First up to bat is the Abita 2008 Christmas Ale is an American Brown Ale from the Abita Brewing Company in Abita Springs, Louisiana. No ABV to report.

Poured into a pint glass, the beer pours out to a nice dark off-white head. The head fades quietly to a thin layer that stays for some time. The lacing spots the edges of the glass. The color is a bright copper with bubbles so small I missed them at first.  In fact, I couldn’t even see them unless I back light the glass with the laptop screen. More on that later.

The smell is fairly faint, but slightly biscuity. Not overly present and that does not do the beer any favors.

Mild yet pleasant enough, the beer has a very light toasty flavor that I appreciate. Its a very approachable but utterly forgettable taste. The Abita website claims the beer has a spicy character that I find difficult to discover.

Light and slightly chewy, the beer feels a thin but admittedly smooth as well. The tiny bubbles provide only mild texture, and the alcohol is almost non-existent.

Very easy to drink, it would make an decent enough session beer when visiting the Abita Brew Pub. I certainly wouldn’t plan on revisiting it.

bottomline -Not a start. Plenty of room for the night to improve. For a beer that markets itself as a Christmas Ale, the taste is so under spiced that I gladly grade it lower. The final grade…

C-