Lakefront Holiday Spice Lager (9/10)

Lakefront Brewery of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, makes this Holiday Spice Lager Beer.  Lakefront describes it as “our version of a winter warmer: brewed with cinnamon, orange zest, clove, and generous amounts of honey.”

It pours from the bottle a very slightly reddish dark brown with a finger thick off-white head that dissipates within seconds.

The aroma is malty, sweet, and shows off the nutmeg and orange.

The flavor starts strongly malty, then gives way to the honey sweetness, followed by the nutmeg, orange, cinnamon, and cloves – in more or less that order.  The finish is sweet and malty.  A very smooth and easy to drink beer.

Beer Advocate rates it an 84 or “good”.  Rate Beer likes it a bit bitter, giving it a 91 overall.  I’m going to side with Rate Beer on this one.  It’s a very pleasant winter warmer.  It’s sweet, malty, fruit, and spicy.  It’s a great winter beer and a nice holiday flavor combination.

I purchased this bottle at Kenny Road Market.  I’ve not seen it at other local retailers.  I look forward to picking up more of it in the near future.  It’s a really nice beer and a good holiday brew to share with others.  (It’s also not terribly expensive.  This single bottle set me back $2.69, though it would be cheaper in 6-packs and cases.)

Flavor Profile:
Sweet, Malty, Dry, Bitter, or Sour:  Sweet, Malty
Spice Level:  Moderate
Hops Level:  Low
Dominant Flavors:  Honey, Nutmeg, Orange
ABV: 9.4%
IBU:  19
My Rating:  9/10