299317 Sun Nov 28 02:19:47 -0800 2004 13 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1657648 What have you tried this year that you recommend trying. What should be skipped. So far I've struck out with Starbucks Christmas blend and Pepsi Holiday Spice. Not much luck in the beer department either. The pannetonne I've sampled is local and doesnt' make visions of sugarplums dance in my head. Recommendations please. Image: http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:BBJBCSTJQUYJ:www.statecollegecentral.com/royal/humbug.gif Sun Nov 28 02:19:47 -0800 2004 0 Krys Stanley 1 1657654 I quite like Starbucks seasonal lattes -- sweet, but not as sweet as hot cocoa, and they are very seasonal. The pumpkin spice and the gingerbread are good, but I'm not fond of the eggnog. Sun Nov 28 10:44:46 -0800 2004 1657648 0 Caitlin Wheeler 1 1657671 Tanke that less than perfect panetone and turn it into french toast. It is terrific french toast. Sun Nov 28 13:40:54 -0800 2004 1657648 0 Candy 1 1657683 In the skip it category: Marin Brewing Company's Hoppy Holidaze Ale. It's got a bunch of spices, vanilla, and other crap it in. Disgusting. -Nick Link: http://www.marinbrewing.com/mbc.brews.html#holidaze Sun Nov 28 16:38:38 -0800 2004 1657648 0 nja 2 1657740 In related news... Last night I found a six pack of Deschutes Brewery's Jubelale. It's a much better Christmas brew, although I enjoyed it more last year when I tried it at the brewery in Bend, Oregon. -Nick Link: http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/BrewPub/OnTap/5811.aspx Mon Nov 29 12:25:32 -0800 2004 1657683 0 nja 1 1657694 Brooklyn Brewery's seasonal BLACK CHOCOLATE STOUT...a one-punch knockout. Sun Nov 28 18:11:52 -0800 2004 1657648 0 Mike R. 2 1657765 Ah, it's delicious, but I can't go back after having had Young's Double Chocolate Stout. Mon Nov 29 17:07:02 -0800 2004 1657694 0 KB 2 1657851 I like their Monster Ale, which is a barleywine-style ale--it packs a real punch. Only available for about 2 months each winter. Tue Nov 30 14:15:28 -0800 2004 1657694 0 Chorus Girl 1 1657713 See comments on recent tasting of some great microbrew stouts. Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/299305#1657540 Sun Nov 28 23:23:50 -0800 2004 1657648 0 Chicago Mike 1 1657725 I've been saddened over the past few years by the absence of Sam Adam's Maple Porter, which was made a few years in a row. Wish they'd bring that one back. Mon Nov 29 08:06:50 -0800 2004 1657648 0 Dennis S 2 1657730 dammit, didn't know they stopped making that entirely. Mon Nov 29 09:28:23 -0800 2004 1657725 0 Nab 3 1657737 Well I keep hoping, but I haven't seen it in DC or Missouri for the past couple of years. Mon Nov 29 11:04:40 -0800 2004 1657730 0 Dennis S 1 1657739 Anchor Steam's Christmas Ale is delicious this year. It varies from year to year but I think this year is a winner. Link: http://www.anchorbrewing.com/beers/christmasale.htm Mon Nov 29 11:50:08 -0800 2004 1657648 0 Mrs. Jake 1 1657741 Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale is out and is good, but not as good as the last couple of years to me. Seems to be missing that malt backbone it usually has that balances the hoppy bitterness. Anchor's Our Special Ale is fine right out of the box this year. In previous year's it had quite strong spruce type flavors that needed a year in the cellar to mellow out. This year the sap flavors are subtle. I can't wait for Smuttynose's Dopplebock to come out. Mon Nov 29 12:36:24 -0800 2004 1657648 0 rl