Indeed Old Friend Holiday Ale 2013

This 7.0% ABV beer brewed with fresh ginger root and family harvested honey is from the Indeed Brewing Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is a holiday special release. They, like several other new brewers, are located in Northeast Minneapolis. They are a member of 1% for the planet, a global alliance of businesses that donate one percent of their gross revenue to organizations that help preserve and restore the natural environment. The cap is covered in white colored wax.

The beer pours a dark brown, burnt orange and garnet in color. There is nearly an inch of thick, almost creamy, light tan foam. The aroma is ginger, brown sugar,  caramel malt, a bit of dark stone fruit, and oh yeah, did I mention more ginger? The taste is ginger over brown sugar and near burnt sugars, however the sweetness is not overwhelming as it is tempered by the ginger. The overall effect is almost like a ginger cola. It is medium bodied with a refreshing carbonation. So many spiced beers overdo their spice, get unbalanced, and ruin themselves. The ginger in this is very present, but still fits into a balanced whole.