"Manager’s Special" as in "get rid of the Christmas beer" at Lemon Tree today. Pours a light reddish brown under a frothy head. Some wassail spices in the nose. Still some pungent piney hops on the tongue, almost knocking off the trail of ginger. Orange peel becomes pronounced as I go on through. Some alcohol warmth, despite being only a little stronger than any pale lager. Remember for next year: would be good maybe with dessert at Christmas dinner, maybe with a cinnamon stick swirled in.

Sample at the brewpub. Pours a clear reddish-amber color with a medium thin off-white head that diminishes steadily. Partial rings of lacing on the glass. Aroma of spices and malt. Medium body with flavors of caramel malt, spice and a bit of pine. The finish is sweet with a short spice aftertaste. Decent overall.

Tap at Revolution Brewpub, Chicago - 04/11/12. Clear copper with reddish hues and a thin off white head which retains well. Good lacing follows. Hops and pine on the nose, orange pith, spice. Pine forward in the taste, hops, candied sugar, bitter orange peel, touch of spice. Medium bodied with soft carbonation, smooth on the palate and bitter in the finish. A rather decent Xmas beer well above the usual ho-ho, no-no humdrum!