2beerguys beer blog

Beer Advent Calendar – Day 5: Redhook Winterhook Beer presented by Sean Jansen

@2Beerguys, @RedhookNH

Beer Advent Calendar – Day 5: Redhook Winterhook Beer presented by Sean Jansen

To celebrate the Holiday Season, 2Beerguys.com and Seacoastbeveragelab.com have teamed up with beer bloggers around the country to host the second annual beer bloggers advent calendar. This is the season of sharing and we intend to share our love of beer with you. 31 Bloggers Blogging – click here for the running list of beers/bloggers.

Blogger: Sean Jansen
Blog Name: 2Beerguys

Twitter/Untappd: 2Beerguys
Beer: Winterhook
Brewery: Redhook Brewery
Beer Details:

• Style: Winter Ale
• ABV: 6%
• IBUs: 45
• OG: 15 degrees
• Brewed Since: 1985
• Availability: Winter Seasonal

Commercial Description:
Winterhook is the perfect beer to keep warm during cold months after shoveling snow, shredding some powder, or playing hooky to can catch the game. Since it was first brewed, Redhook’s Winterhook has changed slightly each year to celebrate the season and keep everyone on their toes. After all, no one likes getting the same gift twice. The 28th version of Winterhook brewed for this year offers a rich caramel body that balances a big malt backbone with the aggressively dry hopped brew, making this year’s winter ale slightly naughty and very nice.

Why I selected the Winterhook:

Traveling down memory lane, I first sampled Redhook Winterhook in 2006 with @CraftBeerEd and @ThirstyNoBeard. We were pleasantly surprised to discover the smooth malty Winterhook, which was absent of the traditional winter spices. With a high level of drinkability, Winterhook quickly became one of our favorite winter seasonals.

Nine years later, I am still impressed with the 28th version of the Redhook Winterhook. Different every year, the 2012 version pours a medium amber color with a crystal clear body. The small amber head quickly diminished, leaving behind an off white lace around the glass. With a sweet caramel malt body, the Winterhook tasted well-balanced with a tangy hop finish. Amazingly, the hop bitter finish becomes increasingly drying, over a long duration.

Another top-notch Redhook winter seasonal beer to look out for is the Double Black Stout. The Double Black Stout is a collaboration brew between Redhook and coffee pioneers Caffe Vita. It is a robust stout brewed with Farm Direct Caffe Vita coffee, roasted and caramel malts, and plenty of hops for a rich creamy brew.

I stopped into the Redhook Pub in Portsmouth NH last week and was pleasantly surprised by the rich chocolate flavors and the amazingly creamy texture. After each sip, I was hooked and wanted more. The Double Black Stout comes in at 7% ABV/40 IBU’s and will only be available from October through February..

About brewery:
Redhook was born out of the energy and spirit of the early 80s in the heart of Seattle. While the term didn’t exist at the time, Redhook became one of America’s first “craft” breweries. From a modest start in a former transmission shop in the Seattle neighborhood of Ballard, to the current breweries in Woodinville, Wash., and Portsmouth, N.H., Redhook has become one of America’s most recognized craft breweries. While Redhook has “grown up” during the past 30 years, one thing has never changed – Redhook is still brewing great beers like ESB, IPA, Copperhook, Pilsner and seasonal brews. Most importantly, Redhook makes sure to have fun doing it. Redhook’s beers are available both on draught and in bottles around the country. For more information, visit http://redhook.com.