Driving the news: Market Garden Brewery recently released its "Holiday Land" sampler pack, featuring four boldly spiced brews.
Zoom in: The 12-pack ($21.99) features three of each of the following:
Festivus Holiday Spiced Ale
Spruce Tips IPA
Party Lights Winter Wheat
Cool Runnings Rum Cake Stout
💭 Sam's thought bubble: I'm generally a traditionalist when Christmas Ales are concerned, but I sampled all four last week and was pleasantly surprised by the holiday flavors (beyond the cinnamon and ginger of the Festivus).
The Spruce Tips IPA exploded with piney hops, and really does drink like "a snowy alpine forest" as the marketing materials suggest.
By the numbers: Like other holiday beers, these are big boys in terms of alcohol content. Only the IPA, believe it or not, weighs in below 7% ABV.
🎄 Stop by: If you're looking for someplace festive to bring friends Wednesday, Nano Brew on West 25th has transformed into "HolidayLAND" for the season.
Nano Brew is also owned by Market Garden's Sam McNulty.
