Swedish flags are a fairly common sight in our part of the country. Holiday parties often have warm concoctions of spices and booze at the ready to knock the ice off of toes while raising spirits. We were inspired by a “Glogg” party, deciding on the spot to brew a beer that pays tribute to this Nordic tradition. 2xMas Ale combines traditional brewing ingredients with figs, orange peels, cardamom, cinnamon, clove and ginger root. It’s a holiday addition to the 2X line and another reason to toast to the season, but unlike Glogg, we recommend serving this one chilled. (Description provided by company)
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No war on 2XMAS here
Southern Tier's 2XMAS is a seasonal ale "brewed in the tradition of Swedish glögg". It pours an opaque, almost creamy looking Amber color, with not a lot of head retention. It smells downright heavenly- sweet fruit, citrus, and spices dominate the nose. A rich, thick mouthfeel gives way to a beer that balances the sweet, the citrus, the hops, and the malt all very well. The finish is on the hoppy side, but not overly bitter. This is a really pleasant ale for the holidays.
2xMas Wishes You a Hoppy Holidays
This tastes like a brown ale that's decorated for Christmas. 2XMAS is amber with a khaki head that melted into a film that left lacing with each sip. I get a mix of holiday spices (clove, cinnamon), earthy hops, and a bit of light fruit, with the fruit dominated a bit by the other two. I taste nuts, spice, caramel, with a hoppy finish which is only mildly bitter. Medium body feel with pretty light carbonation.