Beer Review (40): Jubelale by Deschutes Brewery

Brewery: Deschutes Brewery Beer: Winter Warmer/Strong Ale| Beer Advocate Score: 89 Abv: 6.7%

Ah, winter warmers, the perfectly spiced brew to get you through the holiday season with LOTS of cheer.  This is the first time trying the Jubelale by Deschutes Brewery.  It had a nice dark rum and amber colored pour with a tan head.  Lightly spiced, medium hop and nicely flavored.  Caramel, bread, nutmeg and a touch of vanilla.  Grab a six pack for Christmas afternoon.

Beer Review (24): Ice Breaker Winterfish Seasonal Ale by FishTale

Brewery: Fish Brewing Company | Beer: Winter Warmer | Beer Advocate Score: 84 Abv: 7.5%

A light gold ale with a bit of winter warmer spices you're used to--malt, caramel, and spice.  Something a little different in this ale, though.  I sensed a bit of dry hop and grapefruit or citrus.  It packed a powerful punch and was a crispy beer all the way through.  This is a first for me from Fish Brewing Company and I'll definitely give them another try here in 2014.

I gotta tell you guys, I did it!  I had over 100 different varieties of beer in 2013!  I explained my little goal in an earlier post, but I did it, I brought it full circle last Saturday.  I make my parents proud!

Beer Review (21): Matt Brewing Company (Saranac Brewery) Rudy's Spiced Christmas Ale

Brewery: Saranac Brewery | Beer: Rudy's Spiced Christmas Ale | Beer Advocate Score: 74 Abv: 6%

I finally feel like Christmas is around the bend.  The snow helps with that.  So to kick off the spirit of the holidays, I have a good number of Christmas/Winter ales to share with you.  By the way, I still need 17 more beers to reach my goal.

Rudy's Spiced Christmas Ale was much lighter than I prefer for a spicy winter ale, but it wasn't terrible.  High notes of nutmeg and a crispy finish.  This is a great beer for easing into the sometimes overly spiced winter warmer beers of the season.  Definitely tasty, but not one to call home about.  The bottle is nicely decorated and I took some artistic license with the presentation, I hope you don't mind ;) Cheers!

Beer Review (19): 21st Amendment Fireside Chat Winter Ale

Brewery: 21st Amendment Brewery | Beer: Fireside Chat Winter Ale| Beer Advocate Score: 78 Abv: 7.9%

I hope everyone is keeping warm, the temperatures here on the East coast are dropping and the seasonal drinks are slowly changing.  Out with the pumpkin beer and in with the spiced beers, winter warmers and thick porters and stouts.  To kick off the new season, we have the 21st Amendment's Fireside Chat Winter Ale/Warmer.  This beer pours a thick, dark beautiful color.  Deep brown and ruby-colored.  It's low carbonation allows for the flavors to sit on the tongue longer and easier.  It's spicy with heavy ginger, bitterness, caramel and mellow flavors, just the kind of brew to ease into the season.


Another great beer from the weekend...

Beer Review (8): Pyramid Brewery Snow Cap Winter Warmer

Brewery: Pyramid Breweries | Beer: Winter Warmer Ale

Beer Advocate Score: 80

A well-crafted traditional British style winter warmer ale.  Thick, oak-colored and slightly spice-laden.  This is my first from Seattle based Pyramid Breweries, Inc and not my last.  7.0% abv. 

Beer Review (6): Lancaster Brewing Co. Winter Warmer Ale

 

Brewery: Lancaster Brewing Company | Beer:Winter Warmer Ale

Beer Advocate Review Average (rAvg): 86

This beer surprised me and had a smooth and mellow flavor. I was expecting something with more of an abrupt cinnamon or nutmeg tone right up front. Rich, creamy mouth feel with a sugary syrup like finish. A winter warmer toned down compared to the Harpoon, spice-wise. Goes best with a project in the garage. Probably not safe to pair with the use of power tools.

Beer Review (5): Harpoon Winter Warmer

Brewery: Harpoon | Beer: Winter Warmer
Beer Advocate Review Average (rAvg): 72

The Winter Warmer is one of my favorite Christmas beers despite its lower average rating on Beer Advocate. It has a cinnamon taste right up front with a pale malt tone. $13 bucks for a pack a few blocks down the way and I'm ready to celebrate the season, listen to christmas channels on 8tracks and ease into the weekend. Happy Saturday!