For each Baltimore Ravens’ game, I pick a victory ale to enjoy if they win. For the past 2 games, my victory beer has been a Krampus Ale, a bottle of homebrew stashed in the basement since 2016. Sadly, the bottle remains unopened, just waiting for the next Ravens’ win.

The Ravens have lost their last 2 games, first losing badly against the Patriots then losing in overtime to the Titans almost 2 weeks ago. The much anticipated Ravens/Steelers match was originally scheduled for Thanksgiving Day. However, COVID-19 struck. 22 of Baltimore’s players tested positive, including our starting quarterback, Lamar Jackson, and two key OLBs, Judon & McPhee. The game has been rescheduled twice and now is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at 3:40 PM. Although the Steelers are prohibitive favorites (according to John the football guru), I’ll have a Krampus at the ready, just in case the Baltimore Ravens overcome their underdog status.

Krampus Ale is a clone of Samichlaus® Classic, a highly alcoholic Christmas beer. I made this beer with the help of dBear and a few others on December 6th, 2016. We aged it for a year before tasting it. The first year was pretty bad, but it has aged well, giving pleasant overtones of cherry due to oxidation from aging. I’m curious to see how this crazy 12+ ABV tastes after cellaring for four years. Let’s hope I have an excuse to open it today.

Cheers!

Warren