I've reviewed Weyerbacher's Winter Ale before, but it's so good I thought it deserved another shot. It pours a deep chestnut color with a subdued tan head. It's full-bodied but not heavy, porter-like in its taste, but not as thick and creamy. The chocolate malt adds a sweet candy bar quality to it. There are some toffee and nutmeg notes to the mix as well. As the glass becomes less than half full I'm picking up some hop bitterness as well. Not nearly as outstanding as most of Weyerbacher's other brews, but a head above the crowd nonetheless. And here's a tidbit from Weyerbacher's web site:
Although winter ales predate history, they are believed to have their origin in the pagan celebrations of winter solstice. Later, when monasteries produced the local brew, winter ales were made each year to commemorate the birth of Christ. Back then, winter ales were brewed full-bodied as a source of nutrition for the upcoming winter months. Today, winter ales are typified by their seasonality, their rich, malty flavors and by their deep, dark coloration.
I'm not sure where they get their information, but it sounds like good mythology to me!
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