DOOR COUNTY L’hiver

Pours stout-black: opaque everywhere but the edges. Green apples on the nose.
A touch of toasted wood. Somewhat minty on the palate, mixed with the green wood notes in the nose. Some toasty, faintly chocolate-brownielike notes in the palate along with some powdery toast notes that remind me of the smell of wood singed by a drill bit or saw blade. Fresh, minty, clean note on the palate and finish. Moderate amount of astringency as it warms. Modest bitterness, but no lingering sweetness. Medium-light bodied.

Ray Daniels is the founder and director of the Cicerone Certification Program and the author, editor or publisher of more than two dozen books on beer and brewing. Follow him on Twitter @Cicerone_org.

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A farmhouse ale for the winter, when the fields are covered with snow and you’re safely huddled inside a cozy cottage before a roaring fire. Jet black and capturing all light, this is a delightful combination of plum, licorice, banana and cracked clove. Best enjoyed under a warm flannel blanket with someone you love, discussing thoughts of warmer days to come.

John Holl is the editor of All About Beer Magazine. 

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