Winter Warmer

NEW RELEASE: Widmer Brrrbon

I loves me some barrel aged beers.  This new release by  Widmer Brothers Brewing (Portland, OR) is the 3rd release in their “Brothers’ Reserve” series.  Brrrbon joins Cherry Oak Doppelbock, and Prickly Pear Braggot.  If you are a fan of Continue Reading →

Weyerbacher Winter Ale

Weyerbacher’s Winter Ale is a winter warmer in their seasonal lineup. (Easton, PA)  Brewed for well over a decade, this beer one a silver in the World Beer Cup.  They have an interesting history of winter warmers to add to Continue Reading →

SweetWater Festive 22oz Bombers

SweetWater Brewing’s Festive Ale has arrived in bombers, with a sexy new bottle design.  This years bottles abandoned the traditional paper labels and are now painted – like the Dank Tank bomber series.  Pretty snappy indeed.

Beer Rundown:
Style: Winter Warmer
Hops: Centennial, Continue Reading →

Full Sail Wassail Winter Ale

Full Sail Wassail is back for 2010.  This beer was first brewed by Full Sail Brewing (Hood River, Oregon)  in 1988.  Like some other seasonals this time of year, each year the taste is just a little different.

From Full Sail:

In Hood River, every year a few undeniable signs signal when winter is at the doorstep. The cool east winds begin to blow, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams get a white blanket of fresh powder, and the snow report for the backcountry regains its trance-like hold. But most of all, we know it’s winter because theWassail starts flowing once again.

SweetWater Festive 2010!

Atlanta’s popular winter warmer by SweetWater Brewing – Festive has arrived for 2010.  Brewed for “winter coat season” as they describe it, this beer gets a lot of people in a festive mood.  This beer is brewed only one day Continue Reading →

Anchor Our Special Ale 2010

Anchor Brewing has been brewing “Our Special Ale” aka “Anchor Christmas”  for 36 years.  Each year the flavor profile is a little bit different, just like the tree on the bottle.  It’s a favorite among beer drinkers, and usually sells Continue Reading →

Sam Smith’s Winter Welcome 2010

While you may be perpetually late, for the most part -beer is ahead of schedule.  The winter ales are headed you’re way.  A popular English winter ale just made it’s 2010 visit – Sam Smith’s Winter Welcome.  Sam Smith is based Continue Reading →

Posted in New Releases, Widmer Brothers Brewing

NEW RELEASE: Widmer Brrrbon

I loves me some barrel aged beers.  This new release by  Widmer Brothers Brewing (Portland, OR) is the 3rd release in their “Brothers’ Reserve” series.  Brrrbon joins Cherry Oak Doppelbock, and Prickly Pear Braggot.  If you are a fan of bourbon barrel aged beers, don’t pass this one up.  It sat 4 months in Kentucky bourbon barrels.  Great for sipping by a fire, tree or menorah.  If it means drinking beer, find all three.

Commercial Description:
The third release in the Brothers’ Reserve series is Barrel-Aged Brrrbon. Following the successful release of our previous products in this line, Cherry Oak Doppelbock and Prickly Pear Braggot, we wanted to again surprise beer drinkers with a twist on our existing Brrr Seasonal Ale. For this release, we’ve taken our winter seasonal Brrr and aged it in Kentucky bourbon barrels. At 9.4% ABV, Barrel-Aged Brrrbon is an attention-grabbing beer for the enthusiastic craft beer lover. Look for it on draught and in uniquely packaged 22oz. bottles.

Beer Rundown
Style: Winter Warmer (barrel aged)
Hops: Alchemy for bittering, Simcoe & Cascade for aroma
Malts: 2-Row Pale, Carapils, Caramel 10-L, Caramel 80 L, Dark Chocolate

Taste Expectations: Earthy flavors mix with vanilla bourbon & oak.  It’s a sipper, but one you can’t put own.

Availability: 22oz bombers. Boxed.  Some draft.  One time limited release. Around $10 retail.

9.4% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Seasonal Return, Weyerbacher

Weyerbacher Winter Ale

Weyerbacher’s Winter Ale is a winter warmer in their seasonal lineup. (Easton, PA)  Brewed for well over a decade, this beer one a silver in the World Beer Cup.  They have an interesting history of winter warmers to add to your drinkertainment.

From Weyerbacher:
Although winter ales predate history, they are believed to have their origin in the pagan celebrations of winter solstice. Later, when monasteries produced the local brew, winter ales were made each year to commemorate the birth of Christ. Back then, winter ales were brewed full-bodied as a source of nutrition for the upcoming winter months. Today, winter ales are typified by their seasonality, their rich, malty flavors and by their deep, dark coloration.

Style: Winter Warmer

Taste Expectations: Toasted/Roasted malts.  Semi sweet.  Nutty w/ a touch of caramel.  Some spice.  Bit of dark fruit.

Availability: 12oz/6pks. Draft.  Nov-Jan. Seasonal.

5.6% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Seasonal Return, SweetWater Brewing

SweetWater Festive 22oz Bombers

SweetWater Brewing’s Festive Ale has arrived in bombers, with a sexy new bottle design.  This years bottles abandoned the traditional paper labels and are now painted – like the Dank Tank bomber series.  Pretty snappy indeed.

Beer Rundown:
Style: Winter Warmer
Hops: Centennial, US & UK Golding
Malts: 2 Row, Munich, 40L, 70/80, Carapils, Chocolate, Black

Taste Expectations: Dark malts, roasty.  Touch of chocolate mixed with cinnamon spice.  Sweet notes, tasting like brown sugar or toffee.  Clove.  ABV hides well.

Availability: 12oz/6 pks.  22oz bombers (wax capped). Draft.  Winter seasonal.  Nov-Dec.

8.6% ABV

Thanks Green’s Beer for the pic!

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Full Sail Brewing, Seasonal Return

Full Sail Wassail Winter Ale

Full Sail Wassail was first brewed by Full Sail Brewing (Hood River, Oregon)  in 1988.  Like some other seasonals this time of year, each year the taste is just a little different.

From Full Sail:

In Hood River, every year a few undeniable signs signal when winter is at the doorstep. The cool east winds begin to blow, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams get a white blanket of fresh powder, and the snow report for the backcountry regains its trance-like hold. But most of all, we know it’s winter because theWassail starts flowing once again.

“Brewing Wassail is an annual tradition here at Full Sail. We have brewed Wassail every holiday season since 1988 and it’s now as much a part of the festivities as sharing a roaring fire with our closest family and friends. It’s no wonder this multi-medal winner is one of our favorite beers to brew. Choosing our ingredients for Wassail is like taking time to choose the perfect gift. Each year we carefully select the best hops and malts to brew this special beer. This year’s Wassail is brewed with a range of caramel malts and dark chocolate malts giving it a deep mahogany color and a full malty body. We used a blend of Pacific Northwest hops for a pleasant hoppy aroma and finish creating a deliciously balanced beer that appeals to both hop and malt lovers alike. It’s like our own little Christmas miracle,” said Jamie Emmerson, Full Sail’s Executive Brewmaster.

The Wassail packaging features a vintage postcard of the scenic Hood River Valley dusted with snow. In the spirit of tradition, a snow-covered douglas-fir tree looms in the foreground and Mt. Hood rises majestically in the background. Wassail makes the ideal gift for the beer enthusiasts in your life, and is the perfect accompaniment to the desserts and flavorful dishes that the holidays bring. Look for Wassail six packs at your favorite store, or on draught at your local restaurant or pub. Wassail will be widely available October through December. ABV 7% IBU 56.

In 2010 Wassail was awarded its sixth gold medal, and was rated “Exceptional” at the World Beer Championships (WBC) and was rated “Superb” by Wine Enthusiast. Wassail previously won a platinum medal and a “superlative” rating at the 2005 WBC, a gold medal at the 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2004 WBC, and three silver medals in 1999, 2000 and 2001.

Style: Winter Warmer

Taste Expectations: Caramel, bread, cocoa.  Herbal & spicy hops. Nutty. Complex, enjoyable.

Availability: 12oz/6 pks. Draft.  Nov-Dec, Seasonal.

7% ABV

56 IBUS

Image: Beer Street Journal

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Seasonal Return, SweetWater Brewing

SweetWater Festive 2010!

Atlanta’s popular winter warmer by SweetWater Brewing – Festive has arrived for 2010.  Brewed for “winter coat season” as they describe it, this beer gets a lot of people in a festive mood.  This beer is brewed only one day a year!

Commerical Description:
A strong ale brewed with generous amounts of rich malt, coupled with a taint of cinnamon, and mace to keep you warm and toasted all winter long.  We Double Dog  Dare You

Beer Rundown:
Style: Winter Warmer
Hops: Centennial, US & UK Golding
Malts: 2 Row, Munich, 40L, 70/80, Carapils, Chocolate, Black

Taste Expectations: Dark malts, roasty.  Touch of chocolate mixed with cinnamon spice.  Sweet notes, tasting like brown sugar or toffee.  Clove.  ABV hides well.

Availability: 12oz/6 pks.  Liter Bottles (Coming soon).  Draft.  Winter seasonal.  Nov-Dec.

8.6% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Anchor Brewing, Seasonal Return

Anchor Our Special Ale 2010

Anchor Brewing has been brewing “Our Special Ale” aka “Anchor Christmas”  for 36 years.  Each year the flavor profile is a little bit different, just like the tree on the bottle.  It’s a favorite among beer drinkers, and usually sells out well before Christmas.

Commercial Description:
Every year since 1975 the brewers at Anchor have brewed a distinctive and unique Christmas Ale, which is available from early November to mid-January. The Ale’s recipe is different every year–as is the tree on the label–but the intent with which we offer it remains the same: joy and celebration of the newness of life. Since ancient times, trees have symbolized the winter solstice when the earth, with its seasons, appears born anew. Our tree for 2010 is the Ginkgo biloba tree.

Style: Winter Warmer

Taste Expectations: This years edition is slightly less piney than 2009.  There is a bit more molasses licorice flavor.  The finish is  warming & smooth.

Availability: 12oz/6pks.  50.7 oz Magnums (around $15)  Draft.  Seasonal – November – January each year.

?? ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Sam Smith, Seasonal Return

Sam Smith’s Winter Welcome 2010

While you may be perpetually late, for the most part -beer is ahead of schedule.  The winter ales are headed you’re way.  A popular English winter ale just made it’s 2010 visit – Sam Smith’s Winter Welcome.  Sam Smith is based in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, England.  The brewery was established in 1798.

Commercial Description:
Throughout history, beer of somewhat higher alcohol and richness has been enjoyed for the winter holidays, when old friends get together to enjoy the season. Wassail, a festival to celebrate winter and the beer that goes with it, predates the Christian era. Winter Welcome is vintage-dated with a special label each year. Serve in a traditional tankard for the holidays.

Style: Winter Warmer

Taste Expectations: Dark sweet malts – flavors of caramel, toffee & spices.  Perhaps a touch of brown sugar.  Grassy, muted malts.

Food Pairings: Roast goose, smoked turkey with oyster dressing, rack of lamb, candied yams, Smithfield hams, fresh pears and apples, Christmas cake.

Availability: 12oz bottles. 18.7 oz “Victorian Pint” bottles.  Top foiled. Winter seasonal

6% ABV

by Reid Ramsay