Rogue Ales Santa’s Private Reserve Review

Rogue Ales of Newport, Oregon produces craft beer that typifies a West Coast style of brewing – bold, hoppy, and with attitude. Santa’s Private Reserve is no exception.

This beer pours copper red with a thin amber head that reduces to a lingering lace. The Carastan, Crystal & Great Western 2-Row Malts and Amarillo Perle Hops provide loads of flavor. This West-Coast style red ale is double-hopped, and at 65 IBUs is a beer worthy of Rogue Ales. The finish sings with hops, but is not cloying, as are some hop-heavy beers. A good example of a hoppy red ale.

Although I prefer my Christmas beers to be dark, rich, and spiced, I love the packaging on the 22 oz bottles of Santa’s Private Reserve. There’s a very complementary image of moi in my younger days, looking a bit like Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty. The really cool feature of the bottles are the glow-in-the-dark snowflakes on the bottle. Yes, I tested it – and as the song says, they glisten.

Look for the special boxes set with a Santa’s Private Reserve glass and 22 oz bottle in an embossed wood case. The folks at Rogue Ales go on my “Nice” list.

Question: Tried Santa’s Private Reserve? What did you think? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

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    While it's difficult to picture Santa as a young man, he was once. He met the future Mrs. Claus one snowy night when she offered him a winter ale that she brewed herself. It was love at first sight - for both the Mrs. and her winter ales. With Santa's growing fame, his favorite brews became named after his favorite day - Christmas. Santa now travels the world each year to spread the joy that began in a stable in Bethlehem two millennia ago.

    Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.