Wychwood "Bah, Humbug!"

One of the beers I picked up at Peabody's yesterday was a Bah, Humbug Christmas Ale from England's Wychwood Brewery, the same folks who brew the well-known Hobgoblin dark ale. ("What's the matter Lagerboy, afraid you might TASTE something?") With snow coming down hard and the roads becoming slippery we decided to stay in tonight. After building a fire I went to ye olde beer fridge and pulled out the Humbug thinking that a cold, windy, snowy night would provide a perfect backdrop.

The beer poured nicely into an imperial pint glass, displaying a rich reddish-brown color with modest head. The initial sip produced a watery mouthfeel with abundant maltiness. There wasn't overpowering spice taste but a noticeable trace of cinnamon was present. I also detected a bit of pepper at the finish. The beer comes in at only 6.2% ABV but there's a noticeable alcoholic presence. There wasn't any detectable hoppiness. The beer was very mildly carbonated. The head was long-lasting and was still present when I finished the brew.

Overall, a drinkable beer but a bit weak for the Strong Ale style. With all the other seasonals available I doubt I'll buy it again soon.