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Weyerbacher Winter Ale

Review - Weyerbacher Brewing Company's Winter Ale

"At Weyerbacher we've created a Winter Ale that is a must for any malty beer lover. Winner of a Silver Medal in the 1998 World Beer Championships, Weyerbacher Winter Ale is brewed with deep-roasted chocolate malt. The taste predominates with a warm, roasty flavor, balanced out with a slightly dry finish. It's smooth but not cloying, with a warming belt of alcohol (5.6% ABV).

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.

Generally available November-March, Weyerbacher Winter Ale is the perfect libation for a winter meal, with good friends, or beside a warm fire fending off a cold winter night." -- Weyerbacher Brewing

Pours a dark caramel color producing a large tan colored frothy to creamy head with good retention. Aroma is moderately malty with some sweet caramel notes, and perhaps some soft burnt malts in the background. Initial taste is very fizzy with some bitterness up front that dulls as the taste matures. There\'s some burnt malts in the finish flavor. Thin watery mouthfeel with some coffee notes that provide a burnt, bitter taste that reminds us of a parter. Soft carbonation. Too thin to be a legitimate winter beer, the body isn't dense enough to give enough warmth. Having said that, still a solid brew.

Reviewed on July 23rd, 2008.

StylePorter
ABV5.6%
Source12 oz bottle
Overall18/30

Official Weyerbacher website