Pints And Steins

Editor’s note: This is the second in my Beer Advent Calendar 2015 series. Likewise, I’m going to be posting a beer review each day. Some will be Christmas or Winter ales and other selections will be beers I’ve been wanting to try for some time.

Each year, Deschutes Brewing in Bend, Oregon brings us Jubelale, a festive holiday beer that is available from October through January. Like Wassail from Full Sail, Jubelale pours a dark mahogany color.

One thing I love about Jubelale, from year to year, is the flavor changes slightly as Deschutes tweaks the recipe.

Another cool factor of Jubelale is the label art. Each year, Deschutes selects a local Bend artist and features their art on the branding.

From Deschutes’ website:

..in 1995, we began commissioning local artists to create a piece of art for us that appears each year on the beer’s packaging. Our team looks at several portfolios throughout the year and ultimately chooses an artist that has a unique and interesting style. We don’t really give any guidelines other than it must be different and distinct, festive and wintery, and will look brilliant on a label.

How does it taste?

Jubelale pours dark brown and reddish in color. Te brew leaves a thick tan head because of it’s moderate to heavy carbonation.

When the ale hits your tongue, you taste toffee, a little bit of cherry and light fruit notes. The end of the sip is where the mild hoppy flavor takes hold for a refreshing finish.

This strong ale has a few different flavors going on, but it’s not overly complex and Deschutes is careful to make this beer to seem like it’s trying too hard. Each component of the flavor profile compliments the other.

To your nose, Jubelale is moderately spicy as you notice the nutmeg, cinnamon, with a bit of citrus, reminiscent of an orange peel.

Should you buy it?

Without a doubt. Buy this beer. Get a six-pack and share with family and friends.

Tags: Deschutes, Deschutes Brewing, Jubelale