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16 d e c e m b e r 5 , 2 0 1 3
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Great Lakes Christmas Ale surprises with intoxicating cinnamon flavor By Avery Hartmans Staff Writer
Beer bites
With the semester winding down and the holidays fast approaching, there are really only two things we should be doing: trying not to weep soft, sweet tears about how horrible finals are going to be and drinking holiday beers. Specifically, Christmas ales. Aside from the fact that the beer industry totally neglected to create a Hanukkah ale, I have a few issues with Christmas ales. First of all, the flavors that are generally associated with the holidays, like anise and eggnog, would make for nauseating beers. Second of all, who sits by the fireplace, unpacking his or her stocking, and thinks, “Gee, I could really go for a cold one right now?”
It seems to me that Christmas ales are just an excuse to create prettier labels and trick us all into buying overpriced specialty brews. Well it turns out that I’m all talk, because I was seduced like everyone else and caved to the Christmas beers. After tasting the truly despicable Saranac Christmas ale one night, I decided to find a more highly recommended brew: I opted for Great Lakes Brewing Company’s version and crossed my fingers. This beer made me a believer. Maybe not a believer in Christmas miracles or a magical elf factory north of Nunavut, but I sure do believe in the deliciousness of Christmas ales. For starters, a 12-oz. bottle contains 7.5
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accompanies them with a fiddle or mandolin. Romulus Linney created the adaptation of Dickens’ story in 1998 and aimed to create a version that could be presented with elaborate theatricality or clean simplicity, according to a Syracuse Stage press release. Scenic designer Linda Buchanan took the latter approach, relying on linear scenery and just a few pieces of furniture to suggest locations. For example, Scrooge’s spirit-guided time travel fits well into the loosely defined spaces created by luminous projections on the stage’s backdrop. More scenic highlights include Scrooge’s bed, which almost serves as a character itself. The mattress and four enormous bedposts glide on and off the stage with dizzying fluidity while
its rich curtains part twice to reveal unexpected visitors. Later a transparent tombstone bearing Scrooge’s name emerges eerily from the stage’s floor, its glowing outline and engraving appearing to hover in space. In the spirit of the holidays, Syracuse Stage is asking theatergoers to bring canned goods to each performance as donations to the food pantry of Christ Episcopal Church. In addition, cast members collect donations for Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS as the audience exits. With that generous spirit in the air, it will be hard for audiences to leave without feeling a bit of holiday cheer. Scrooges in the audience may yawn at the production’s predictability and occasional stiffness, but those attending with open hearts and a taste for holiday tradition will walk away smiling warmly with carols running through their heads. insimonc@syr.edu
percent ABV, which really makes me respect Great Lakes Brewing Co. They seem to understand that all anyone wants to be during the holidays is a little buzzed, if not all-out drunk, and they added more alcohol to help get the job done. But what was really exceptional about this beer was the taste. There were so many f lavors happening, none of which were gross or out of place, yet somehow it still tasted distinctly Christmas-y. The Great Lakes contained cinnamon, ginger and honey. It reminded me of brunch on Christmas morning. It was flavorful but not overpowering, and it left a pleasant aftertaste. Even though I wanted to savor this beer and treat it like a lady, I downed it much more quick-
ly than acceptable for a Tuesday afternoon. I couldn’t help it — it truly tasted like a magical Christmas elixir sent from the beer gods to help the world survive what is about to be way too much consecutive family time. And I’m not the only one who thinks so. This beer won a gold medal at the World Beer Championships in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009, so I’d say it’s legitimately good. So thank you, Great Lakes, for changing my mind about Christmas ales. I’m a believer now, thanks to your delicious and delectable beer. I guess I know what I’ll be drinking Christmas morning. avhartma@syr.edu @averyhartmans
Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit gather at the table to enjoy Christmas dinner with others while Scrooge and the ghost of Christmas Present observe from the background.