From the Beer Writer: I can remember when Karl Strauss Brewing Company went from that loveable but sort of stale company best known for being the longest operating San Diego brewery post-Prohibition, to an operation making a legitimate effort to become relevant and current once more. The company did this by brewing beers that went beyond the more basic styles it had built its reputation on—Amber Lager, Red Trolley Ale, Windansea Wheat and the like—and venturing into territory less trodden. For me, one of Karl’s most successful efforts during this time was its seasonal winter offering, Fullsuit Belgian Brown Ale. Cola-like in its caramely yet drinkable sweetness, with floral and nutty notes, it was unlike just about any beer being brewed in San Diego at the time. So, it’s nice to see the company is as fond of it as I am, imperializing the beer and crafting a version built to age for multiple years for future enjoyment as part of its “12 Days of Christmas”-themed series of holiday beers. Karl Strauss Six Suits A-Hangin’ is the sixth installment in this 12-year project which sees a new and high-alcohol beer released annually. This bigger, sweeter version of Fullsuit was aged on French oak. The resulting vanillin compounds makes this ale taste quite a bit like hard root beer with a minor trace of fruity, dusty, wine-like mustiness in the finish. There’s a bit of raw heat to the beer, which figures to settle out by 2021 when this brew is meant to be uncapped with its 11 siblings.
From the Brewer: “I’m a huge fan of our holiday ale this year. Our winter seasonal, Fullsuite Belgian Brown Ale, was always a favorite creation of mine and we’ve been wanting to try a double version of it. The intention of our holiday series is to brew big beers that improve with age with the hope that folks will enjoy a bottle now and lay down another for years to come. We’ve now hit the halfway point in our ’12 Days’ series, and at 8.5% alcohol-by-volume, I think we can definitely hope for a good five-to-six years out of this extremely drinkable beer.”—Paul Segura, Brewmaster, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
From the Bottle: Winter in San Diego means surfers break out their fullsuits. And while you may not find many stockings hung by the chimney with care, you’re sure to see those wetsuits hung out to dry on plenty of balconies across the county. Six Suits A-Hangin’ is the 6th installment in our “Twelve Days” holiday series. This imperial Belgian-style brown ale is brewed with caramel and brown malts for rich flavors of graham crackers, roasted nuts, ad peppery Belgian spice. Aging on French oak adds a hint of vanilla. As for the finish? It’ll warm you from your head to your frozen toes. Happy Holidays from all of us here in Karlifornia. Drink good beer from here.