Evil Genius Santa I Know Him

Santa I Know Him is a seasonal release from Evil Genius, a brewery based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The listing doesn't give an ABV, IBU or style, so the flavor notes below are what seasonal beers of this kind usually offer. They are not a measured profile of this beer. Winter releases often run fuller and stronger than a brewery's year-round lineup, with a rounder malt backbone and some spice, caramel or dark-fruit character. If this one follows that pattern, expect a beer that suits slow sipping, so check the label for the exact ABV before you pour several. For serving, aim for about 45°F, which is cool but not ice-cold. Straight from a refrigerator at 38°F, a malt-forward seasonal tends to taste thin and its aromas stay muted. Ten to fifteen minutes on the counter lets the malt and any spice come forward. A tulip or snifter-style glass works well for a beer like this because it concentrates aroma and holds a foam head. A standard pint glass is a fine alternative if the beer turns out to be lighter than expected. At the table, seasonal beers with this profile usually pair with roasted poultry, glazed ham, pork with a sweet-savory rub, aged cheddar, or baked goods built on cinnamon, nutmeg or brown sugar. Salty and caramelized flavors in the food tend to complement the malt sweetness without competing with it.