Harvey’s Christmas Ale is a festive seasonal brew from the historic Harvey’s Brewery, based in Lewes, East Sussex. As one of the oldest family-owned breweries in the UK, Harvey’s has been crafting traditional British ales since 1790, and their Christmas Ale is one of their most anticipated releases each year. It’s brewed specifically for the holiday season, offering a rich and warming experience that perfectly complements the colder months and festive celebrations.

Harvey’s Christmas Ale is a strong, full-bodied beer with an ABV of 7.5%, making it one of the brewery’s more potent offerings. First brewed in the mid-1990s, it has since become a staple during the holiday period. The beer captures the essence of Christmas with its warming flavours, rich malt character, and subtle hints of spice. It’s designed for slow sipping by the fire or as a companion to hearty festive meals.

In terms of taste, Harvey’s Christmas Ale is a complex, indulgent brew that pours a deep, ruby-red colour with a thick, creamy tan head. The aroma is rich and inviting, with notes of dried fruit, dark sugars, and toffee, alongside a hint of Christmas spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. On the palate, you’ll experience layers of flavour, starting with sweet malt and dark caramel, followed by a fruitcake-like richness, including flavours of raisins, figs, and plums. The warming alcohol adds a pleasant depth, while the finish has a mild bitterness from the hops that balances the sweetness, leaving a lingering warmth on the palate.

The brewing process for Harvey’s Christmas Ale involves the use of a blend of roasted malts and traditional English hops, which together create a full, rounded flavour. The malt base provides the beer’s characteristic sweetness and body, while the hops add a gentle bitterness to prevent it from being overly sweet. Additionally, Harvey’s traditional open fermentation and the use of local Sussex spring water give the beer its distinctive, smooth character.

At 7.5% ABV, Christmas Ale is a strong brew that’s perfect for winter sipping, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings or as an after-dinner treat. It pairs wonderfully with rich Christmas fare, such as roasted meats, mince pies, or Christmas pudding. Harvey’s Christmas Ale is not just a beer; it’s a celebration of the season, with flavours and aromas that evoke the warmth and cheer of the holidays, making it a festive favourite year after year.