Secret Santa Reviews 2020!

[Justin Dean]

Hoppy. Soft red ale. Gooseberry coconut . Thank you for sharing.

 

[SamBrewster]

Secret Santa 2
Golden Grahams Stout 5.8%
Great label and as I enjoy reading brew day threads, it gives me an idea of the brewer
Opened with a nice pist (or maybe that's just me?).
Poured with little head but there is a constant stream of bubbles during drinking.
A dark brown stout with initial aroma and flavor of chocolate malt, reminding me of my Christmas stouts - but not for long.
As it warms it is getting really interesting. There is a slightly sour creaminess to the flavour and the dark malt has all but gone. Thanks for the beer Santa

 

[user 18729]

‘Pop my cherry’ wheat beer:
Perfectly carbonated and a gorgeous colour with a good head that quickly faded away.
Very subtle aroma of cherry a d some yeast character, very inviting. Initially there is cherry and some hop character coming through with a long bitter finish. Really enjoyable thank you very much for sending! I’ve never tried a cherry wheat beer before. Feedback wise, I think if this had some more body and residual sweetness this would be stunning

 

[Mrhandsome]

Tripel Threat 8.4%

View attachment 38472

My second secret Santa swap bottle is a Tripel

Popping the cap it gushed out of the bottle slightly, but not a full on gusher, poured clean with most of the yeast staying back in the bottle.

Very nice golden appearance, but not much on the aroma just light maltiness.

Tasting this big beer it's really light and refreshing, but most noticeable is the biscuit flavour
very similar in fact to champagne, not sure if this is because of the yeast.

Not an expert on the tripel style, But I would say this really drinks like a sparkling wine/champagne as the malt is very subtle.
Nice carbonation pushes the biscuit taste around the mouth, along with great head retention this was a strong but refreshing beer that I drank whilst watching the football.

Although Big Sam parked his bus at Anfield, resulting in a draw, This beer was a win!

Thank you Santa.

That's mine!

Looking at my notes for when I brewed it in Feb, I gave it the name Tripel-ish. The reason being that I used Maris Otter instead of Pilsner malt (that'll be where the biscuit came from). Other than that I think I nailed the style.

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

 

[strange-steve]

Well my stomach lining has grown back enough for me to have the second of two sent by one of my Santas. First of all this one is definitely the Munich bitter meaning the other was the IPA, so maybe a bit of oxidation or hop fade there. This bitter though, really nice malty flavours and some fruity yeast esters make this a very pleasant and easy drinking beer, so thanks for sending this :hat:

 

[DavidHatton]

That's mine!

Looking at my notes for when I brewed it in Feb, I gave it the name Tripel-ish. The reason being that I used Maris Otter instead of Pilsner malt (that'll be where the biscuit came from). Other than that I think I nailed the style.

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Very tasty beer, still yet to brew a tripel, this year I should try, any tips on yeast?

 

[Mrhandsome]

Very tasty beer, still yet to brew a tripel, this year I should try, any tips on yeast?

I used Mangrove Jack's Belgian Tripel for this one, but I find it takes ages to condition. I'm using WLP530 for my Belgian beers now and I much prefer it.

 

[DavidHatton]

I used Mangrove Jack's Belgian Tripel for this one, but I find it takes ages to condition. I'm using WLP530 for my Belgian beers now and I much prefer it.

Great, thank you.

 

[NPi]

One of my Santas sent me two beers, a Munich bitter and an American IPA in unmarked bottles, but judging by the flavour this one is the bitter. Very fruity yeast esters (maybe SO4 fermented on the warmer side?) and a nice toasty malt flavour. A pleasant drying bitterness lingers through the finish, and I might be mistaken, but I get the impression this is quite strong for a bitter?? Thanks for sending this, looking forward to the next one

Secret Santa 1 sent me two
Table Beer 3% IPA
Lots of fizz on opening and pouring. Nice hoppy aroma which matched the taste - fruity hops - citra maybe? The high carbonation works to hide the low alcohol and I can imagine drinking this by the gallon on a sunny day
View attachment 38412

The second 5% West Coast IPA
Much lower levels of fizz and fruity hop flavour to this one. Very different to the first and equally as nice. As I write this note it is disappearing fast and my head knows it is stronger
View attachment 38413

Thanks Santa, the beers are great and I have enjoyed drinking them

Well my stomach lining has grown back enough for me to have the second of two sent by one of my Santas. First of all this one is definitely the Munich bitter meaning the other was the IPA, so maybe a bit of oxidation or hop fade there. This bitter though, really nice malty flavours and some fruity yeast esters make this a very pleasant and easy drinking beer, so thanks for sending this :hat:

These were mine, the Munich was actually your recipe @strange-steve , so glad you liked it. However it seemed to change once bottled, with it being far nicer before .

Glad you both enjoyed them

 

[pilgrimhudd]

My 3rd and final secret Santa, 'Pop my Cherry' wheat beer.

A lovely hiss on opening nice head on pour, which lasts around 5 mins.

Fruity aroma from the bottle but oddly couldn't smell it in the glass, my sense of smell is rubbish though.

A Ribena like look about it, with a thick white head. Pretty clear for wheat.

Flavour, very fruity, cherry, quite light at first but then with a stronger more sour aftertaste. It's quite sweet but light at the same time. I cant pick up any malt or hop flavour over the fruit. It doesnt taste alcoholic at all!

Well carbed, appropriate for style.

I like this beer, it's not my favourite style but I like this one and I'm sure others would love it, it comes across as very well made! Thanks santa!

 

[NPi]

My second secret santa beer and one that I was a little intimidated by if I was honest. 12% imperial stout, with Whisky, vanilla, oak, maple and cacao nibs. Sounds like there's a lot going on and your senses are going to be assaulted, but they all blend so well into a bloody marvellous beer.

Opening the 500ml swing top (lucky me ), there's a strong prssst, no over flow or foaming. Surprisingly little aroma. Well, but not overly carbonated, with a persistent head, that lasted the full beer. I originally thought the beer would be sipped slowly and it would take me most of the night, however it didn't hang around, with its alcohol only hinted at with a small warming aftertaste. The body is full without being a meal in itself. There is a strong clean malt backbone with, a nice balanced bitterness (hiding that 91IBUs!).

Just about one of the best beers I've had the pleasure of drinking. A very good result. Please let me know the recipe so I can hope to get a beer even close.

 

[pmh]

View attachment 38489 ‘Pop my cherry’ wheat beer:
Perfectly carbonated and a gorgeous colour with a good head that quickly faded away.
Very subtle aroma of cherry a d some yeast character, very inviting. Initially there is cherry and some hop character coming through with a long bitter finish. Really enjoyable thank you very much for sending! I’ve never tried a cherry wheat beer before. Feedback wise, I think if this had some more body and residual sweetness this would be stunning

My 3rd and final secret Santa, 'Pop my Cherry' wheat beer.

A lovely hiss on opening nice head on pour, which lasts around 5 mins.

Fruity aroma from the bottle but oddly couldn't smell it in the glass, my sense of smell is rubbish though.

A Ribena like look about it, with a thick white head. Pretty clear for wheat.

Flavour, very fruity, cherry, quite light at first but then with a stronger more sour aftertaste. It's quite sweet but light at the same time. I cant pick up any malt or hop flavour over the fruit. It doesnt taste alcoholic at all!

Well carbed, appropriate for style.

I like this beer, it's not my favourite style but I like this one and I'm sure others would love it, it comes across as very well made! Thanks santa!

View attachment 38515

Thank you for your feedback guys, it was my first time doing a cherry wheat beer and I agree with both of your comments, definitely would improve with a bit more sweetness, there weren't enough hops added and I'd probably say I've added too many cherries in secondary and primary, I will adapt my recipe based on your feedback.
Thanks for reviewing, merry Christmas and a happy new year to you both.

 

[pilgrimhudd]

Thank you for your feedback guys, it was my first time doing a cherry wheat beer and I agree with both of your comments, definitely would improve with a bit more sweetness, there weren't enough hops added and I'd probably say I've added too many cherries in secondary and primary, I will adapt my recipe based on your feedback.
Thanks for reviewing, merry Christmas and a happy new year to you both.

Funny how you and @Hopsteep feel that it could do with more sweetness and I felt it was sweet enough! I'm not familiar with the style though so don't listen to me!

 

[pmh]

To

Funny how you and @Hopsteep feel that it could do with more sweetness and I felt it was sweet enough! I'm not familiar with the style though so don't listen to me!

To be fair I added lactose as it was really sour (I presume due to adding too many cherries) so I wouldn't want to add lactose again, I was using up some saaz I had left over but I normally only use British hops so I'd use a British hops instead too.
I was going to send a new recipe I created but wasn't sure it would be ready in time, I wish I did send it, I call it Olde England IPA a NEIPA style beer using only English hops and I'm happy with how it turned out, I'll be perfecting recipe this year so maybe send it next secret Santa

 

[Pennine]

My second secret santa beer and one that I was a little intimidated by if I was honest. 12% imperial stout, with Whisky, vanilla, oak, maple and cacao nibs. Sounds like there's a lot going on and your senses are going to be assaulted, but they all blend so well into a bloody marvellous beer.

Opening the 500ml swing top (lucky me ), there's a strong prssst, no over flow or foaming. Surprisingly little aroma. Well, but not overly carbonated, with a persistent head, that lasted the full beer. I originally thought the beer would be sipped slowly and it would take me most of the night, however it didn't hang around, with its alcohol only hinted at with a small warming aftertaste. The body is full without being a meal in itself. There is a strong clean malt backbone with, a nice balanced bitterness (hiding that 91IBUs!).

Just about one of the best beers I've had the pleasure of drinking. A very good result. Please let me know the recipe so I can hope to get a beer even close.
View attachment 38516View attachment 38517

That was mine, I am very happy you enjoyed it. I think it might be my best imperial stout recipe so far. Here is the recipe, you might have to read a page or two further to see all the additional nonsense that happened after the brew day. I am going to drink one of these a bit later today to see how the flavours are meshing. And you are right it's waaaaaay too drinkable for how strong of a beer it is.

https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/pennines-brewdays.86123/post-956712

 

[Pennine]

View attachment 38240
9.5% imp stout. Bottled in February.
Appearance: jet black with tan head. Nice amount of head.
Taste: massive dark fruit flavour. Good level o warmth from the abv.
Aroma: dark fruits with a hint of booze.
Mouthfeel: good viscosity for the style. Like slick oil. Carb level was spot on.
Overall: a really lovely imp. Nicely balanced. Would be proud if I made this one.
Thanks, Santa.

This was a stout I brewed earlier this year, a little bit before I joined the forum. I think I placed in one of the comps with this one too. I used the T-58 to steal an idea from de Struise brouwers. Caramunich is a fruity monster for a crystal malt and I think it meshed well with the T-58 esters. Glad you enjoyed it!

5.00 kg​	Pale Malt (2 Row) UK (5.9 EBC)​	72.5 %​
0.56 kg​	Caramunich I (Weyermann) (100.5 EBC)​	8.1 %​
0.50 kg​	Carafa I (Weyermann) (630.4 EBC)​	7.2 %​
0.50 kg​	Oats, Malted (Thomas Fawcett) (3.9 EBC)​	7.2 %​
0.20 kg​	Chocolate Rye Malt (492.5 EBC)​	2.9 %​
0.14 kg​	CHÂTEAU CAFÉ LIGHT® (250.2 EBC)​	2.0 %​
50.00 g​	Cascade [5.50 %] - Boil 60.0 min​	31.6 IBUs​
30.00 g​	Chinook [13.00 %] - Steep/Whirlpool 10.0 min, 100.0 C​	16.3 IBUs​
30.00 g​	Chinook [13.00 %] - Steep/Whirlpool 2.0 min, 95.0 C​	2.7 IBUs​
1.0 pkg​	SafBrew Specialty Ale (DCL/Fermentis #T-58) [23.66 ml]​	-​
30.00 ml​	Vanilla Extract (Bottling)​	-​

 

[Pennine]

Look what arrived! Thanks for the replacement Santa and the extra packaging!

 

[Cowman]

Okay so my second secret santa beer is right up my street and is genuinely one of the best I have tried. This 'Super Nova' came with no clue as to style apart from it being 7.5%.View attachment 38438
It opened with a great hiss and as I poured the most amazing passion fruit aroma gave away it was a west coast ipa. The colour is light and incredibly clear, the carbonation spot on. There is a strong tropical fruit flavour which lingers beautifully. This is so well balanced, really fruity and tropical hoppy but without any harshness. Far too easy drinking for 7.5%....

I am genuinely enthused by this beer, its absolutely superb, kudos to my secret santa :hat: I would be interested to see the recipe, I assume a lot of hops went into this. I would make it a bit less potent but that is personal taste as it is so easy drinking!

Thank you santa and Merry Christmas!

Thank you very much for your feedback. It originally was supposed to be a much more sessionable 6.4% but my attenuation went through the roof. Here is the recipe

I fermented it with cml dry kveik yeast at 27°c

 

[Mrhandsome]

Time for my second secret saison. This time it's a 5.5% bretted saison with late EKG hops.

The swing top opened with a satisfyingly forcefull pop and I quickly started pouring to ensure none gushed out of the bottle producing a massive fluffy head which stuck around for a good 10 mins until settling as a 5mm head for the entire drink. Lacing all the way down too. Fruity funky aroma with a hint of lemon. Great carbonation giving a lovely light and refreshing dry mouthfeel. The taste is classic saison funk, spicy, earthy with a pleasant lingering bitterness that makes you come back for more.

An excellent beer, I had a great time drinking it. Thank you Santa!

 

[brewhaha]

Time for my second secret saison. This time it's a 5.5% bretted saison with late EKG hops. View attachment 38537
The swing top opened with a satisfyingly forcefull pop and I quickly started pouring to ensure none gushed out of the bottle producing a massive fluffy head which stuck around for a good 10 mins until settling as a 5mm head for the entire drink. Lacing all the way down too. Fruity funky aroma with a hint of lemon. Great carbonation giving a lovely light and refreshing dry mouthfeel. The taste is classic saison funk, spicy, earthy with a pleasant lingering bitterness that makes you come back for more.

An excellent beer, I had a great time drinking it. Thank you Santa!

That was mine. Thanks for the lovely comments.

I'm glad the carbonation worked out as I was later bottling this than planned. The bottle I opened a week or so ago was quite banana bomb as well so relieved that's conditioned out!

Thanks again & glad you enjoyed it!