Local beer enthusiasts gathered on December 2nd at one of the Valley's best spots to enjoy the suds - Vintage Estates in Boardman. They came to participate in VE's annual blind tasting of Christmas Ales and help determine which holiday brew was the best this season. Twelve beers made the final cut for consideration of the best holiday ale of 2012.

Nine of them were excellent, but didn't win a medal:

Breckenridge Christmas

Lakefront Spice

Columbus Christmas

North Coast Winter

Samuel Adams Winter

Great Lakes Christmas

Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs of Chrsitmas

Bells Christmas

Goose Island Christmas

Here are the beers that made the podium:

Bronze Medal Winner:

Fat Heads Holly Jolly 

Flavors of cinnamon, honey, ginger and orange peel spice.

Silver Medal Winner:

Southern Tier 2Xmas

Crafted in the tradition of a Swedish Glogg (traditional holiday ale). Brewed with fig, organge peel and spices, with two varieties of hops and four malts.

The Gold Medal Champion for 2012:

Hoppin Frog Frosted Frog

Brewed in the "Winter Warmer" style with rich malt flavors. Really great balance of the rich malt and traditional holiday spices.

Great to see VE continue this excellent tradition of blind tastings involving local beer lovers. Phill and Sandy Reda are already hard at work on April's Big Tap In. I can't wait to cover it again this year!

There also some interesting wine events coming soon to their new restaurant location in Boardman: The Magic Tree. Stay tuned to this blog for more details.