Type of Beer: Spiced Ale
Alcohol Content: 5.90%
Beer Review -
Appearance: Pours a brownish-red. Thin one-finger off-white head that lasts a little while and has nice lacing.
Smell: , slightly spicy. A crisp, fruity smell that’s not over done by any means.
Initial Taste: Roasted caramel and toffee flavors with a smoothness that I didn’t expect. Very subtle spices and orange finish that make me think of being in Grandma’s kitchen while she’s doing her Holiday baking. The different flavors just abound in this ale.
Thoughts: Definitely one of the BEST available now. Some beers just sing out with Holiday cheer, and this is one of them. Thank You Mr. Fezziwig and the Boston Beer Co. for making this a Season to enjoy!
Type of Beer: Spiced Ale
Alcohol Content: 6.11%
Beer Review -
Appearance: Pours medium amber color with a thick off-white, two-finger head. Head relaxed very slowing leaving behind some good lacing.
Smell: This beer has a very sweet aroma about it. There is no mistaking the sweetness is from the malts. There is very little spiciness to the smell. I noticed a little flowery hoppiness but there was no trace of the spices you normally smell in these winter brews.
Initial Taste: Just like it smells the flavor is mostly sweet malts with that side-note of flowery hops that help balance it out. The flavors are somewhat muted compared to others of this style. Little to no aftertaste.
Thoughts: This is a solid winter beer. It has a nice sweet flavor that is balanced by the flowery yet bitter hops. Missing from this beer are the spices you normally find in winter brews; cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg etc. If spicier brews are more your thing (like Abita or Anchor Steam) this may be too tame for you. However, because the flavors of this beer are so smooth and soft it makes for a Very easy to drink beer. This will definitely become my winter session beer. While not as flavorful and aromatic as some others this is certainly a terrific winter brew.
*You may notice there is a year (2009) in the title of this beer. This is because the recipe for this very special ale is different every year.
Type of Beer: Spiced Ale
Alcohol Content: 5-6%
Beer Review -
Appearance: Pours an attractive red amber with little carbonation,great clarity and a nice two finger light tan colored head. Excellent lacing and head lasted entire beer.
Smell: Clean hop smell with some holiday spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg), fruits and a soft malty sweetness.
Initial Taste: Very clean refreshing beer. There is no mistaking this is a spiced ale yet has the characteristics of a nut brown ale as well. The the dominant flavors are spicy hops followed by sweet malts and spices with a very nice nutty aftertaste.
Thoughts: Abita is known for great seasonal brews and this is no exception. This is what a Winter/Christmas brew should taste like. Very easy to drink with a great balance between the sweet and spices. There are notes of all the spices one would come to expect from a holiday brew of this type – nutmeg, cardamon, cinnamon and cloves. These spices are balanced perfectly with the sweet malts and nutty finish. There is lots of flavor yet soft enough to be a session beer. Highly recommend.
*You may notice there is a year (2009) in the title of this beer. This is because the recipe for this very special ale is different every year.
Type of Beer: Dark Bock
Alcohol Content: 5.80%
Beer Review -
Appearance: Beautiful red amber that looks more brown when held to the light. Pours a very nice white two finger head that leaves behind decent lacing.
Smell: Delicious blend of spicy hops with a little cinnamon and clove with subtle malty sweetness.
Initial Taste: Spicy herbs start this winter brew off followed by sweet malts and a crisp hoppy bitterness. Well balanced and easy to drink.
Thoughts: Just in time for the Patriots season Samuel Adams Winter Lager is finally available on the supermarket shelves. Sam Adams has a reputation for great seasonal selections and this beer is among their best. With notes of cinnamon, cloves, oranges and hints of chocolate, this beer is among the best of the winter season brews. The flavors are bright and crisp and easy to pick out. The spiciness is warming and makes this the perfect beer for those cold winter nights.
