94 Winter Warmer, Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. (TX). 9% ABV (2/11)
Aromas of toasty strawberry Pop Tart and cherry liqueur-filled chocolate bonbon with smooth, satiny, fruity-yet-dry medium-full body and a tangy, orange marmalade, peppercorn and root vegetable purée-accented finish. Delicious and satisfying.
93 Jubelale, Deschutes Brewery (OR) 2008. 6.7% ABV (3/09)
Reddish brown color with a tan head. Aromas of toffee and poached apples follow through on a supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with roasted coffee, maple syrup, dried fruits and unsweetened cocoa notes. Finishes with a tangy chocolate-dusted orange peel, roasted nut and exotic peppercorn fade. A rich, smooth and expansive beer that will go great with roasted meats.
93 Santa’s Private Reserve Ale, Rogue Ales (OR). 5.3% ABV (2/11)
Deep amber color. Lush apricot marmalade, lemon curd and pine blossom aromas with a zesty, plush, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a crisp, spicy, peppered spinach and kale-accented finish. A super sessionable IPA with a deft hint of spice.
92 Christmas Ale, Goose Island Beer Co. (IL). 7.2% ABV (3/09)
Deep copper color with a manila blanket of foam. Aromas of milk chocolate covered nuts follow through on a soft, supple entry to a dryish medium body with subtle spiced nut and dried fruit flavors. Finishes with a tangy, orangey hop fade with delicate spiciness and great drinkability.
90 Hoppy Holidaze, Marin Brewing Co. (CA). 7.5% ABV (3/09)
Bright copper penny color with a yellow tint. Bold aromas of spicy orange Christmas cake follow through on a round entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body with orange Pekoe tea and eggnog notes. Finishes with a crisp, spicy orange and mineral fade. A pleasant holiday sipper.
89 Winter Warmer, Garrison Brewing Co. (Canada). 6.7% ABV (3/10)
Deep mahogany color. Rich brown spice and fig butter aromas follow through on a rich entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium to full body with good balance of nutty malt and spices. Finishes with a crisp, citrus crème brûlée, rye toast and coriander fade.
89 Pray for Snow Winter Ale, 10 Barrel Brewing (OR). 7.6% ABV (2/11)
Deep chestnut brown color. Mild, fleeting aromas of spicy apple custard pie with a round, satiny dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and an evenly modulated, warming cocoa, cinnamon, ginger and root vegetable nuanced finish.
89 Rude Elf’s Reserve, Fegley’s Brew Works (PA). 10.5% ABV (2/11)
Bold spicy aromas of spumoni ice cream, cherry cola and gingersnaps with a lightly chewy and supple, fruity medium-full body with crystallized ginger, cinnamon sugar and nutmeg on the long, juicy mild grassy hop finish. Robustly spicy and decadently satisfying.
88 Wassail Ale, Blue Tractor Brewery (MI). (2/11) %{Brewpub}
Interesting aromas of chocolate-covered graham cracker, honeyed ginger root and nori with a round, supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and cola, roasted pepper and radicchio-accented finish. Stylish and tasty.
86 Winter Brau, Peter B’s Brewpub (CA). 5.5% ABV (2/11) %{Brewpub}
Mild aromas of dark toasted bread and nuts with a crisp, dry medium body and a cocoa, jicama and grassy hop-accented finish.
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