Beer Advent Calendar – Day 17: St. Nicholas Ale presented by Chad Lothian

@Chaddah #friarsbrewhouse

To celebrate the Holiday Season, 2Beerguys.com and Seacoastbeveragelab.com have teamed up with beer bloggers around the country to host the third annual beer bloggers advent calendar. This is the season of sharing and we intend to share our love of beer with you. 31 Bloggers Blogging – click here for the running list of beers/bloggers.

Let’s see who is spreading holiday cheer today!

Blogger: Chad Lothian

Blog Name: If My Coaster Could Talk

Twitter/Facebook/Untappd: @Chaddah, Chaddah

Beer: St. Nicholas Ale

Brewery: Friars Brewhouse, Bucksport Maine

Beer Details:

Style: American Brown Ale

American Brown Ale ABV: 8.2%

Commercial Description:

Start with a full bodied American Brown Ale…add a touch of English hops, fresh ginger, orange, nutmeg and a few other secret spices and you have our limited edition St.Nicholas Ale. This seasonal delight is available in LIMITED QUANTITIES throughout the Advent/Christmas seasons. Believe it or not, it’s spectacular served HOT as well! Don’t miss out on this limited edition brew!

Why I selected the St. Nicholas Ale:

When I was asked to participate in this year’s 2 Beer Guys Advent Calendar I was excited for the opportunity to share something local to Maine, I had an initial thought but its release was far too late in the month. The Friars haven’t been brewing for long and this is their first Christmas beer, it’s only available in one shop in Bangor, Maine and you don’t get much more local than that.

St. Nicholas Ale pours a deep brown, almost black, light barely breaks through this one. The pour raised a short, chocolate milk colored head.

Smells of roasted grains, dark chocolate and a hint of orange zest.

First sip is slightly sweet, notes of chocolate, and then a smooth roasted grain flavor takes over and dries everything out. Notes of ginger and orange zest come though about mid sip and the finish reveals a hint of honey. Full bodied with a light carbonation and with a finish that leaves off dry.

I was impressed with St. Nicholas Ale, it’s not uncommon to find a stout or porter this time of year but they were able to build on their brown ale and create something special. I enjoyed the ginger in this beer, it was a nice subtle spice addition that added to the overall flavor without being overpowering and the slight touch of honey at the finish was nice as well. If you are ever in Bangor, Maine it’s worth stopping at Bangor Wine and Cheese and picking up some of the Friars beers.

Cheers!

Chaddah

About If My Coaster Could Talk:

Chad Lothian, Lives in Old Town Maine. He is a Craft Beer Enthusiast and Homebrewer. Chad has traveled to Brewpubs, Breweries and Brewfests all over New England.

For more information, please visit: http://ifmycoastercouldtalk.bangordailynews.com

About Friars Brewhouse:

The Friars Brewhouse is located in Bucksport, Maine on the grounds of the Franciscan Brothers of St. Elizabeth of Hungary’s Monastary. Their beer is brewed in small batches and only available for sale at Bangor Wine and Cheese in Downtown Bangor, Maine.

For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/Friars.Brewhouse

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