Nice malty aroma and taste. Subtle caramelish aftertaste. Enjoyable drink

I'm coming to the conclusion that several breweries are simply putting Christmassy words in the name of a beer, believing that it then qualifies as a 'Christmas Ale'. Also whilst on a lunchtime session I don't like to plunge in at 6% and above (where the festive flavours tend to be). So imagine my surprise, this one at just 4.3 has made a very good effort at Christmas. Golden colour with thin head and lasting lacing, touch of toffee on the nose and then the mouth feel delivers more toffee and just a little cloves and a touch of dried fruit you might expect in a mince pie, a good push for that Christmas spice. Not a bad effort for the strength and thus I am prepared to accept this as 'festive'.