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[expand]Total Score: 39/50
Very nice, drinkable beer that is almost an Imperial Brown Ale rather than this category since this doesn’t seem to have spices. more >
[close]Total Score: 39/50
Aroma: Rich malty, chocolate aroma. No hop aroma. No DMS. No diacetyl. Some alcohol but not assertive. Spices not evident in aroma but, if present, may contribute to the overall rich bouquet. Some dark fruit fermentation esters contribute to the ale quality and richness. (9/12)
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Appearance: Deep mahogany with ruby highlights. Bright clarity. Thin head died fairly rapidly. Still, a great looking beer. (2/3)
Flavor: Rich chocolate malt flavor balanced with assertive hop bitterness. Some date-like, dark fruit notes from the ale fermentation. Low hop flavor in the background. Very well-balanced. A unique softness to the malt and hops. No spices, but there is sufficient alcohol to be a Winter Warmer. This is almost a big Brown Ale, rather than a spiced Winter Warmer. (16/20)
Mouthfeel: Medium to full bodied. Smooth, almost creamy. Low alcohol warming is deceptive. A bit of hop astringency accompanies the bitterness. (4/5)
Overall Impression: Very nice, drinkable beer that is almost an Imperial Brown Ale rather than this category since this doesn’t seem to have spices. However it holds up as a Winter Warmer quite effectively. The richness and chocolate malt character make this a great accompaniment to chocolate desserts, cinnamon cookies or Harpoon’s Winter Warmer. (8/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 39/50
The prominence of the alcoholic warmth puts a more American spin on a classic English style. more >
[close]Total Score: 39/50
Aroma: Lots of caramel malt, and burnt sugar with prune and plum esters. A spicy note adds complexity. Alcohol is evident, though not harsh. No hop aroma, or the sherry or port age characteristics that can be present in this style. Emphasis is definitely on the caramel malt aspect. (8/12)
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Appearance: Deep reddish copper with brilliant clarity. Head forms of uniform bubbles, then dissipates to a fine mist on the surface of the beer. Creamy off-white foam re-forms readily and persists as a ring around the glass. (3/3)
Flavor: Caramel, treacle, raisin and dried prune flavors, with a malty sweetness supporting an assertive hop bitterness and low earthy hop flavor that is barely detectable. Rich burnt raisin sugary, roasty note present mid-palate. Finishes sweet, with a lingering, balancing hop bitterness. Very clean flavors. (17/20)
Mouthfeel: Evident alcohol is definitely warming, but not hot. Medium–full bodied with creamy carbonation, and a lightly astringent roasty, burnt raisin, dried, baked prune finish. (4/5)
Overall Impression: The prominence of the alcoholic warmth puts a more American spin on a classic English style. The sweet caramel malt flavors are given complexity by the dried prune and treacle notes. Snow Cap Ale is always a winter favorite in our household, one that develops some of the port age notes that provide additional complexity and richness—if we can resist the temptation. A smooth and intriguing warmer for now and later. (7/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 36/50
Good beer, perhaps a little too Americanized through the use of an assertive hop bill. more >
[close]Total Score: 36/50
Aroma: Molasses, toffee and roasted malt. It has an interesting dark fruit aroma that includes raisin and plum notes. Fruitiness is evident, with banana esters emerging as it warms. Noticeable alcohol, with some complex higher alcohols. (9/12)
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Appearance: Deep ruby/garnet color with a long-lasting white head. Clarity is excellent. (3/3)
Flavor: Soft malt initially fills the palate, with a sweetness that gradually yields to hop bitterness and roasted malts. The dark fruit and banana notes are present, but at a lower level than anticipated from the aroma. The finish has some acidity from the roasted malts, along with some vinous notes. The hop bitterness dominates, which is unusual for this style. Toning it down would allow the fermentation character to come through better. (16/20)
Mouthfeel: Good creaminess from both residual sugars and carbonation. Some alcoholic warmth,
which is expected for this style. Astringency coats the mouth after the beer is swallowed. (4/5)
Overall Impression: Good beer, perhaps a little too Americanized through the use of an assertive hop bill. It doesn’t quite fit into the Old Ale/Winter Warmer style, perhaps more along the lines of a Belgian Dark, but that style also usually has less emphasis on hop bitterness. The fermentation characteristics are quite interesting and deserve more prominence in the flavor. (8/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 40/50
Rich and inviting. Definitely warming. The burnt sugary flavors are very interesting. Nicely crafted. Could benefit from additional cellaring. more >
[close]Total Score: 40/50
Aroma: Sweet caramel malt, fruity esters and a spicy alcohol edge. The sweetness dominates and is
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very complex—deeply caramelized sugar, toffee and treacle come to mind. No hops. Very clean. (9/12)
Appearance: Deep chestnut brown color. Clear, when held up to a light. Moderately-sized light tan head, retained well.
Flavor: Very rich, with layers of complex caramelized sugar richness. Deep caramel, with a burnt-sugar note. While having a malty, sugary palate, the beer has a drying finish with some alcohol flavor present. Medium-low bitterness but the alcohol level does add a bit of bitterness. Medium-light earthy hop flavor. Light fruity esters add to the complexity. The malt and sugar profile is quite rich and complex; I tasted something different with each sip. Very interesting. (3/3)
Mouthfeel: Medium-full body with medium-high carbonation. Noticeably warming alcohol but not excessively hot. However, I suspect the alcohol character will continue to smooth out and improve with age. (16/20)
Overall Impression: Rich and inviting. Definitely warming. The burnt sugary flavors are very interesting. Nicely crafted. Could benefit from additional cellaring—the alcohol is a touch too apparent in the finish. Quite suggestive of English winter warmers, with a wonderful complexity of malty flavors. This should be a great beer for the winter season. It would also be interesting to lay down a six-pack for next year as well. That would likely give it even more of an aged English character. (8/10)
