Coaster Critique: Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale

On the first day of Beermas:

Old fizziwig

Name: Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale

Brewed By: The Boston Beer Company

Style: Winter Warmer

ABV: 5.9%

Old Fezziwig pours a deep chestnut color that has a shadowy dark cherry color when held to the light. Clear in the glass with a slightly off-white head.

Nose is malt forward, dark roasted grains, dark chocolate and a hint of stone fruit. Spices are noticeable, cinnamon, cloves and ginger.

Big bold flavors in this beer, the malts come though with more of a toffee sweetness backed with dark chocolate. Mid sip the spices come forward, cinnamon and ginger with a hint of orange zest. The finish has just a hint of earthy hops that plays well off the spices and leaves you with a gentle dry bitterness. This beer has a medium to full body.

Overall I have to say I’m a bit surprised, as memory serves me this was not a beer I used to like, but obviously time has changed my palate. The beer packed with flavor and spice but everything seems to balance and in the end I’m left just wanting another sip. The beer definitely feels festive, from the label to the glass it feels like the holiday season.

Cheers

Chaddah

The 12 Days of Beermas 2014

Day 1: Samuel Adams – Old Fezziwig Ale

Day 2: Goose Island – Festivity Ale

Day 3: Magic Hat Brewing – Snow Roller

Day 4: Shipyard Brewing Company – Gingerbreadhead

Day 5: Traveler Beer Co. – Jolly Traveler

Day 6: SoMe Brewing – Cinnamon Toast

Day 7: Ridgeway Brewing – Reindeer’s Revolt

Day 8: Rising Tide – d’Hiver

Day 9: 21st Amendment – Fireside Chat

Day 10: Southern Tier – 2XMAS

Day 11: Castle Brewery Eggenberg – Samichlaus Classic

Day 12: Anchor Brewing – Our Special Ale 2014

Also check out my Prior Beermas adventures:

The 12 Days of Beermas 2013

The 12 Days of Beermas 2012

Chad Lothian

About Chad Lothian

Chad Lothian lives in Old Town, Maine. He is a craft beer enthusiast and homebrewer. Chad has travelled to brewpubs, breweries and brewfests all over New England.