About Anderson Valley Winter Solstice: Warmth. Our Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale is a hand-crafted “winter warmer” with a deep amber hue and a rich, malty mouthfeel. Hints of toffee, spice, and caramel tickle the senses while the smooth, creamy finish will lift your spirits; a perfect beer to share with friends and family during the cold days and long nights of winter.
Beer Advocate Score: 87 points
Food Pairings: Roasted almonds, candied yams, baked spiral ham, pumpkin pie
Cheese Pairing: Brie, Aged Cheddar
Glassware: Pint Glass
IBUs: 6
Malts: Pale Two-Row, Crystal (40L and 80L), Munich (20L)
Hops: Northern Brewer, Liberty
Availability: September-February: Draft, 22oz & 12oz bottles, 12oz can
Alcohol by Volume: 6.9%
Case Cost: $36
*website: https://avbc.com/our-beers/winter-solstice-seasonal-ale/
I'm noticing a pattern here. I like every winter ale a little better than the last one. This one had a more pleasant spice profile and I could taste the caramel and black currant flavors. Overall a decent beer. Wouldn't get this again but will look out for more Anderson Valley brews.
ReplyDeleteYum. Yum. Yum. Yum. Yum. Yum. That's one for each of the beers in the 6-pack I just purchased. :-) A bit of advice: this beer tastes exponentially better after poured in a glass than drinking directly from the bottle/can. Weird, but true. 10/10. A+.
ReplyDeleteNothing like drinking a Solstice on the solstice. This was a good rich matly winter ale that really fit its description. I'd like a little more bit, but a very good brew overall.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy the Anderson Valley summer solstice so I was licking my chops waiting for this beer and to top if off I had candied Yams to pair with the beer as suggested. Boy it didn't disappoint. The caramel flavor was the right amount for me and love the smooth finish. I also like how their beers have a creamy taste to it. I just love their seasonal beers and loved this one. Adding to my collection!
ReplyDeleteRating 9
I think I last had this beer in 1996. Back then it was tough to find a decent beer and I was young and naive and I remember hating it. Remembered it being way too spicy and fruity. Now maybe they've changed the recipe, but boy was I wrong. This is fabulous in my opinion. Best winter ale we've had so far. I agree with Joe that it's got just the right amount of creaminess to it. My only regret is that I have but 3 ounces left.
ReplyDeleteIn other news, I had a Rogue Santa's Private Reserve tonight. That was the highlight of last December for me and it didn't disappoint. Very tasty. Although I must say this is right up there. I may even like it better. Crap. One and a half ounces left.
Well, drinking the winter solstice while sitting outside enjoying the nice weather and grilling steaks is not what the brewers of this beer had in mind when they created this. But they also didnt know it was going to be 70º+ outside so I took advantage of the nice weather and enjoyed this outside on the winter solstice. Despite the weather, this was a good beer with its caremel taste. I would definatly drink more of these
ReplyDeleteThis beer was great. Having it right after Fridays beer made me appreciate a richer, fuller beer that still has that nice smooth and hint of sweetness. Best if all, not bitter. I really likes this beer. An 'a' for me.
ReplyDeleteMy hope is renewed! As I reached for this one, I thought to myself, "Oh no. Not another Winter Ale." Expecting mediocrity, I was immediately taken back by the sweet caramel. It may have been my head cold (or just a piece of undigested potato), but after the first swig went down I got a lingering sweetness that was reminiscent of cotton candy. Very good. This one goes on the nice list.
ReplyDeleteAnother excellent winter warmer. I missed drinking this last night on the actual winter solstice, but no matter. It's still delicious. The aroma to me was inviting and made me go to the kitchen and grab some Chrissy cookie batter to taste with the beer. A fantastic choice I must say (*pats own back*). Caramel, slight toffee and the warmth and spices I love to love this time of year. Still haven't had an Anderson Valley offering I dislike.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I liked about this beer was the caramel taste. I am, however, extremely impressed that Dave managed to drink his at 10:26am. Go Dave!!
ReplyDeleteGod Damn that is a smooth winter ale! Love the complexity and balance. As I get further thru it, the sweetness gets to me a bit. Totally wont stop me from drinking another tho!
ReplyDeleteI love everything that anderson valley makes. This one is not my fav tho.
Still got a six of this in my fridge and I will enjoy every one.
This is a repeat entry as it's been in past 24 Days of Beer. This has received high marks in the past and that's why we choose to include it again this year. The first thoughts that come to mind when I drink this beer is that it is very well crafted. A lot of different flavors going on here that all come together and make something that is incredible. I love it. Grade 9 out of 10, A-
ReplyDeleteMy favorite in the lineup so far. Perfect caramel taste and smooth going down. This is probably the only one out of the group that I would go out and buy.
ReplyDeleteOf course I didn't read the initial email too well which said that the beers were not in order, so when I tried to get ahead because I was out of town on Dec 1-2, I drank this one in November. Whoops. If I remember correctly I did enjoy it.
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