Secret Santa Reviews 2024

[Twostage]

First of my secret Santa's (been hectic over Christmas ).

The Hopfenweiss on the left (one I haven't heard of)...

Poured nicely, reminded me a bit of a saison (which I like) with a hint of coriander and 'wheatiness'. Really liked it.

Thank you Santa

 

[phildo79]

Third secret Santa beer and it is a cider. Not my usual drink but it is crisp, refreshing, tastes of apples and lively. Works for me. Cheers, Santa.

 

[UKSkydiver]

My first review of SS2024

Ruby Mild 4.7%

Little pfft on opening. Had to pour from a little height to get a little head. My preference.

Nice and clear, mid brown colour. Lighter than I'd expect for a ruby.

I'm not great at discerning aromas, very similar to a couple I've brewed. Smells like beer - nothing dodgy.

Great taste. Much like a standard bitter. I'd be happy with this if I were to order in an ale pub.

Thank you so much for sharing.

 

[YeastFace]

Baltic Porter. Thought I'd taken a photo but can't find it.

This may have got shaken a bit en route, otherwise high carbonation, as foam came over the top of the glass when I turned my back after pouring.

Aroma was stewed fruits, chocolate, coffee, and light roast. Flavour was similar. Full bodied, sweet, and some alcohol warmth. Enjoyable beer, thank you Santa.

 

[Stu's Brews]

After spending an enjoyable couple of days with the family, I've now got the house to myself so I can give these the attention they deserve.

First up is an Oatmeal Stout. Very dark brown to black colour with a tan head that retains well. A very inviting chocolate aroma, which carries through to the flavour where it is backed up by some caramel sweetness and dried fruits. Smooth mouthfeel and a good level of carbonation make for a very easy drinking beer.

Thanks for sharing - a very nice beer!

 

[Justin Dean]

View attachment 107388

After spending an enjoyable couple of days with the family, I've now got the house to myself so I can give these the attention they deserve.

First up is an Oatmeal Stout. Very dark brown to black colour with a tan head that retains well. A very inviting chocolate aroma, which carries through to the flavour where it is backed up by some caramel sweetness and dried fruits. Smooth mouthfeel and a good level of carbonation make for a very easy drinking beer.

Thanks for sharing - a very nice beer!

Thank you for the comments. You are welcome

 

[starseeker]

My first review of SS2024

Ruby Mild 4.7%

Little pfft on opening. Had to pour from a little height to get a little head. My preference.

Nice and clear, mid brown colour. Lighter than I'd expect for a ruby.

I'm not great at discerning aromas, very similar to a couple I've brewed. Smells like beer - nothing dodgy.

Great taste. Much like a standard bitter. I'd be happy with this if I were to order in an ale pub.

Thank you so much for sharing.
View attachment 107383

Thank you UkSkydiver & NucBrewer for you kind reviews, glad you enjoyed it

 

[starseeker]

Here is my first secret Santa review for a 5.4 percent, Saison ,

Poured with a nice head and lovely and clear ,first taste is citrus fruits and lovely carbonation ,this is a real thirst quencher and i really enjoyed it ,this is a very well crafted beer ,thank you

 

[allotment_fox]

My first Secret Santa beer tonight it's a Black IPA 6.5%

:- Nice little hiss an a bit of smoke, jug at the ready in case of a gusher after it's post office adventures to the allotmentfox towers, but not needed at all. It's a lovely beer to poor, as seen In photo

A nice little mellow tan head that stuck around till the end with a nice bit of lacing down a straight glass.

Not a sign of the dreaded HB twang anywhere just a warm smell of dark malt & coffee

The beer was well conditioned and spot on for an IPA it's a very dark black beer but also very clear not sure what yeast was used could be something along the lines of S05 made great carbonation spot on

A real strong roast malty toffee / coffee taste that lingers on the dry side all that's missing is the camp fire and marsh mellows on a stick

Thanks very much Santa a 5 star beer I would be proud to have made

 

[Stu's Brews]

My second beer is 'Ding Dong Bells'. No other information on the bottle so I'm going in blind on style and strength.

Pours a hazy red-brown, with a small white head that drops back to a small ring after a while in the glass. Aroma is hop forward, predominantly stone fruits with a little malt character in the background. Flavour is similar, initially a big hit of fruity hops followed up by some caramel/toffee malt. Moderate level of bitterness and a clean, if slightly sweet, finish.

Another nice beer. If I had to guess the intended style then I'd say it was a Red IPA. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Begbie]

Sorry to Secret Santas for my late reviews - a busy couple of days at the in-laws!

Second review for the second bottle received from one Secret Santa - a Midland Mild at 4%.

Little hiss on opening again, but poured a big fluffy off-white head that reduced, but hung around until the end. Very dark, slight red/brown tint and bright.

I got a little hint of sweetness in the aroma and flavour, maybe toffee and some dark fruit.

Don't think I've ever had this style but I really enjoyed this. Might need to look into brewing this! Again, recipe would be greatly appreciated! Well done.

 

[allotment_fox]

My second Secret Santa beer tonight it's an imperial stout to end the night @ 8.5 %

Nice hiss with light smoke, always a jug at the ready in case of a gusher after it's post office adventures to the allotmentfox towers, but not needed again It's a lovely beer to poor, as seen In my photo.

A nice little light tan head that soon settled down in my bulbous shaped glass. Not a sign of the dreaded HB twang anywhere just a dark malt sweet aroma chocolate light vanilla at the end

The beer was well conditioned clearly a all grain brew very dark black beer but also very clear and well aged in the bottle as an imperial stout should be

A very rich malty toffee / coffee chocolate taste that well rounded mouth feel (I want the recipe for this one ) it's a late night winter fireside drink the sort to finish the night off with.
Thanks very much Santa another 5 star beer I would be proud to have made

 

[dave_77]

First of my beers, Belgian witbier.
Malt and yeast on the aroma, nice fluffy head on pouring. Maybe a little dark for a Wit, looked more like a Belgian pale or Heffe. Not getting much in the way of coriander or orange, fairly mild Belgian yeast character. Nice drinkable beer, tasted like a Belgian pale to me which I liked.thanks for sending.