Day 9 of the Advent-ure Calendar

Day 9: Ellicottville Brewing Co. Ski Bum

This is another beer we grabbed in Ithaca and the second beer on our list from Ellicottville Brewing. It’s a winter ale and it appears it may be a bit hoppy.  We don’t really know anything else about it.  The brewery’s website describes this beer as “refreshing and sessionable, our deep auburn brew packs a moderate bitterness with seasonal flavor.” 

REFLECTIONS

Beard & Broad
Beard: Another winter beer that tastes like beer.  ANOTHER CHRISTMAS MIRACLE! Both the aroma and flavor are loaded with fresh hoppy goodness.  After the last beer we had from this brewery, I wasn’t expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised by this.  Both citrus and pine flavors are dancing all merrily in my mouth.  With all the hoppiness coming at you, it dissipates into a nice crisp finish that isn’t too bitter.  It’s the kind of beer that will liven your tastebuds and won’t overpower your holiday feast.  Great stuff!

Broad: I didn’t know what to expect with this beer.  I actually feared it may be too hoppy for me.  But I was wrong. This beer is delicious. It’s a great mix of hoppiness, maltiness and citrus.  I wouldn’t necessarily categorize this as a holiday beer but I can see why they did.  I do get a hint of balsam which is my favorite holiday scent so that makes me happy.

Adam & Alex:
Adam: Fresh balsam in a glass. I don’t love IPAs as has been stated but I’m coming around and one that tastes like my favorite candle smells is a good start. I get a little grapefruit at the beginning but mainly it’s just fresh Christmas tree pine from smell to finish. I’d drink this while watching the grinch steal Christmas.

Alex: I really like this one, even though it is an IPA, and that is rare for me. It smells like Christmas trees and I imagine this is what balsam would taste like. All in all it was delightful.

Mez & Sam: (awaiting reviews)
Mez:

Sam: