Commendable limited edition green-bottled ’07 X-Mas treat boasts ‘curacao orange peel and thyme’ influence, but benefits better from chewy caramel creaminess, bittersweet raisin-prune ripeness, and red-wined grape tannins. Molasses-like brown-sugared vanilla sweetness drapes bounteous dried fruit finish.

Muddled herbal-spiced peculiarity is mild winter ale best served warm. Advertised orange-peeled star anise, clove, cardamom, coriander, and juniper potpourri lacks prominence, overshooting intended target by wide margin. Instead, cinnamon-spiced chocolate sweetness vaults port-brandy warmth of misguided prune-hued elixir. When chilled, honeyed restraint softens cloy root beer/ black licorice jot.

Not at all typical of spicy winter ales since nutmeg, cinnamon, and coriander don’t jump out at you. Nevertheless, refreshing chocolate mint aromatics welcomes well balanced honey-dipped maple-malted hop-fueled Brit.

Earthen-grained auburn seasonal placates distant nutmeg spiciness with sticky caramel-sugared Scotch sweetness, countering sour-fruited malting. Woody backdrop stimulates plum-fig-apricot haste.

Definite nutmeg influence just right for Christmas. Spicy sienna-hued peculiarity features well-balanced orange peel overtones, dried fruit tartness, and cinnamon-clove seasoning. Rich barley base takes in minor citrus-y notes. Fully realized Holiday Ale perfect for dessert. Brewery defunct: 2001.

Non-traditional penny-coppered seasonal deepens persuasive dry-spiced Scotch malt richness, dewy tea-like resonance and resinous spruce-maple sappiness with mildly embittered hop char. Aromatic wheat wafer surge increases caramel sweetness, putting this closer to toasted lager than winter-spiced ale. Tapped version, 2011, confirmed toasted malting, but drier fig-date spicing and sweeter marzipan reminder felt.

Divergent tawny seasonal perks chewy caramel-butterscotch reliance with harvested spruce tips, mild chestnut-pine wood tones, and insurgent floral hops, abandoning predictable cinnamon-nutmeg wintering for heavily alcoholic dessert warmth. Complexities abound when syrupy flow turns bubble-gummy at thawed finish.

Tawny winter warmer luring orange-peach-grapefruit tang, plum-cherry dash, and honeyed tea linger to eloquent floral backdrop. Cinnamon-nutmeg-coriander spicing tucked inside citric glaze.

Expressive mahogany-hued Belgian-styled dark ale celebrates winter with chocolate-covered cherry initiation, luxurious barleymalt swagger, and honeyed cinnamon follow-up. Ginger teases walnut-chestnut illusions as maple finish builds.

Nutmeg, toasted nut-grains, and cocoa nibs provide heady combination for impressive bubbly-headed tutti-frutti ‘cherry red’ ale. Well carbonated and not overbearingly sweet like some holiday ales, allowing aromatic herbs to entice pumpkin-spiced cherry-berry merriment. But what are we doing drinking rich winter ales in the month of May? Brewery defunct: 1999.

Silken bottle-conditioned caramel-hued ale with lilting barleywine essence augmenting unassuming 5.3% alcohol index. Pleasant buttery creaminess enriches gentle chocolate finish. Ultimately understated, but festive treat will please even the heartiest of thirsts.

Tart raspberry puree scheme outweighs astringent crystal-chocolate malting and honeyed hazelnut whim of ’06 version. Metallic phenol hop fizz restrains strawberry-kiwi nip, recessive wood impression, and harsh walnut density.