Mikkeller 'Santa's Little Helper' 2013

Mikkeller 'Santa's Little Helper' 2013. 10.9% abv. Barrel aged in cognac casks. Dark brown-black in color. A finger of tan head that falls to a nice collar. Good retention. Excellent lace. Nose is intense with sweet caramel, cognac. Front taste is rich, sweet malt and a very present cognac. Aftertaste is warm sugar, almost butterscotch, that ever-present cognac, with notes of bright hops and long lingering bittersweet notes. Full body. Mouthfeel is sticky, creamy, alcohol.

This is a world-class beer that certainly delivers what it promises. The amazing aroma is followed by a equally impressive taste down to the bottom of the glass. This beer rivals Anderson Valley Bourbon Barrel Stout, another favorite. Strongly recommended.

I was lucky that Beer To The People had a tap serving the 2013 recipe of this seasonal brew toward the end of 2014, and I eagerly look forward to trying the upcoming years.

From the brewery:

"We aim to brew beer that challenge the concept of good beer and move people. We do this by using the best ingredients and work with the most talented and creative minds around the world... make quality beers a serious alternative to wine and champagne when having gourmet food. We fail to calm down. We are always thinking in new ways and ideas, always working on the next project. Sometimes it’s hard for people to keep up… make beer that is watery and tasteless. In our world beer challenges people’s taste buds – whether it’s in a bitter, spicy, sour or fruity manner. We love to explore the existing beer genres by using the best raw material available. The refined product is the aim – not to keep down costs. This leads to very special brews by Mikkeller: Stouts with Vietnamese Kopi Luwak coffee, chipotle chili, lychee fruits – just to name a few… barrel age quality beers on exclusive wine barrels. For instance the Belgian Ale ‘Mielcke and Hurtigkarl’ brewed for the Danish gourmet restaurant by the same name has had the pleasure of being barrel aged on exclusive Chateau d’Yquem barrels… cooperate with other breweries around the world, who inspires us and teach us new ways of doing things. We hate to work with people that don’t give a damn. There are so many wonderful, passionate and honest people in the beer world, why spend time on the rest?"
[source: mikkeller.dk]