December 22nd, 2012
#31beers . #beeradvent . #beerbloggers
Beer Advent Calendar – Day 22: Anderson Valley Winter Solstice presented by Tatiana Peavey
@Goats_Udder, @avbc
Beer Advent Calendar – Day 22: Anderson Valley Winter Solstice presented by Tatiana Peavey
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.
Let’s see who is spreading holiday cheer today!
Blogger: Tatiana Peavey
Blog Name: http://www.fugglybrew.com/
Twitter: @Goats_Udder
Beer: Winter Solstice
Brewery: Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Beer Details:
- Style: Winter Warmer
- ABV: 6.9 %
- IBUs: 6
Commercial Description:
The holidays are a special time in Anderson Valley. The days are darker, weather colder, and foods richer. And Anderson Valley’s Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale is perfect for this time of year. Deep amber in color, with an inviting aroma of spice and nutmeg, it was made for the turkeys, cranberries, hams, and yams of the holidays. Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale evokes a crackling fire, drifting snow, and smells of home. A hint of spice and hop bite to balance out the creamy and smooth mouthfeel, and medium sweetness.As with all of our products, Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale is never sterile filtered nor heat pasteurized.
Why I selected the Winter Solstice from Anderson Valley:
Some people need special lights and gizmos to feel comfortable during the winter. Call it “seasonal depression.” I don’t believe in this phenomena simply because I think there are a billion ways to combat that cold ominous fog of mental malaise. My favorite way of chasing the blustery blues away just happens to be Anderson Valley Winter Solstice Winter Warmer. Of course it doesn’t hurt that I grew up in this foggy, cool part of the country, however, when anything by Anderson Valley Brewing Company touches my lips, it’s hard to ignore the memories that come rolling in with every sip. The warm golden grains dancing in the sunlight after a hot august afternoon, the hops hanging down off the ropes scratching your arms as you reach for a lost disc on their 18 holes of frolf mayhem–these are a few of my favorite things that are bottled and canned away and perfectly delivered in the Winter Solstice.
This masterfully brewed winter warmer delivers a light and creamy alternative to many of the thick stouts many of us have as a “go to” winter beer. With intense caramel and malty flavors and an ABV of 6.9% this beer will warm your heart as well as your cheeks! Winter Solstice pairs perfectly with the rich, heavy foods of the season including wild game, berry sauces, and grandma’s figgy pudding. Please check out Anderson Valley Brewing Company next time you’re up in wine country and play a few rounds of frolf while you’re there!”
Merry Christmas!!!
About the Fuggly Brew:
Also known as Goat’s Udder, Tatiana Peavey is one of California’s beer and beverage brats. She grew up in her home town of Mendocino just a stone’s throw from North Coast Brewing Co where the smell of brewing beer indoctrinated her from day one. She currently lives in San Diego where she’s perusing her dream as a food and beverage writer and getting hands on with local breweries and restaurants. You can find her on twitter @Goats_Udder, her personal website at www.fugglybrew.comand coming soon to www.BeerMixology.com
About Anderson Valley Brewing Company:
Founded in 1987, the Anderson Valley Brewing Company brewed out of a 10-barrel brewhouse, located in the lower level of its brewpub, The Buckhorn Saloon. Gleaming stainless steel vats brewed and fermented barley and other specialty grains to create outstanding ales, porters, stouts, and wheat beers. These brews began as a dream of Kenneth Allen to create the smoothest tasting ales available anywhere.
When the demand for our award winning ales exceeded the capacity of our 10-barrel brewery below the pub, we built our present 30-barrel facility at the corner of Highways 128 and 253, a mile from the center of Boonville. That was in 1996, and this brewery saw us through a dramatic period of growth, which included the introduction of a 12 ounce bottling line and a production level of 15,000 barrels in 1998, twice the amount brewed in 1997.
Yet, the brewery’s growth was outpacing its larger space and expanded capacity. In 1998, construction began on a state-of-the-art, three-story Bavarian-style brewhouse. The centerpieces of the brewhouse are gleaming 100- and 85- barrel copper brew kettles rescued by Ken Allen from a defunct German breweries during a trip to Europe in 1995. The new brewhouse went online in August of 2000.
By 2010 Ken Allen decided to retire and began to search for a successor to continue the Anderson Valley commitment to quality. In April of 2010 the brewery sold to industry veteran Trey White. In September of that year Fal Allen (former general manager 2000 – 2004, no relation to Ken) returned to the brewery as brewmaster. White has focused on innovation and quality, introducing the Bahl Hornin’ Series, expanding the barrel aged program, and increasing brewing capacity.