This time around he’s made a Winter Warmer style. Winter Warmer’s tend to have a bit higher ABV (this one is around 7%) where it gets its name is from the warming effect the alcohol provides. From beeradvocate.com:

These malty sweet offerings tend to be a favorite winter seasonal. Big malt presence, both in flavor and body. The color ranges from brownish reds to nearly pitch black. Hop bitterness is generally low, leveled and balanced, but hop character can be pronounced. Alcohol warmth is not uncommon.

Many English versions contain no spices, though some brewers of spiced winter seasonal ales will slap “Winter Warmer” on the label. Those that are spiced, tend to follow the “wassail” tradition of blending robust ales with mixed spices, before hops became the chief “spice” in beer. American varieties many have a larger presences of hops both in bitterness and flavor.

Average alcohol by volume (abv) range: 5.5-8.0%

When I started exploring and enjoying beer, one of the first big “hits” with me was a winter warmer style ale. The Moonraker Ale, by J.W. Lees & Co., introduced me to malts like I had never tasted before, and a smooth mouthfeel like I hadn’t ever experienced before. Though I’d have to go back and give it another go almost two years later, I’ve always been a huge fan of Porters, Stouts, and Winter Warmers.

So, lets see how Rob did this time! (more…)

After his last brew, and actually on the tail end of while it was still being enjoyed, Rob (a.k.a. StubbornMan) mentioned that he was brewing a bitter. Having rushed to get clean bottles back to him so he could bottle everything on time, I was anxious to taste another example of a bitter. I gave him plenty of 22 oz. “bombers” this round of filling so he wouldn’t have to collect as many (and I figured that would mean more home brewed beer for me, HA!). With every chance I have to try one of his brews, I get closer and closer to buying my own set of home brewing equipment to give it a try myself.

From BeerAdvocate: “The Bitter style came from brewers who wanted to differentiate these ales from other mild brews, enter pale malts and more hops. Most are gold to copper in colour and are light bodied. Low carbonation. Alcohol should be low and not perceived. Hop bitterness is moderate to assertive. Most have a fruitiness in the aroma and flavor, diacetyl can also be present. These are traditionally served cask conditioned, but many breweries have bottled versions.”

I don’t think he has a name for it yet, but that doesn’t matter… Lets just cut to the chase, shall we? (more…)

The Notes

Appearance (20%) – Poured a molasses color with a frothy milky-cocoa head that diminished slowly, undetectable carbonation through the dark body.

Scent (20%) – Nose gathers chocolate maltiness, woodiness, and slight florals.

Taste (40%) – Dry stout, much like a Guinness with a bit more floral hop character, and less of the cream. Dry-roasted nuts seem to be detectable on a healthy burp.

Mouthfeel (10%) – Medium-light body goes down smooth.

Drinkability (10%) – Very drinkable, it nails the Irish Dry Style with slight variation. An enjoyable session brew. (more…)