Cookie Cutter, Just Like Grandma Use to Brew?

We all remember the holidays and wintertime when grandma would bake some of the best cookies you ever had! Stone Hollow Brewing Company in Beatrice, Nebraska, helps to take you back in time by bringing the taste of grandma’s cookies to some of their winter brews.

The head brewer, Bryon Belding, told me back in December 2020 that he has a fondness for desserts during the holiday season, which is a significant influence on the beers he creates during that time. He explained that certain flavors from cakes, cookies, and candy can be challenging but extremely fulfilling to craft into beer. Some of the previous holiday beers he has brewed include:

• Cherry Cheesecake Ale with cherries, vanilla, and graham cracker notes.

• S’mores Porter with chocolate, vanilla, and marshmallow notes.

• Rolo Imperial Stout with caramel and chocolate notes on a nitrogen tap for that smooth, creamy body.

Cookie Cutter came out this holiday season, and my friend Matt Pinkerton brought a crowler for me to try. He and George Pinkerton homebrew together and collaborated with Stone Hollow Brewing on this beer. The wheat beer base is the same one used for Really Vanilli, one of the fun beers at the brewery!

My first taste reminded me of a Snicker Doodle cookie. The vanilla notes (from real vanilla beans) appear first to me, then the cinnamon notes come in, and last through the finish. The light, smooth body of this 5.6% ABV ale lets all those cookie flavors come through!

Stone Hollow Brewing has so many creative beers, making it a fun destination! Check out my original blog from back in 2020 and make plans to visit the brewery soon.

Cheers!

My Favorite Reindeer is Electric!

A tribute to Newfields Winter Light festival

There are certain traditions about the holidays that I can’t wait for in the fall. One is getting to see all of the Christmas light displays and the other is finding new holiday craft beers!

Sun King Brewery in Indianapolis, Indiana has created a wonderful winter brew called Electric Reindeer. The nose on this beer has all those Christmas spices that you have come to love. The cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg are wrapped with the sweet aroma of molasses.

The front end has ginger, clove, and nutmeg notes. The middle to finish has a caramel light sweetness that then returns to ginger and cinnamon. This is so well balanced and flavorful throughout! The ABV is 5.5% and the IBU is 23. Truly a celebration beer for the holidays!

A very festive 6-pack box

What is really cool is that Electric Reindeer is in celebration of the Newfields Winterlights Festival at the Art Museum. A beautiful property that is illuminated in classic and contemporary light displays. There are around 1.5 million lights that greet the people as they stroll through this winter wonderland. From the Frosted Forest to the 42-foot Christmas tree made of lighted toys, you are bound to get into the spirit of Christmas!

I think it would be awesome to make a trip during the holiday season to see the lights festival and to visit Sun King Brewery!

They have a great selection of craft beer including IPAs, Cream Ales, Lagers, Coffee Porter, and many other seasonal beers.

It has been great to be able to get the Electric Reindeer in Omaha this holiday season! Looking forward to having more Sun King Brewery beers in Nebraska.

Cheers to Holiday Beers!

Super Jubel Imperial Winter Ale

Layers of amazing flavors!

December is a month where I really enjoy finding different winter ales. I am fond of the unique flavors and also the warmth of these beers.

Deschutes Brewery has created this wonderful imperial winter ale that comes in a 10.4% ABV. My nose picks up cherry, grape, and oak notes. There is a nice malt forward sweetness with dark fruit especially plum and date notes for me. Next is this tart spiciness in the backend along with a very warming finish.

Such an intriguing brew! Aged in wine, brandy, and port barrels, you will experience so many different flavors! The thoughts of a night in the woods with snow on the ground, stars in the sky, and Super Jubel in my glass would be a night to remember!

Cheers!