Wow, here it is Christmas, and I got a present early this year, or at least thought I did anyway, when I picked up a bottle of RJ Rockers The First Snow Ale. You see, I had heard good things about this beer, but as it turned out, my present turned out to be more like coal in my stocking. More on that in just a few.

First, a little background here on RJ Rockers The First Snow Ale. From the bottle label:

This hearty American pale ale contains a rich blend of spices that warms the soul on a cold winter's night. Chill the mug, stoke the fire, and savor this quality seasonal brew.

Sounds good enough. A pale ale with spices, then, of 6% alcohol by volume. Let’s try it, shall we?

RJ Rockers the First Snow pours to a bright orange color with a thick head of creamy foam and a very fruity nose packed with luscious apricot and, not so nicely, a bit of vinegar. Taking a sip, I get some of the honey richness up front and spicy notes of nutmeg and cinnamon to complement more of that apricot fruitiness the nose promised. The problem is that the vinegar is there all throughout and especially more in the finish. Our own Red Rooster confirmed that his bottle purchased in DC was vinegar, too.

This stuff goes for $10.99 a six-pack, about $2 higher than average, so I am glad I only got a single. $11 a six is bad enough (and RJ Rockers beers have suddenly got pricey in Georgia, their Gruntled Pumpkin was $11.99 a six this year); when the beer is infected, well, that’s adding insult to injury.

I have made multiple attempts to contact the brewery about this, but they have not been very responsive to my complaints. Shame on you, RJ Rockers.

This drain pour is getting one star and two thumbs down.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box . *Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer. (B)=Bottled (D)=Draft

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