12 (New) Beers of Christmas - Jefferson County, West 6th Brewing (Lexington)

Written By: Dion on 12/13/2015

If you try hard enough, it's not difficult to learn something new every day. Today I learned a little bit about the 12 Days of Christmas. Every single day since January 1, 2012, I have sampled a beer that I've never had before. During that time, I've always made it a point to incorporate the "12 Beers of Christmas"--drinking a new seasonal daily, culminating with Christmas Day. Today I found out that the 12 Days of Christmas actually begins on December 25 and runs to January 5th. Hmmph. Whodathunkit? Anyway, given the fact I had such an awesome beer to kick things off with, I'm playing dumb and doing the 12 Days leading up to Christmas. Beginning with their fantastic Christmas Ale, West 6th ups the ante by aging the brew in brandy barrels from Copper & Kings out of Louisville. This has been one of my favorite seasonals since its inception, due in large part to the near perfect balance of dark fruits and spice. The nose is ripe with plums, raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Once the ale hits the tongue, the brandy influence becomes apparent as the sweetness of cooked apples and caramel come at the taste buds in waves. Cursory notes of charred oak and vanilla are woven into cherries, figs, and molasses. At 11%, this is a big beer, deserving of a slow, extended tasting. I can't wait to see what a little time in the cellar does for this brew. West 6th has really stepped up their game with the last couple of the County releases, and I can't wait to see what's next. If you would like to add this beer to your 12 Days of Christmas, be they before or after December 25th, make your way down to the taproom On Monday, December 14th at 5pm for the release of this one of a kind brew. You won't be sorry!