Greensboro, NC – Natty Greene’s Brewing Co. has released their much anticipated Red Nose Winter Warmer Ale this week. It is a 6.8%, full-bodied, winter warmer with a rich, dark malt body, spiced with cinnamon, ginger and orange peel for festive flavor. This release comes earlier in the year than usual as the seasonal brews have been shifted to allow Red Nose an earlier release and a longer run to satisfy fans. Dispersion is already underway and the beer is expected to be available on draft and in bottle statewide within the next two weeks.

An interview with Sebastian Wolfrum, Head Brewer at Natty Greene’s:

How many years has this beer been brewed?
It is now in its 8th year and was brewed with a different recipe up to 2006, in 2010 we started making it as a blend of American and Belgian yeast batches.

What is special about the malt/hop/spice blend that you have chosen?
It is a dark red ale with mostly dark Munich malt and a spice blend of fresh ground ginger, cinnamon sticks and orange peel.

How would you describe the flavor profile?
It has three strong flavor components: caramel malt body, ginger cinnamon aroma, and a distinct Belgian yeast bouquet.

How has this beer changed over the years?
Originally it was focused on a big spice profile. Then it was scaled back to a malt-based dark ale with hints of spice, to end up with this three pillar, city hall of a winter warmer.

Is it difficult to brew? How does it differ from others in the lineup?
It is a higher gravity beer, which leads us to do a double mash per kettle batch to gain efficiency. It is the only blended beer in our line up where we build flavor elements by mixing batches to taste profile.

Anything to add?
This is the beer to be proud of and take home to the family occasions of the season. Red Nose is one of our signature ales that say a lot about who we are as brewers.

Red Nose Winter Warmer Ale Specifics:
Seasonal availability, draft and bottles
6.8% ABV, 21 IBUs
Malts: Base, Munich 2, Pale Wheat, Cara Munich 3, CaraHell, Chocolate, Melanoidin
Hops: Bitter Magnum

About Natty Greene’s

Launched in 2004 by Chris Lester and Kayne Fisher, Natty Greene’s has expanded from a brewpub in downtown Greensboro, to include a second location in Raleigh, and a production facility in Greensboro which provides beer for the entire state. As one of the fastest growing craft breweries in North Carolina, the beer can easily be found at all major grocery stores, many independents and on 700 taps across the state of North Carolina. The core beers are the Buckshot Amber Ale, Southern Pale Ale, and the Guilford Golden Ale. The brewery has more than 70 recipes in their repertoire, tantalizing the beer geeks with offerings like their extremely limited Cellar Series and popular seasonals.