89 Rude Elf’s Reserve, Fegley’s Brew Works (PA). 10.5% ABV (2/11)
Bold spicy aromas of spumoni ice cream, cherry cola and gingersnaps with a lightly chewy and supple, fruity medium-full body with crystallized ginger, cinnamon sugar and nutmeg on the long, juicy mild grassy hop finish. Robustly spicy and decadently satisfying.
88 Wassail Ale, Blue Tractor Brewery (MI). (2/11) %{Brewpub}
Interesting aromas of chocolate-covered graham cracker, honeyed ginger root and nori with a round, supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and cola, roasted pepper and radicchio-accented finish. Stylish and tasty.
88 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale, Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. (OH). 8.3% ABV (3/13)
Copper color. Aromas of ginger cookie and spicy pumpkin pie with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium body and a tangy sassafras and chestnut toffee finish. Very tasty and well-balanced spices.
87 Shattered Solstice Ale, Excelsior Brewing Co. (MN). 5.5% ABV (2/13) %{Brewpub}
Bold aromas of gingerbread, coriander, thyme, orange blossom honey and flan with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a spicy wafer, melon and Asian pear-accented finish.
86 Winter Brau, Peter B’s Brewpub (CA). 5.5% ABV (2/11) %{Brewpub}
Mild aromas of dark toasted bread and nuts with a crisp, dry medium body and a cocoa, jicama and grassy hop-accented finish.
84 Lions Winter Ale, Granville Island Brewing Co. (Canada). 5.5% ABV (3/12)
Aromas of cocoa puffs, maple fudge and toffee with a sweetish, frothy medium body and a tangy, citrus pith, grass and mineral finish.
84 Winter Brew, Four in Hand (USA). 6.2% ABV (3/13)
Hazy deep copper color. Aromas of chocolate sauce, caramelized nuts and dried fruits with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a honeyed toasted grain, Play-Doh and alfalfa sprouts-like finish. Not very evocative of a winter beer.
84 Big Chill Winter Warmer, Southport Brewing Co. (CT). 9% ABV (3/13)
Deep copper cherry wood color. Slightly worty aromas suggest potter’s clay, carob and yeasty raisin bread dough with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tangy, caramelized nut and pear vinaigrette on frisée-accented finish. A nice food beer.