Christmas Beers; brew your own Winter Warmer
Christmas Beers have long been a favourite in Europe. Beers such as Belgium’s Bush Noel, Denmark’s Carlsberg's Christmas Beer, Germany’s Mahr’s Christmas Bock, France’s Jenlain Biere de Noël and of course England’s examples, such as Harvey’s Christmas Ale, Fuller’s Old Winter Ale or maybe even a Rudolph’s Revenge or Seriously Bad Elf! Another old favourite is Young's Christmas Pudding Ale.
For centuries brewing has had close connections with religion and brewers would produce special tipples for the seasonal celebrations. This tradition still goes on today with many breweries producing a special beer for the Christmas season.
Here in Britain, with the exception of lagers of course, our favourite beers are real ales. These beers are naturally carbonated in the vessels from which they are served, be it a bottle or barrel, with a little extra sugar being added just before fermentation is completed.
The sealed container holds the carbon dioxide produced by the remaining fermentation, which is then re-absorbed by the beer, giving it that lighter carbonation common to real ales. In the case of bottled beers, they are stored cold and gravity pulls the suspended yeast to the bottom of the bottle leaving a clear beer. Cask beer is however fined using isinglass and so is less suitable for shipping long distances.
Therefore because real ale contains active yeast, it must be kept well, meaning that real ale tastes better when consumed closer to where it was made, for example, Harvey’s in Sussex and so on.
When it comes to trying a few Winter Warmers or Christmas beers, you may think that the best place is in your local pubs. However, did you know that you can make your own Christmas Ales? There are quite a few beer kits on the market now which are capable of producing some excellent Christmas beers and if made in good time, you will have a good supply ready for the festive season, will save yourself quite a few quid and you will still be able to enjoy a Christmas beer even if you are snowed in.
They also make great christmas gifts for the homebrewer in your life. A seasonal gift which can be enjoyed all year round.
See the range of Christmas Beer Kits available now at Home Brew Online
Displaying 3 christmas products available
Milestone Brewery Beer Kit - Dasher the Flasher
A rich, red, smooth creamy ale full of Christmas cheer! Established by pub landlord, beer connoisseur and businessman Ken Munro, Milestone is a craft brewery producing fine flavoursome ales which has won many prestigious awards over the years. Head Brewer, Mr Dean Penney is dedicated and passionate about his beer. Dean is also responsible for the high standards and smooth running of the Brew House and the Brew Crew. He demands the best from everyone. Milestone`s philosophy, as a craft brewery, ...
£21.95
Milestone Brewery Beer Kit - Donner & Blitzed
A Real Christmas Cracker. Smooth and dark with a hint of rum. Established by pub landlord, beer connoisseur and businessman Ken Munro, Milestone is a craft brewery producing fine flavoursome ales which has won many prestigious awards over the years. Head Brewer, Mr Dean Penney is dedicated and passionate about his beer. Dean is also responsible for the high standards and smooth running of the Brew House and the Brew Crew. He demands the best from everyone. Milestone`s philosophy, as a craft bre...
£21.95
Santas Winter Warmer Beer Kit
Home Brew Concentrate Makes 36 Pints A Strong, mellow ale balanced with choice aromatic and bittering hops. ABV 5.7% Santa`s Winter Warmer is sure to bring a warm glow to all who drink it. That`s because Muntons have used authentic premium brewing malt and hops to provide a flavoursome, pleasingly strong winter brew. Muntons began by carefully selecting and malting the best English 2-row barley.When making the extract great care is taken to ensure that all the malt flavour and character is ret...
£25.95