From Santa’s Little Belter to Merry X-Moose, it’s not Christmas without a Winter Warmer. Wales is producing some quality beers right now – and that includes the festive brews too.
Luckily for lovers of Welsh ales you can now pick up a Christmas beer box – called “The Legendary 12 Beers of Christmas” from Wales Ales. Offering 12 of the finest festive tipples, the selection has been handpicked by Wales Ales who are the original hand delivered Welsh beer service, specialising in small Welsh breweries that hand deliver beer to your door. Recently crowned Specialist Beer Retailer of the year (Wales) by Prestige Awards we caught up with Neil at Wales Ales, affectionately dubbed the Welsh Beer Fairy by his customers, to tell us a little bit more –
“We wanted to select 12 beers that would be representative of all corners of Wales. This is the fifth year we’ve done this and wanted to expand it even further. Amongst some familiar names like Purple Moose, Mumbles, Gower and Glamorgan there’s little known but equally impressive small breweries such as Hafod, Tinworks and Dog’s Window.”
“These are challenging times for the industry and our hope is by shining a light in this manner some people might be tempted to seek out these breweries and try the rest of their range. Our passion is to promote these artisan brewers and give customers an alternative to the usual beers on supermarket shelves, and what better way than at Christmas, a wonderful time for a beer!”
So whether it’s a gift to a loved one or a treat for yourself, there’s some great Welsh beers to enjoy this Christmas. This is what you’ll find in the festive box –
1 Bluestone Brewery – Blitzen 4.1% (Pembrokeshire)
This festive offering is a sessionable, light in colour, uniquely British hopped IPA. It combines subtle fruity and floral flavours with added yeast induced complexities.
2 Conwy Brewery – Hoppy Christmas 4.7%(Conwy)
An antidote to heavy Christmas food and drink, A pale ale with a fresh hoppy aroma with herbal/lemony hops coming through in the finish.
3 Gower Brewery – Rosy Glow 7% (Gower, Swansea)
A rosy red winter warmer from Gower Brewery. A strong ale set off with a crisp citrus hop. Brewed to give a rosy glow and ward off the winter chill. Best drunk in front of a cosy fire.
4 Monty’s – Figgy Pud Christmas Ale 5.5% (Montgomery)
This award winning brewery is bringing you some Figgy Pudding. It’s a Christmas delight, all the flavours you would expect with cinnamon, mixed spice, maple syrup and orange. A lovely sweetness, something to savour over the festive period.
5 Mumbles Brewery – Kiwi Christmas 4.8% (Swansea)
Kiwi Christmas has been brewed especially for the Christmas season. It is Red Ale made with pale malt and generously hopped with two New Zealand hops for a distinctive fruity aroma and taste.
6 Bang-On Brewery – Elf Hazard 6.5% (Bridgend)
A departure from the usual dark and heavy winter specials, this comes in at a hazardous 6.5% and is a lively strong IPA. Decide for yourself if it is good for your ‘elf.
7 Tinworks – Tingle Bells 5.8% (Llanelli)
Forged in Llanelli, this is a robust and decadent cherry porter. With a subtle aroma of cherry and burst of roasted malt and chocolate. This unique porter tastes like a slice of black forest gateau with a slight tart finish.
8 Purple Moose – Merry X Moose 5% (Porthmadog)
A strong winter ale brewed from Welsh mountain water and natural ingredients. Crystal Malt combined with aromatic hops creates a smooth, full-bodied, malty beer. The perfect accompaniment to an evening of Christmas cheer in front of a roaring open fire!
9 Glamorgan – Santa’s little belter 4.4% (Llantrisant)
Starting life as Kite Brewery, the Kite can be seen on the label playfully pulling Santa’s sleigh. This ruby red ale is rich in malt flavours with notes of berries and dark chocolate, with a wonderfully festive aroma.
10 Tudor Brewery – Winter Cheer 5% (Abertillery)
Winter Cheer is infused with cinnamon, honey, ginger, lemon rind and a secret blend of spice. This gives Winter Cheer a subtle and unique flavour, certainly something to cheer about.
11 Hafod Brewery – Little Donkey 4.4% (Mold)
Hafod Brewery have brewed a different type of Yuletide delight with a fruity pale ale, made with apricots giving an inviting fruity aroma and a sweet stone fruit note to a classic pale ale body. Topped off with real root ginger to add a warming zingy finish. Definitely not just for Christmas!
12 Dog’s Window & Wales Ales – What Santa Wants 6% (Bridgend)
Rounding off the box is a collaboration beer. Although brewing out of a small unit, Dog’s Window has established an enviable reputation, proving small is mighty! This milk and cookies stout is designed to offer something different from the usual Christmas beers, whilst maintaining a festive flair. This flavoursome stout comes with a sweet aroma of cookies and cream coupled with a smooth full body guaranteed to give you a merry feeling. So on Christmas Eve when you’re putting something out for the big man be sure to leave ‘What Santa Wants’!
The beers can be purchased via the individual breweries or as part of the Wales Ales ’12 Beers of Christmas’ available via their website www.walesales.com and can be delivered along the M4 corridor.
