Review: Santa’s Reinbeer from Vagabond Brewing

Author: Jason Harris
December 17, 2016

Editor’s Note: Today is day five in our Twelve Days of Christmas series on Pints and Steins – where we’ll be letting you know about a winter beer every day between now and Christmas Eve.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Santa’s Reinbeer from Vagabond Brewery!

Santa's ReinbeerSanta’s Reinbeer is a lesser known holiday beer because it’s not bottled and it’s only available from the Vagabond Brewing taphouse and select Salem-area taphouses during the holiday months.

Billed as a “winter warmer with spices”, Reinbeer pours a brownish mahogany color. When poured, it leaves light lacing on the glass and has a two-fingered pale head at the top of the glass.

How does it taste?

When you sip Santa’s Reinbeer, you’re immediately greeted with smooth malty, nutty overtones. This ale isn’t overly carbonated and goes down easily. Then, the spice overtones kick in and give flavors of nutmeg and allspice.

I’m a fan of this beer because it’s not too sweet and not too malty, however, if you’re one who doesn’t like overly-spicy beers, this one will not appeal to your palette.

The spice force is strong with this one, beer Jedis.

Should I buy it?

Yes, it’s a great beer that Vagabond fans will love, granted you like medium-spicy ales.

Find it at Vagabond’s Taphouse at 2195 Hyacinth St NE #172, Salem, OR. Also, I’ve seen Santa’s Reinbeer on tap at Salem taphouses such as Heroes on South Commercial.

(Photo credit: Untappd user Rich C.)