Brassneck Brewery : The Spirit of DIXmas

Brassneck Brewery : The Spirit of DIXmas Review

With the season of Christmas comes many traditions, including popular releases that only come out at this time of year.  One that has been around for quite a few years now is The Spirit of DIXmas by Brassneck Brewery. But there is more to this tradition, there is a story behind it all.

For those that don’t know, the Spirit of DIXmas was named after the DIX BBQ Brewery that was the go-to place for beer lovers and hopheads alike in the early 2000s. Tony Dewalt,(now at Trading Post)  followed by Derrick Franche,(now at High Mountain) were both well-loved brewers and became known for their over-the-top hoppy beers. When Dix closed down in 2010, the brewhouse was bought by the team behind Brassneck Brewery, and in December of 2013, just months after Brassneck opened, the first Spirit of Dixmas was released using that DIX equipment. It ended up being a collaboration brew with Derrick Franche, Tony Dewald, and Brassneck head brewer Conrad Gsomer. And it had to be an IPA! A very hoppy IPA! The release was so successful and the beer was so well received, that it has become a yearly tradition now with the three brewers collaborating annually.

This beer pours a rich copper colour and it is clear, with a light head and lots of carbonation. The aroma is very West Coast, with a bit of dankness, some pine, grapefruit notes, and a hint of caramel.  And, despite the over-the-top hoppiness, there is that added touch of some malt sweetness creating just enough balance making for a very easy drinking ale, almost too easy for 7.5%. The taste and aroma really do bring back memories of those Christmas pasts at DIX.

Thank you Brassneck for keeping DIX’s spirit alive.