Day 17 of the 7th Annual Holiday Beer Advent-ure Calendar
Day 17: Fifty West Brewing Company X-mas Cookie
Another beer from down south! Fifty West is out of Cincinnati, and they’ve made their way up here a couple times for collaboration beers, but not in any large capacity. X-mas Cookie is “A winter warmer brewed with deep caramel malts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger – all the ingredients you would put into an oatmeal cookie Santa would love.”
Reflections
Ben: This is pretty nice. I get subtle hints of vanilla and spices, but it still finishes nice and crisp. It’s a great example of a well balanced, yet flavorful holiday beer. I’d definitely drink this again and will seek out more 50 West beers.
Julia: It’s nice to get back to a Christmas/winter beer. This one is malty and full of the traditional Christmas spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. I also get hints of vanilla and oatmeal. It’s not overpoweringly sweet which I’m super thankful, especially after those last few beers. I would happily grab one of these from the fridge when I’m in the mood for a Christmas ale.
Adam: Weasley-esque ginger on the nose | light on the cinnamon for a change (hooray) | the right amount of sweetness | I would leave this cookie out for Santa all day long
Alex: I was really worried this was going to be super sweet when I saw this was an “X-Mas Cookie” beer, but I really like it. I can taste vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg, but it’s not overwhelmingly sweet. I would definitely drink this again.
Scott: My first reaction to the 50 West Xmas Cookie was…thin mint cookie. The mint flavor was gone quick, but the malty, sweet flavor was really good and another great option for the Christmas season. Would definitely pick this one up again next time we’re down near Kentucky!
Christa: Another Cincinnati beer! I was excited to try this one and have heard really good things but we are at the point in our beer journey where they start to all taste very similar. This is a malty, sweet holiday ale. A true to tradition holiday ale and it’s very good but I’m not sure it tops our Cleveland Christmas ale kings. I’d definitely add to my nice list, though!
Tony: After a couple funky fruit forward beers in a row this one is a welcome relief. I thought this one had really nice flavor. I get the vanilla mixed with nutmeg and cinnamon and for me it cake across pretty well balanced. Its also pretty crisp and clean on my pallet with no syrupyness or weird after taste. Its really nice, i enjoyed it and would recommend this one. I’m not familiar with Fifty West brewing but after this one i’d be curious to try more of their stuff.
Megan: Ooh this makes me want to sit under a cozy blanket and watch the snow fall while eating Christmas cookies. This smells like it would definitely be up my alley. I get those warm vanilla, cinnamon notes as the can indicates. I even get some chocolate in there too. Would love to try this one later!
Brad: Just when I thought I was ginger and cinnamon’ed out, this nice refreshing winter warmer arrived. I enjoyed it. Very balanced and has a great color. I get all the flavors they advertise. I’d happily drink this again.
Heather: Quite nice, quite nice. This holiday beer tastes exactly like a holiday beer. Subtle ginger, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon, light and bright, not overpowering. I also really appreciate 50 West’s aesthetic, with the road trip vibes mixed with winter cheer on the can. I can see myself drinking these with family this Christmas.