Winterbraun Ale

Tasted following making beef stroganoff (even though I'm vegetarian) with a new twist. I won't go too far into it, but my post about it can be found here: http://aubreystinykitchen.blogspot.com/

Appearance: Dark hazled brown with a medium but still clouded transparency. Head is tan in color and dissipates slowly leaving a wet lace in its path. Head is reduced to a film 2 minutes after pour. Some flocculent is visible within and amongst the carbonation bubbles.

Aroma: Chocolaty and malted with a touch of caramel and coffee. I smell roasted chestnuts and a bit of maple as well. Predominantly sweet finishing a tad over toasted.

Taste: Very flavorful and malty. Chocolate takes a dominant character in this beer with some toffee, followed by the roasted nuts and some lightly toasted coffee to finish. Maple syrup and maybe even brown sugar are notable. Wooded tannin like flavors run the beer out with a prolonged drying aftertaste. Maybe some spices part for the finishing flavors. Nuttiness and roasted chocolate impart a very enticing flavor to this otherwise brown winter ale.
Mouthfeel: Very smooth, and very creamy. The carbonation is very small when it hits the palate and only foams up mid tongue giving it a soft, palatable texture. Body if hardy and full. Some tackiness.
Overall Impression: What a fantastic winter ale. It is smooth, warming and delightfully sweet and flavorful. I'd say this is one of the best winter ale's I've had.


91/100