Rocking Rudolph - Hardy and Hansons - 4.2% ABV. B+ and a bit. Traditional Festive Ale with a malt forward body with hints of spice. Gentle bitter finish #ale #beer #bier 3.3/5. Actually Greene King. Getting better as it warms up with a deeper range of flavours. Very sessionable and seasonable.

Risalamande - Vault City - 6.0% ABV. B++, complex and completely flavoursome. The Danes know #ale #beer #bier 3.5/5. Waiting for the light to fade, listening to Windows Weekly. Drinking a Fine Sour and nearing 2026.

The Cold Conditions - Wylam / Donzoko - 4.4% ABV. B++, fruity for a Lager but sharp and refreshing. Tidy Newcastle Collab #ale #beer #bier 3.5/5. Feeling very Christmasy but that’s what Newcastle gives you. And the rain has stopped #jingle

Chocolate Ottoman - Weird Dad - 5.5% ABV. B++, you need a completely Fine Ale at Christmas and Dave has completely done it #Jingle #ale #beer #bier 3.5/5. Malty, strong, fruity and completely different. A Weird Dad / Dave Colab. And the sun has come out!

The Oaty Way - Bluestone Brewing - 5.1% ABV. B++, roasty, malty, chocolate and coffee. Gentle Oats mouthfeel. Tastes like Christmas #ale #beer #bier 3.5/5. Not badged as a Christmas Ale but shouts out Christmas to me. The Football is now on at the Pen and Wig #newport

Lady of the Lake - Glastonbury Brewing - 4.2% ABV. B+ and a bit, pleasingly malty and gently hoppy. Really rather good #ale #beer #bier 3.3/5. I haven’t been to the Pen and Wig since July. That’s far too long. Quality Cask Ales, New Cask Ales.

Twelve Days - Hook Norton - 5.5% ABV. B++, rich and fruity and strong. A fine example of what a Christmas Ales should be #ale #beer #bier 3.5/5. The Festive Game is back on as the Beer matches the weather. Traditional, Seasonal and Non Sessionable.

Prelude - Beers Of The Beano - Saturday 06 December 2025 From a packed John Wallace Linton, where there as many Full English as Pints. Talking price rises, Christmas shopping and what exactly is a Christmas Ale? All very Festive.

Evil Elf - Rudgate - 4.0% ABV. B+, still a bit cool, maybe why it’s a bit thin. Hoppy, tropical and fruity #ale #beer #bier 3/5. Could Summer Golden Ales be the new Christmas Ales? Real Ales up 10p in The JWL but still cracking value.

Santa Baby - Holbeck Brewhouse - 5.2% ABV. B+ and a bit and a touch. Hoppy, fruity and juicy. Festive New Zealand Hops #ale #beer #bier 3.4/5. Really tasty and refreshing. Cask can do it. Still Foggy in Ponty. PMQs on in the background.