURBON BARRELS for almost a year. Spiced for the Holidays with honey, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and Santa’s secret recipe!” We’re super excited to try this fancy shmancy version of one of our favorite Christmas ales. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for our final thoughts and reflections on the calendar.

Reflections

Beard & Broad
Beard: Man, I was not expecting this. I’ve had this beer before but it was a super old bottle and was really oxidized. This is not old and not oxidized and is absolutely delicious. I was wondering how well this beer would hold up to being in a bourbon barrel, since’s it’s not a super heavy or dark beer. But dammit if this isn’t amazing. There’s a nice caramel/vanilla sweetness to this, the spices are mellowed and that cinnamon bite is gone, and there’s no alcohol burn. I can’t imagine many other Christmas beers on this list would be able to hold up to barrel-aging as well as this does, and this is a perfect, special celebratory end to another year of the Christmas Adventure Calendar.

Broad: Wow, what a way to end this! I am usually super nervous about trying barrel aged beers because they tend to be too boozy for me but this one is so incredibly smooth and tasty. I do taste the bourbon but it’s very slight and the flavor is so delicious. The spices are definitely toned down a bit from regular 12 Dogs. If you’re new to Christmas ales I wouldn’t suggest starting with this but you should definitely try it. It’s malty, not too sweet and just the perfect boozy Christmas ale. It’s at the higher price point and higher ABV so definitely share with a buddy!

Adam & Alex
Adam: Man this beer makes me wanna get blitzened…12 dogs is booze by itself but this takes it to another level. I am a big whiskey fan so the barrel aging only adds to my enjoyment. If you’re a fan of whiskey then I highly recommend this but it’s a pricey drink so it’s something you’ll want to share for sure.

Alex: Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs Barrel Aged is delicious.  This is the first year I have tried this one.  It is obviously more boozy than the original 12 dogs but just as tasty.  I definitely can taste the bourbon flavor the most in this beer, but it’s not an overwhelming flavor, and I would definitely partake again.

Scott & Christa
Scott: Well this was a treat. 12 Dogs is one of my all time favorites, and as a fan of bourbon, the bourbon barrel aged version is right up my alley. It’s got the faint smell of bourbon, the faint taste of bourbon but all the great taste of 12 Dogs that I love!  I think I still prefer the original, but I would never turn this down on a cold winter night.

Christa:  After yesterday’s original 12 Dogs, I couldn’t wait to try this one. I mean the original is fantastic and then you throw in barrel aged? Couldn’t wait. But, because you knew there was going to be a but, I don’t love the bourbon smell and flavor I am getting. In fairness this is very much a me problem. I feel this would delight many beer lovers and would make the perfect Christmas gift under a tree. It’s unique, special and from a brewery that knows their beer. And honestly 12 Dogs with a hint of bourbon sounds like the buzz we all should want.

Tony & Megan
Tony: This one will warm you right up! I’ve always been curious to try this one and it does not disappoint. Described as being barrel aged for almost a year and mixed with cinnamon, ginger, and honey it has great flavor. The barrel aging gives it an extra layer of flavor that sets it apart from other beers. It’s lighter in color than I expected. Overall I really enjoyed this one. Solid ending to this years holiday beer adventure calendar. Cheers and happy holidays! 🎄🍻

Megan: We’re gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby danced with Danny Kaye with this beer! It’s smooth and kind of boozy and the perfect way to end a holiday advent-ure! The honey gives it a sweet taste but there is a hint of cinnamon that earns it a spot in this Christmas beer calendar. I really enjoyed this beer as well as the past month of Christmas spices and spirit! Merry Christmas everyone!!!