Festivus Beer Calories: Market Garden Brewery's Holiday Cheer

Market Garden Brewery's Festivus Holiday Ale is a smooth, spicy, and malty beer with a 7.5% ABV. It has about 160 calories per 12 oz serving. The beer is crafted with caramelized wort, brown sugar, nutmeg, and ginger, giving it a unique flavour and aroma. While the exact calorie count of a beer depends on various factors, including ABV and serving size, a 7.5% ABV beer like Festivus Holiday Ale typically has more calories than a lower ABV beer.

ABV and calories

The ABV (alcohol by volume) and number of calories in a beer are interrelated. The higher the ABV, the more calories a beer will contain. A Market Garden Brewery Festivus Holiday Ale has an ABV of 7.5% and approximately 160 calories.

The ABV of a Market Garden Brewery Festivus Holiday Ale is relatively high compared to the average ABV of beer, which is between 4-8%. The ABV of this beer is even higher than that of wine, which is generally 12% or higher.

The number of calories in a beer depends on various factors, including the pour size, the ABV, and the real extract (the remaining sugar in the beer). While it is challenging to determine the exact calorie count of a beer without scientific equipment, ABV is a good indicator of its caloric content.

A Market Garden Brewery Festivus Holiday Ale is a spiced beer with notes of brown sugar, nutmeg, ginger, and caramelization. It has a smooth and malty mouthfeel with a dash of holiday spice. The relatively high ABV and presence of spices and sugars contribute to the overall calorie count of this beer.

Compared to other beers, the Market Garden Brewery Festivus Holiday Ale's calorie count is on the higher end. For example, a 3.5% ABV saison will have significantly fewer calories, while a 9% ABV double IPA will have upwards of 350 calories due to its higher alcohol content and increased residual sugar.

Nutmeg and ginger

Tea

A warm cup of tea is a perfect way to enjoy the benefits of nutmeg and ginger. To make nutmeg and ginger tea, boil water with nutmeg powder and a piece of crushed ginger for 2-3 minutes. Then, add tea leaves or a teabag and turn off the heat. Let it steep for a minute before adding sugar and milk to taste. This tea is an excellent remedy for cold winter days.

Holiday Beer

Market Garden Brewery's Festivus Holiday Ale is a smooth, spicy, and malty beer with hints of nutmeg and ginger. It has an ABV of 7.5% and 25 IBUs. The addition of brown sugar and caramelization gives it an elegant finish. This festive beer is perfect for the holiday season and is available during the winter and spring months.

Pumpkin Spice

Pumpkin pie spice is a classic fall and winter flavour that can be made by combining ginger root, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon. This spice blend can be used in various recipes, including pumpkin pie, squash purée, and hot cocoa. It can also be added to vodka for a festive infused beverage.

Squash Purée

Ginger and nutmeg can enhance the flavour of squash purée. By adding butter and butternut squash to the mix, you can create a delicious and healthy side dish or base for soups and sauces.

Health Benefits

In addition to their culinary uses, nutmeg and ginger offer several health benefits. Ginger is well known for its ability to soothe nausea and upset stomachs. It can also help reduce inflammation and has antioxidant properties. Nutmeg, on the other hand, is a good source of antioxidants and has been traditionally used to treat joint pain and improve digestive health.

Caramelized wort

Caramelization is a complex process that involves the pyrolysis (decomposition) of carbohydrates when exposed to high temperatures under relatively dry conditions. It results in the browning of sugar, producing a rich, butter-like flavour and brown colour. The process involves various reactions, including dehydration, condensation, isomerization, fragmentation, and polymerization, leading to the development of distinct flavours and colours.

In brewing, caramelization plays a crucial role in developing the flavour and colour of beer. While some brewers add caramels during the wort boiling stage or to adjust the colour, others prefer using caramelized malts. Market Garden Brewery's Festivus Holiday Ale, for instance, achieves its smooth, spicy, and malty characteristics with a hint of holiday spice from brown sugar, nutmeg, and ginger, thanks in part to the caramelized wort.

To create a deeper colour and more intense flavour in their beers, brewers may opt for caramelized malts instead of using caramels as colourants or flavourings. These malts undergo intense heating and stewing processes, resulting in a range of colours and flavours. Lighter options include carapils, with a colour specification of 15–30 EBC, while Crystal malts can reach 75–300 EBC. The production process involves drying the surface moisture of green malt at 50°C (122°F) and then stewing it for about 40 minutes to facilitate carbohydrate and protein breakdown. The temperature is then increased to around 100°C (212°F) before curing at higher temperatures for a short duration.

Caramelized flavours are essential in many beer styles, enhancing the drinking experience and allowing for successful food pairings. The caramelization process can be adjusted to achieve specific flavour and colour profiles, making it a versatile technique in brewing.

Brown sugar

The brewing process for Festivus Holiday Ale involves adding brown sugar, along with nutmeg and ginger, to the caramelized wort. This combination gives the beer its unique flavour and elegant finish. The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the beer, complementing the other spices used.

The use of brown sugar in brewing can also impact the fermentation process and the overall character of the beer. It can contribute to the alcohol content, as well as provide additional nutrients for the yeast during fermentation. The specific type and amount of brown sugar used can vary depending on the desired flavour profile and brewing techniques employed by the brewmaster.

Overall, brown sugar plays a crucial role in the creation of Festivus Holiday Ale, contributing to its distinctive flavour, aroma, and mouthfeel. Its addition to the recipe is a deliberate choice by the brewers at Market Garden Brewery to craft a unique and memorable beer for their customers to enjoy during the holiday season.

Holiday spice

Market Garden Brewery's Festivus Holiday Ale is a smooth, spicy beer with a malty backbone and a 7.5% ABV. It has a dash of holiday spice, with notes of brown sugar, nutmeg, ginger, and caramelization.

The holiday spice in this beer comes from the combination of brown sugar, nutmeg, and ginger. These spices work together to create a warm, festive flavour that is perfect for the holiday season. The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavour, while the nutmeg and ginger provide a subtle spiciness that is not too overpowering.

The caramelization in the beer also contributes to the holiday spice flavour profile. The caramelized wort gives the beer a slightly burnt, sweet flavour that pairs well with the other spices. The result is a smooth and elegant finish that makes this beer a perfect choice for the holidays.

The holiday spice in Festivus Ale is well-balanced and not too overwhelming, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a spiced beer without too much heat. The beer has a pleasant aroma of holiday spices, with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, in addition to the nutmeg and ginger. The taste follows the nose, with caramel and spice notes rounding out the holiday spice experience.

Overall, the holiday spice in Market Garden Brewery's Festivus Ale adds a festive and cheerful touch to this smooth and spicy beer. It is a great choice for those looking for a holiday beer with a dash of spice that is not too heavy or overpowering. The elegant finish makes it a perfect choice for winter and a great way to warm up during the colder months.

Frequently asked questions