In the pantheon of beers, there is a very small corner for the English-style old ale. I've only ever had one of these kinds of beers in my life, to my knowledge. It proclaimed itself to be an old ale, and this also does. This adds the moniker of winter warmer, and refreshing my memory by reading the review of Founders version of this style, that fits in perfectly. The 9.8% ABV in that beer warned that there was a lot more going on than just a regular old ale. Let's find out how much taste there is in this sucker.
The mahogany colored beer sprouts a relatively decent head with an aggressive pour, and it fizzles down to an even layer of small bubbles across the top of the beer with a strong ring on the sides. The aroma is dark fruit and grains with bright spices alighting the whole thing. Tonight happens to not be that cold of the night, but I still am looking forward to a winter warmer.First sip tells me that I should probably have had one of these beers over Christmas. The spices and dark malt really feel like they would complement a fireside chat with relatives very nicely. The caramel malt is somewhat grainy, but the dark fruits and spices really add a smoothness that make the prodigious 8.3% ABV all but disappear into its folds.
Tip-in is calm carbonation sizzle with dark fruits, spices, and grains all front loaded like there won't be enough room in the rest of the drink for them. The middle becomes sweet and malt heavy with the spices dazzling across the top of the mouth while honey and chocolate join the caramel malt for a fun ride down the gullet. The finish is suddenly dry with the spices lingering on the tongue for several minutes after the trail off.
Bottom Line: This will warm you up on a cold night.
4.0/5