Seinfeld fans rejoice! For years you’ve been complaining during the Airing of the Grievances that there just aren’t enough Festivus beers for you to enjoy while performing Feats of Strength, not buying presents, and not decorating the Festivus Pole. The Market Garden Brewery of Cleveland, Ohio has heard you, and Market Garden Festivus Holiday Ale is now available in bottles and on tap. A true Festivus miracle!
Market Garden is not the first to brew a Festivus Ale, of course; there are a number on the market. This is the first, however, that I have come across. Market Garden beers are not sold here in Georgia, but thanks to the one and only Beer Professor Dave Coulter, I was able to try and enjoy a bottle.
From the label:
Smooth, spicy and wholesomely malty with an elegant finish thanks to caramelized wort and a bit of brown sugar, nutmeg and ginger. This beer is sure to make all those Airing of Grievances worth hearing about!
Market Garden Festivus Holiday Ale has an alcohol content of 7.5% by volume. I’d call that a Feat of Strength.
Market Garden Festivus Holiday Ale pours to a bright orange color with a medium head of loosely packed foam that is short-lived and a bright citrus and spice nose. Taking a sip, the beer is caramel maty up front followed by lots of nutmeg and ginger spice. The brown sugar makes this one different, adding a dark rich depth and a hint of sweetness. The nutmeg, most potent spice of all for me, dries the whole affair nicely in the finish.
Market Garden Festivus Holiday Ale reminded me of their Franklin Castle Pumpkin Spice Ale sans pumpkin, with similar spices and strength. A worthy holiday treat indeed; I’ll be airing no grievances about this one.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
(G)=Growler