A beer can be the perfect companion for the freezing temperatures a lot of us are experiencing this time of year. The warming sensation of alcohol on the tongue (and eventually throughout the body, in sufficient quantities) can be quite comforting on a cold winter’s evening. Additionally, a lot of winter beers carry flavor profiles reminiscent of Christmas, featuring additional ingredients such as juniper, clove, molasses, and fig. At the time of this post, the holidays have passed, but even as someone who has never really celebrated them, the aromas of a well-crafted winter beer still invite a warm nostalgic glow.

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‘CHRISTMAS ALE 2012’ – GOOSE ISLAND – American Brown Ale – 7.30% ABV (Eye Choir’s Choice)

Appearance: Poured a dark copper-brown with a one finger, mahogany head. Has a moderate presence of sediment haze and some minor carbonation that is visible despite the dark body. 4/5

Smell: Nice blend of dark fruits such as fig or plum and caramel or brown sugar malts. Mixed with the fruits is a distinct boozy odor redolent of wine, as well as faint notes of bitter orange and an herbal, spicy hop presence. 4.5/5

Taste: Mild to moderate sweetness which blends with the alcohol flavor quite well. Has a tartness which is surprising but accentuates the fruit and spice palette. Mild to moderate bitterness that is present throughout adds a robust clean feeling to the beer’s overall character. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium body with a creamy mouthfeel which adds to the weight of the moderate alcohol heat. Not highly carbonated, but smooth and full nonetheless. 4.5/5

Overall: Has a great balance of lighter, spice-oriented notes over a solid brown ale base which makes use of alcohol and dark fruit to lend a feel which is a great homage to the holiday season. 4.5/5

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‘BELGIAN FREEZE’ – RIVER HORSE – Belgian Dark Ale – 8.00% ABV

Appearance: Poured a moderately dark orange-red with a one finger, off-white head. There is a significant haziness which makes even the moderate carbonation scarcely visible. 3.5/5

Smell: Interesting fusion of strong Belgian sourdough yeast with flavors such as banana, raisins, and clove with lighter notes of bready caramel malt, augmented by an aroma of molasses or brown sugar. 3.5/5

Taste: Moderate to strong tartness, which brings out the dried fruit and even cherry flavors, as well as a little honey-like sweetness. However, the malt is very understated, especially in the dry, moderate to mildly bitter finish. A bit at odds with its purported style, as the tart flavor is a tad overwhelming. 3/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, with ample carbonation, though its carbonic tartness, alongside a moderate to mild alcohol warmth, is a little sharp at times. 3/5

Overall: Good idea, though far more Belgian than winter-themed. Has some issues with balance, but at least displays a good palette of funky and spicy yeast flavors. 3/5

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‘OUR SPECIAL ALE 2012’ – ANCHOR – American Amber Ale – 5.50% ABV

Appearance: Poured a dark, brown-tinged red with a one finger, pink-beige head. Transparent but dark enough that the carbonation present is hardly visible. 3.5/5

Smell: Strong spices including nutmeg, clove, and juniper, with some brown sugar caramel malt and a fresh piney hops aroma which blends well with the juniper. Spices dominate a bit, however. 3/5

Taste: Surprisingly but inviting lack of sweetness, considering the aroma. Mild to moderate tartness is present which belies some mild fig flavor as well as a moderate bitterness which accentuates the hops to better balance with the spices. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium body with a slightly thick mouthfeel and plentiful carbonation, as well as a touch of alcohol heat which goes well with the spice suggestion towards the holiday season. 3.5/5

Overall: Interesting spice character, though it is a bit overpowering. Could be quite good if balance between the various flavors is adjusted, as the uncharacteristically dry taste lends an interesting take on the style. 3.5/5

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‘WINTER BEER 2012’ – INNIS AND GUNN – Brown Porter – 7.40% ABV

Appearance: Poured a moderately dark reddish-brown with a one finger, beige head. The body is transparent, showing substantial carbonation. 4/5

Smell: Primarily roasted toffee malt and molasses alongside an oaky, vanilla rum-cask flavor which is typical of Innis and Gunn beers. Also has a faint fruity odor, including banana and maybe even figs, as well as a mild earthy, spicy hop flavor. 4/5

Taste: Moderate sweetness amplifies the molasses and malt character into a nice blend of chocolate, nuts, and toffee, alongside with touches of rum and butter. Moderate bitterness and tartness extend into the finish to reveal some interesting, vinous fruit flavors as well as smooth booziness. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium body with a very smooth mouthfeel lightened by some nice carbonation. Alcoholic heat is minimal but present. A little sticky in the finish, which is appropriate for the prominent molasses flavor. 4/5

Overall: Very solid winter beer, with enough alcohol warmth to uphold the oaken, dark fruit flavors that are appropriate for the season. 4/5