Hop Cast

The Holidays are here so for episode 70 of the Hop Cast, Brad Chmielewski and Ken Hunnemeder are sitting down for some liquid holiday cheer. Both the beers they sample in this holiday episode are Belgian Strong Dark Ales, which seems to be one of the favorite styles for holiday beers. The first beer they open is the St. Bernardus Christmas Ale. This beer has been aging for a year in Brad’s cellar and has an ABV of 10.0%. Brad and Ken follow up the St. Bernardus Christmas Ale with the Noel De Calabaza from Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales. Unlike most of Jolly Pumpkin beers this one isn’t as sour as most and its a great beer if you’re looking to see what the world of sours has to offer.

Instead of milk and cookies this year, why not leave Santa a delicious beer. Happy Holidays from the Hop Cast.

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The holiday music is playing and the shopping has begun so that could only mean one thing, December is here. Ken Hunnemeder and Brad Chmielewski went back and forth on this months beer selection. There are so many great holiday beers to choose from. They decided to go with something that takes the idea of what a holiday beer can be to the next level. Without further ado, the December beer of the month is the 2 Turtle Doves from The Bruery. The Bruery just recently showed up in the Chicago area and Ken and Brad have been enjoying just about everything they have gotten their hands on. And the 2 Turtle Doves is no exception.

Now watch out before you try taking on this holiday beer alone. This Belgian Strong Dark Ale comes in at 12.0% ABV, not something to be taken lightly. The 2 Turtle Doves pours out a dark chestnut, almost espresso with a very thin tan head, that quickly resides. Just a little lacing on the glass which seems about right for such a high alcohol beer. As this beer warms up the alcohol in the nose is more pronounced. There are some nice dried fruit smells, maybe dates or figs; along with toasted malts and chocolate and a hint of carmel. This is the type of beer that you just want to taste to see what else is going on. And when you finally do, the taste is fantastic! That sweet dried fruit comes through right away but there is also that rich chocolate flavor, not a sweet chocolate but a roasted nutty chocolate. Finally a light alcohol in the finish to warm you up inside. Although the alcohol comes out it isn’t a burn instead it’s very smooth and leaves a nutty and woody taste in your mouth. A well balanced beer throughout. Definitely unique and makes for a perfct holiday beer for yourself or as a gift. Open one of these after dinner with your family, it could be the perfect end to the night.

Happy Holidays from the Hop Cast!

Brad Chmielewski and Ken Hunnemeder just don’t want the holidays to end. The two them with special guest Matt Pickett share a bottle of Brouwerij De Regenboog’s ‘t Smisje Kerst.

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The holiday season has inspired Brad Chmielewski and Ken Hunnemeder and they wanted to share two more holiday beers with everyone. In this Hop Cast holiday special they sample and review Anchor Brewing’s 2008 Christmas Ale and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company’s Celebration Ale. Brad Chmielewski and Ken Hunnemeder would like to wish everyone who watches the Hop Cast a happy and safe holiday!

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The holidays are here and Brad Chmielewski and Ken Hunnemeder are here to show you the true meaning of season, Winter Warmers. In this Hop Cast holiday special they sample and review Great Lakes 2008 Christmas Ale and Goose Island’s 2008 Christmas Ale. Brad Chmielewski and Ken Hunnemeder would like to wish everyone who watches the Hop Cast a happy and safe holiday!

Download the Podcast (111.7 MB).