Evil Twin Even More Xmas

Evil Twin's Even More Xmas is a seasonal beer, and the retailer files it under Oktoberfest as well. That puts it in the winter-warmer and festive-release camp, not a classic Märzen lager. The details on hand give no ABV, IBU, hop list or tasting notes. What follows is what beers in this seasonal lane usually do, and it should be read as a guide to what to expect, not a measured profile of this bottle or can. Beers released for the Christmas season tend to run fuller and warmer than everyday lagers or pale ales. Expect a malt-forward base with toasted bread, caramel or dark fruit character. Many also carry spice, citrus peel or dried-fruit notes, and some come in at a higher strength. Bitterness in this style is usually kept modest so the malt and any spice can carry the flavor. Check the label for the stated ABV before you decide how much to pour or when to drink it, because seasonal releases vary widely. Serve it cool, not ice-cold. Around 8 to 12°C (46 to 54°F) is a sensible window for a malt-led seasonal beer. At fridge temperature the sweetness and spice flatten out. A few minutes out of the fridge lets the aroma open up. A tulip, snifter or stemmed goblet works best, since the narrowing top holds the aromatics and leaves room for a foamy head. A plain tumbler or nonic pint glass will also work if that's what you have. At the table, this kind of beer suits roast poultry, glazed ham, roast pork and sausages, where the malt sweetness plays against savory, salty fat. Root vegetables, stuffing and cranberry sauce suit it too. It goes with aged cheddar, gouda or washed-rind cheeses, and also with gingerbread, fruitcake or baked apples. Spicier, richer dishes can overpower a lighter-bodied example, so match the weight of the food to the weight of the beer.