Following on from last issue’s look at the first half of Wales Ales’ Legendary 12 Beers of Christmas, here’s the second half!
It’s not Christmas without a Winter Warmer. Wales is producing some quality beers right now – and that includes the festive brews too. We caught up with the man dubbed The Welsh Beer Fairy, Neil from Wales Ales, to talk us through the second part of the Christmas Pack!
7 Bang-On Brewery – IPA 4.4%(Bridgend)
We designed a variation of our Santa holding a beer picture then passed it to the brewery to make this awesome label. We were the first ever to produce a fully Welsh Christmas 12 Beer Pack, now in our 9th year we wanted to add to the uniqueness. The beer inside is just as impressive as the out-side label. This IPA from Bang-On Brewery is a lovely clean, crisp session IPA coming in at a modest 4.2% with a sharp hop kick on the finish.
8 Wales Ales & Left Bank – Winter Wheat 5.2%(Llangors, Brecon)
Last year’s collaboration with Left Bank Brewery returns by popular demand. A gorgeous wit bier. This classic wheat beer has the usual telling banana notes with a slight citra flavour from the infusion of orange peels
9 Wales Ales & Dog’s Window – Very Good Boy 5.9% (Bridgend)
Good Boy is Wales Ales’ biggest seller and was originally a sessionable Tropical IPA. It has had a number of variations including a Mango version and a French hopped version for the Rugby World Cup, but my favourite variation is the stronger version we did called Very Good Boy which makes a return this year with an updated more festive label.
10 AxelJack – Cwrw Nadolig 6% (Maesteg)
Another brand new addition. This time from Maesteg’s AxelJack. “This limited-edition Christmas beer is pouring with festive spirit — rich, warming and Christmas in every mouthful. Brewed to 6% ABV, Cwrw Nadolig brings smooth malt sweetness, subtle spice, and a touch of holiday cheer in every sip. Perfect for cold nights, Christmas dinners, or gifting the beer lover in your life.
11 Evan Evans – Ho Ho Ho 4.5% (Llandiello)
From new to one of the longest established breweries in Wales. Evan Evans festive offering is here to warm your stockings. A flavoursome 4.5% amber bitter.
12 Crafty Devel – Fairy Tale of Cardiff 6% (Cardiff)
One of the most eagerly awaited seasonal delights comes from Cardiff’s Craft Devil, their annual Fairy Tale of Cardiff, an Imperial Chocolate and Mint Stout. Unbelievably never having featured in the Legendary 12 Beers of Christmas, mainly due to a later dated release.
However this year it was available in November so for the very first time this ‘After 8’ in a glass will feature in the pack. That’s what we call being Legendary!
