From the first sip of Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale , your senses will be aroused with the vision of a glowing fire, warming the hearth and home, as gently drifting snow flakes silently blanket the trees outside. Each lingering sip will gently warm your soul with thoughts of family and friends, gathering around the table for the feast. Luscious, creamy, smooth, and warming, this medium bodied ale is brewed with Caramel and crystal malts to give it just a hint of sweetness, then paired with our private blend of holiday spice. Winter Solstice Ale is great alone or as an accompaniment to any meal, and it has been known to liven and spice up nearly any social event. This coveted and much sought-after brew is released in November, just in time for the holidays, and by the first of the New Year will be only a fond memory.
As with all of our products, Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale is never sterile filtered nor heat pasteurized, and should be stored in refrigeration. However, to fully enjoy its rich and complex flavor, it should be served between 40° and 45°F
Beer Ratings and Reviews:
[1] Review by slowrunner77 from Reno, NV, USA who has tried this beer many times. (12/25/2008 7:59:22 PM)
"this is a pretty basic ale, which keeps me from rating it higher, but it is thoroughly enjoyable. it's got a decent look (medium-amber in color, an inviting slightly spicy aroma...a little thin on the body, highly carbonated tickly mouthfeel (good in a light beer...so-so in a winter ale). what saves it is the smooth finish and strong malty vanilla follow through."
Aroma:
7/10
Appearance:
7/10
Mouthfeel:
7/10
Flavor:
8/10
Overall:
8/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.7)
Sampled: Bottle Sample Size: 12oz @ $1.5 Unit Cost: $2 per Pint
[2] Review by ggrumet from Pittsburgh, PA, USA who has tried this beer once. (12/5/2008 9:05:24 PM)
"I'll preface this by saying Winter Ales are overrated in my opinion. I prefer the darker ones, like Anchor's special ale. But, I like everything Anderson Valley does so I grabbed a bottle of this. The pour is very encouraging, with a deep amber hue and a bubbly white head that caps and laces nicely. Aroma is very malty and yeasty like sourdough bread. Taste is nice, very malty and earthy with a subtle sweetness. This is kind of like cinnamon raisin bread. I like it more than most as its not extremely spiced. Good drinkability. I would get this over most other 'winter warmers'. "
Aroma:
6/10
Appearance:
7/10
Mouthfeel:
7/10
Flavor:
7/10
Overall:
7/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.4)
Sampled: Bottle Sample Size: 12oz @ $2 Unit Cost: $2.67 per Pint
[3] Review by jcfalbany from Albany, NY, USA who has tried this beer many times. (2/20/2008 9:49:21 PM)
"I always make sure that I get a bottle of this every year at my favorite pub (Mahars in Albany). A very nice winter beer. Just the correct amount of spice and fruit. Pours a cloudy amber color with a small head. Will look forward to drinking this again next year!"
Aroma:
9/10
Appearance:
7/10
Mouthfeel:
8/10
Flavor:
8/10
Overall:
8/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(4)
Sampled: Bottle Sample Size: 12oz @ $2 Unit Cost: $2.67 per Pint
[4] Review by kinger from North Canton, OH, USA who has tried this beer many times. (12/26/2007 5:33:26 PM)
"Classy spiced treat from the brewers at Anderson Valley. This place puts out some tasty beers and this is a great slice of winter. 2007 release, 6.9% as stated on the label. Aromatic with light fruits and sweet malt. Citrus , spice, strawberries and caramel. Reddish copper pour with a thick filmy off-white head and stringy/leggy lacing. Sweet and filling on the palate, a touch of alcohol rolls down the gullet with ease. Biscuit and caramel malt, floral hops, and miscellaneous berries. Great spicy backdrop, hard to identify but it's fruity and very lightly done. This beer has it all, it's an amazing offering by itself and a tremendous example for the style."
Aroma:
8/10
Appearance:
8/10
Mouthfeel:
7/10
Flavor:
9/10
Overall:
8/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(4)
Sampled: Bottle Sample Size: 12oz @ $1.5 Unit Cost: $2 per Pint
[5] Review by doulos31 from Middletown, DE, USA who has tried this beer once. (12/22/2007 9:01:05 PM)
"I am truly dedicated to my beer hobby, saving this one to the actual day of the solstice (no I didn't have it at 1:08 AM this morning). Beer pours deep dark caramel color with a smallish head and lacing. Faint sugary aroma invites me to sip. Flavor was...um, not really great...really sweet taste of vanilla syrup mixed with cinnamon sugar sprinkled in. Lots of caramel malts and other fruitiness in as well. Really full bodied and seemed like a well put together beer, I just wasn't crazy about the flavor."
Aroma:
7/10
Appearance:
7/10
Mouthfeel:
7/10
Flavor:
5/10
Overall:
6/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.2)
Sample Size: 12oz @ $1.97 Unit Cost: $2.63 per Pint
Do you want to see the rest of the reviews? Sign In or Register FREE! = BeerPals Only
Review this Beer:
You must be a member to write a review. Please sign up or log in.
(3.7)
