Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale 2010

4 out of 5 Hops


So continues my reviews of Winter Beers. Samuel Smith is an English brewery dating back to 1758 and uses a rare and unique fermentation process in stone square vessels. The bottle also features a unique label design for each year; this one quotes the bard, Bill Shakespeare. This is my first tasting of this beer, but I have enjoyed their Oatmeal Stout previously. This winter warmer alcohol level is at a manageable 6.0% ABV, which is on the lower side for a winter beer(works for me). This is also a non-spiced winter beer. Barley, water, hops and yeast only. The aroma is malty and hoppy. First taste has a bit of fruit flavor in it and a clean crisp finish. Hop bitterness is similar to an English IPA/American Pale; not overly hoppy. The hop test for me is letting my wife taste and then look for the "too bitter" and "sour face" head shake. This one passed the test and she likes it too. As I have said before, I am an English Beer fan with malt flavor dominating and lower alcohol levels. I am slowly learning more about the English traditional hops as well. This beer features East Kent Goldings and Fuggles; both common British hops. Carbonation level is also enjoyable. I had the impression British Ales were made with less carbonation than American beers and expected "flat" beer; not the case. So while I truly enjoy this beer, I wonder if it should be labeled a Winter beer. That being said I could drink it all year. Served in singles, my wife got this for me at Central Market in Poulsbo. Cheers, mates!

Widmer Brothers "Brrr" Winter Ales

4 out of 5 Hops

Brrr is another fine addition to NW Winter Beers this season from Widmer Brothers in Oregon. This a malty strong ale with unique hops and a slightly sweet tasting warmer. Aroma is caramel and pine with a hint of citrus. At first taste, this beer seemed very malty and sweet. After a few sips I began to taste the hops more. Widmer lists "Alchemy" hops as the bittering hop. Upon investigation, this is a proprietary blend of hops including Warrior and Millenium. This blend gives this beer a great independent and complex hop profile. Thumbs up for the Alchemy. The finish is slightly dry, with a clean, pleasant aftertaste. Alcohol level is enjoyable at 7.2%. Opinions run the gamut for classifying this beer as an American IPA, or Winter, or a version of a Red, but I say shuck the categories and pick this beer up ASAP for a holiday party in your mouth. Great job Kurt and Rob!

Christmas Ale Party

5 Hops each!



Today I am tasting 3 Northwest Winter/Christmas Ales. I thought a side by side comparison of 3 would give you a range of choices for beers of the season.

First up is Bridgeport 'Ebenezer'. This is brewed in Portland, OR and would be considered an English Strong Ale. Bridgeport makes a tasty traditional IPA as well. Ebenezer pours a rich amber color with scents of malts and fruit with a small hint of hops. Taste is on the malty/toffee side with only a hint of hop bitterness. At only 40 IBU, it is not a Hop Killer. I think it has a mellow refined taste and very enjoyable. I cannot find the hops used other than being "local and imported hops" according to the brewery. I don't detect a lot of late addition hops for flavor and aroma, so I would assume most are early boil for bitterness.

Next up is Rogue Ales 'Santa's Private Reserve' from Newport, OR. Rogue is by far one of my favorite breweries. They brew amazing beers that transcend boundaries and styles. All their beers are class acts. So Santa pours a light red hue with awesome citrus hop and malt aromas. Flavor is a hop fest in your mouth. Not overpowering at 65 IBU, but enough to get your attention; especially at the finish. This is in the range of an IPA for reference. Bittering is courtesy of Chinook hops with flavor and aroma by Centennial and the mystery "Rudolph" hops. The 3 C's hops: Cascade, Centennial, and Chinook are west coast favorites producing evergreen sprucey and citrus flavors/aromas. Mmmm...bitter never tasted so good. Abv is around 6%.

Last but certainly not least is 'Jolly Roger Christmas Ale' by Maritime Brewing in Seattle/Ballard, WA. This is one of my early holiday beers I first tasted in 2006. I even brewed a half decent clone of it last year. This 8-9% brew pours a red/amber color with complex malt aroma. For me, this is a rich, delicious, alcohol laced treat each year. The malt profile and hops are perfectly balanced in my opinion. It may be high in the IBU department; upper 80's I estimate, but I love the taste as a confirmed Hop Head. Bitterness, Flavor, and Aroma hops used are Chinook and Cascade alternatively with Chinook doing the bittering. Don't listen to any naysayers, pick one of these up ASAP and support Seattle!

I believe these selections present a variety of flavors that can be enjoyed by all. For those who prefer a milder, smooth and malty ale, try the Ebenezer. If you prefer a solid hoppy seasonal, go for the Santa. And if you enjoy a winter warmer with extra warmth and more malt, grab a Jolly Roger. Cheers!

Boundary Bay "Cabin Fever Winter Ale"

4 out of 5



Boundary Bay is located in Bellingham, WA. It is an incredible Brew Pub with several outstanding beers and awesome food to boot(try the mac n cheese or the tarragon chicken with orange cream sauce). My wife got me a T-shirt and a 22oz of Cabin Fever for X-mas. Cabin fever is like an Imperial Scotch Ale/Winter Ale. It has a strong malt and peat taste with a note of Cascade dry-hop. Alcohol level is around 7.2%. This beer tastes great out the gate, but if you drink the 22 alone, the peat flavor may wear on you a bit. For me, that is always an issue with any scotch type ale. I usually max out with a 12oz bottle. But hey, I recommend picking up this fine NW Winter Warmer and enjoy. Its complex with notes of toffee, caramel and NW hops; Mount Hood, Warrior and Crystal. I found the Mt Hood alot in NW Winter Beers and Stouts. I love you Boundary Bay!