Mikkeller Hoppy Lovin’ Christmas

ABV: 7.8%
Style: Imperial IPA

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Yes! A Surprise Bonus Beer
Andy and I visited Chris and Antje the day after Christmas, and Chris informed me that he had one more bottle and that we were going to share it. Fortunately it was a 750ml bottle.

Reactions and Insights
This was excellent and I wished there had been another bottle to share. It was hoppy but pretty light for an IPA and very tasty. I’d say it had a kind of complex fruity flavor, but that makes it sound weird. It was balanced and delicious, and in the moment of drinking it I felt like it was one of the best beers I’d ever had.

I hadn’t been familiar with Mikkeller prior to this project, and I’m very glad to have been able to sample a bunch of its offerings. I’ll be seeking them out in the future. We are really living in a beer heyday, aren’t we? Lucky us.

Would I drink a case of it? 
Yes.

Did it contribute to my holiday spirit?
Yes. I drank it while hanging with Matilda and Neil, admiring Chris and Antje’s Christmas tree, and playing Atari with Andy, Chris, and Antje. Good times with good people.

Beth’s Grade
10

Objective Grade
9

Label Notes
The label actually looked better in person than it does here. I like the somewhat unskilled drawing and the flat colors; it works with their kind of lame logo. Overall it’s cute and festive. 8/10

Duvel Triple Hop 2014

ABV: 9.5%
Style: Belgian IPA

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Reactions and Insights
This truly is one of the world’s best beers. If you’ve never had it, go out and get yourself some. Or at least one. It’s expensive.

It’s incredibly well balanced, crisp, and flavorful. And all the alcohol — or I should say, just the right amount of it — is masked by the harmony of its elements.

UPDATE: ALERT: The above notes are about the standard Duvel, a Belgian Strong Pale Ale. I had failed to note at the time of consumption that I was actually enjoying the Triple Hop 2014. Um, it was super delicious is all I can remember. And I guess hoppier than the standard Duvel? As a hops lover this can only improve my love of a superb beer. All ratings stand.

Additional Reflections and Suggestions
I’m touched by how Chris (my brother, giver of this gift) loaded the last week with beers he knew I would like. And I’m touched by the amount of effort and money he put into making such a wonderful gift. We need to come up with a way to market this in time for the next holiday season.

Would I drink a case of it? 
Oh yes.

Did it contribute to my holiday spirit?
Sure. But what is holiday spirit, anyway? Just kidding.

Beth’s Grade
10

Objective Grade
10

Label Notes
It’s timeless and great. I read the history of Duvel on its website, and while it shows some very old advertising material and pictures of buildings, it doesn’t talk about the genesis of the logo or label design. But I’m pretty sure they’ve been using this label (or a similar incarnation) since at least the late ’70s. The wordmark is assertive and full of old-fashioned character, and the touches of gold feel just right. And it’s got that cool crest. 10/10

Goose Island Matilda

ABV: 7.0%
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale

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Reactions and Insights
It’s really good! I bought a six-pack of it a couple of years ago and wasn’t too impressed with it. But maybe my taste buds have opened up. Or maybe it just got better. I am a fan of Goose Island in general, so it doesn’t surprise me that this is delicious. Except it did surprise me because I remembered thinking it was only okay.

I confess to not recalling flavor specifics. I only remember that I thought with each sip, “Wow, this is so good.” And then, sadly, it was gone.

Also it shares a name with my awesome niece.

Would I drink a case of it? 
Yes.

Did it contribute to my holiday spirit?
Yup. I believe I drank it on Christmas day.

Beth’s Grade
9.25

Objective Grade
9.25

Label Notes
It reminds me of my childhood impression of an ’80s party on a yacht: sleek and spare, black and white, with men wearing t-shirts with blazers and people asking each other if they’ve tried the caviar. The ladies in Duran Duran videos would drink this if champagne didn’t exist, and so would Princess Diana. But honestly, I think it’s beautiful. It looks a little like it belongs on a bottle of wine, but it attests accurately to the quality of the beer inside. 10/10

Mikkeller Saaz Single Hop IPA

ABV: 6.8%
Style: IPA

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Reactions and Insights
This was a more standard IPA than the Centennial — hoppier and less sweet. It was a little watery, but very easy to drink. I enjoyed it.

Would I drink a case of it? 
If someone gifted me a case of this, I would not have a problem drinking it. But I probably wouldn’t buy one.

OK, but would I drink a six-pack of it?
I would, but it might not be my first choice.

Did it contribute to my holiday spirit?
I drank it while watching the beginning of White Christmas on Christmas Eve and thinking about how there were finally no distractions to my enjoyment of this holiday. It was possibly my favorite moment of the season, because the mild chaos of Christmas Eve evening and Christmas day were yet to come.

Beth’s Grade
8

Objective Grade
8

Label Notes
It’s exactly like the Centennial label but in different colors. I still have the same mixed feelings. 5/10