When you're outside freezing your little carapas off and you just need the great taste of a hearty beer, nothing satisfies like a "Winter Warmer."
Winter Warmers are generally full-bodied beers with slightly higher alcohol content to get your bones a few degrees warmer. Generally darker beers, these are sweet, malty brews and the hops can be anywhere from mild to intense. This "Jubelale" (nice play on words, by the way, as the jubilee of the season meets a hearty ale) from Deschutes brewery in Bend, Ore., is a classic example of what a good Winter Warmer should be.
Pour: Deep amber/copper color with a two-fingered off-white, dense foamy head that leaves all sorts of sticky lacing on the glass. Head retention is absolutely great and it stays with you until the last drink.
Smell: Sweet malty aroma with spicy hops and dark fruits. Some hints of molasses and burnt sugar as well.
Taste: Upon entering the mouth this beer packs a mighty wallop of sweet caramel malts, dark fruit tastes, and a little bit of syrupy sweetness. The back end finishes up with a moderately intense bitter, spicy hoppy bite that lingers in your mouth for awhile, and some warming alcohol, and a slight drying feeling.
Mouthfeel: Moderate to full with low carbonation, somewhat sticky, nice and creamy, and a bit chewy. Spot-on for this style.
Drinkability: Fairly easy-drinking, but you can't take huge sips of this beer and it's very filling. You wouldn't want to have more than 1 or 2 at a time.
Final Notes: This beer has a full, bittersweet, balanced flavor, a rich mouthfeel, and plenty of alcohol warmth (6.7% ABV) for those winter months. A satisfying beer that would pair well with a campfire meal, spicy food, a Thanksgiving/Christmas potluck, or any dessert. This beer has a budget-pleasing price too, so be sure to pick up a few six-packs and impress your friends this holiday season. I'm going with "A-" on this one. I was very impressed.
Comments (6)
Surely someone has an opinion of this beer other than me....
Come on, I want to hear from you! LOL.
Oh heck, I haven't tried that one... looks good!
The colorful label definitely is a win... but I don't know about the brew. I like the amber color though... I like deeper colored beer. Good review, and I could taste the beer in my mouth. You definitely know your beers, man. Cheers to you.
@mathematicalbagpiper@xanga - cheer up. We'll bring in the men.
Still, reading your review, I must say this beer is drinkable, although it kinda looks like a very nice eggnog with cappuccino hue to it.
* Appearance. Amber color with a cola fizz colored head.
* Smell. A hoppy floral smell and a light roasty malt aroma.
* Taste. A coffee taste that is almost espresso-like. Bitter and piney.
* Mouthfeel. Palette cleansing. Medium to full bodied.
* Drinkability. Although does not prefer amber thought this beer is drinkable. 3.0 rating.