The birth of Santa’s beer
Don Russell, a.k.a., Joe Sixpack visits Vorchdorf, Austria to watched the birth of the next batch of Samichlaus. The renowned beer, whose name is the Swiss-German word for Santa Claus, is made only one day each year, St. Nicholas Day.
As well as seeing the beer blessed, Russell was able to taste several vintages.
Where the ‘05 was still full of malt flavor, the ‘04 was fruitier, with esters that remind you of peach brandy. The ‘01 was even more delicate, its edges smoothed over with time. What started as a loud, head-banging lager finally settled down and allowed you to see its softer side.
