What Makes a Christmas Beer a Christmas Beer?
Christmas, the season of mulled wine and roasted almonds. However, always having just mulled wine can become a bit monotonous over time. Meanwhile, Christmas beer has secured a firm place, especially in Austria. Various types, brewed specifically for the Christmas and/or Advent season, available in limited quantities, and featuring special designs and extraordinary flavors – Christmas beer is a highlight every year, not just for beer enthusiasts. But where does this tradition actually come from? And what does this festive brew taste like?
From Viking Brew to Orange-Cinnamon Brew
The classic Christmas Bock is, of course, well-known to beer connoisseurs, but the tradition of brewing specialty beers for special occasions is actually much older. The Vikings already brewed in honor of the winter solstice shortly before Christmas. Scandinavia adopted this tradition early, and while Austria followed somewhat later, it has since embraced it with enthusiasm and – naturally – great taste.
Speaking of taste: Naturally, there are classic-tasting beers for the festive season, which primarily differ in name and design from the brew available year-round. Typically, Christmas beer is smooth, robust, full-bodied, and has a slightly higher alcohol content to warm you during the cold temperatures. Beyond spicy, smoky, and sweet notes, special aromas are increasingly incorporated. Typical Christmas flavors, including orange, anise, cinnamon, cardamom, and clove, as well as (dark) chocolate, caramel, and vanilla, tantalize the palate.
Christmas Beer from Our Mittersill Brewery
Where beer is brewed, life is good: In our in-house brewery, we naturally mature our own winter beer. Throughout November, we produce a dark lager with subtle caramel and chocolate notes. Our exquisite winter beer will be available for sale in one-liter bottles from December 15th and will also be served on tap in the Bräurup Restaurant.
Why not combine your winter beer experience with a stay at our alpine hotel, perfect for ski and cross-country enthusiasts! We look forward to receiving your
