Sly Fox Brewing Company left us a bottle of their new 2008 Christmas Ale under our tree. No, we didn’t put the tree up early, it’s from last year. But after popping the cork on the fox in question, we’re quite glad we’re lazy-ass mofo’s.

Brewmaster Brian O’Reilly makes this sweetheart a little differently. He starts with red ale and blends in a homemade tea infused with nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, clove, and allspice. By using tea instead of just flavoring the ale directly, he creates a good tannic sturcture and balance to avoid the offensiveness of attacking spices. What you’re left with is nothing short of amazing.

She has a good copper color with tiny bubbles, leaving a serious amount of lacing in the glass. The nose of ginger and nutmeg leap out the most, behind a smoky quality that reminds you of the best times you’ve ever had in front of a fire. She’s definitely spicy, but doesn’t push the cloying sweetness that you’ll suffer from most winter ales. The body is a cruiserweight at best, keeping light on her feet. She’ll dance longer than all of you. At an alcohol level around 6.5%, this is the social lubricant the season requires.

The bottle is hitting store shelves next week at a price point of $10-$11 for the 750 ML. You can find it at both Foodery’s initially, and will start appearing around town shortly thereafter. Because of bottle conditioning, it has a chance to age in your fridge and celebrate whenever you’re ready. No need rushing to take her top off. It’ll happen good sir, as good things come to those who wait.