Beer Review: Winter Hook

Funny how these seasonals change from year to year. last year I wasn't too impressed with Winter Hook, thought it was kind of thin and uninspiring. While this year it's very impressive. Still no head to speak of, but high hoppiness, almost like a pale ale or even a mild IPA, plenty of grapefruity citrus, I'm glad I came back to the Hook.

Lindeman's Kriek Lambic

Since I couldn't get any Sam Adams Cranberry Lambic this year, I thought I'd go with a well-known brewer of lambics, Lindeman's. To start off with, a lambic is a style of beer that relies on spontaneous fermentation:

Lambic is a very distinctive type of beer brewed only in the Pajottenland region of Belgium (southwest of Brussels) and in Brussels itself at theCantillon Brewery and museum. Lambic is now mainly consumed after refermentation, resulting in derived beers such as Geuze or Kriek.^[1]

Unlike conventional ales and lagers, which are fermented by carefully cultivated strains of brewer's yeasts, lambic beer is instead produced by spontaneous fermentation: it is exposed to the wild yeasts and bacteria that are said to be native to the Senne valley, in which Brussels lies. It is this unusual process which gives the beer its distinctive flavour: dry, vinous, and cidery, with a slightly sour aftertaste.

I find that the lambic style is a great substitute for wine or champagne. Lindeman's is highly carbonated, pours with a tall fluffy head and due to the infusion of black cherries (kriek means cherry in Flemish - or possibly Dutch). I drank it out of a tall glass exactly like the one pictured. Not for everyone, but perfect with turkey and stuffing. 

Beer Review: Lakefront Bridge Burner Special Reserve

Creamy, fluffy, tan head perched atop a nut-brown ale. Assertively hoppy, plenty of citrus, as well as wood smoke and caramel. 8% ABV, but kind of thin in body. Good stuff.

Beer Review: Summit Winter Ale

Dark brown, very hoppy, almost could be classified as a porter. And like a porter, there was some coffee taste to it, along with some nuttiness, almost cashew-ey. Definitely a solid brew that stands up there with other holiday portrs.

Shiner Holiday Cheer

Hmm...peaches? Hmm...pecans? Not what I'd expect from a holiday beer, but Shiner is known for throwing curves at ya! It pours a ruby red, little bitty head and minimal carbonation. Fun to drink, but it would have made more sense to have called this an Autumn Ale.

Beer Review: Hibernation Ale

Oh yeah...now this is a winter warmer! Full bodied hop aroma, tall frothy head, dark mahogany hue, subtle chocolate taste. I enjoyed every drop of this beer and would definitely pick up a few again.

Beer Review: St. Benedict's Winter Ale by Steven's Point Brewing

Best offering by Point yet...I've not been overly impressed with their beers, but this one is a winner. Coppery tint, taste of plums, brown sugar, easy on the hops. Some cinnamon as well. Very drinkable.