Day 13 of the 3rd Annual Advent-ure Calendar
Day 13: Anderson Valley Brewing Co.Winter Solstice
Anderson Valley produce some of our favorite goses (sour wheat beer) so we don’t necessarily think about them first when it comes to Christmas ales. We have had a few of their other beers though and we’ve been fans, so we’re looking forward to seeing what their Christmas beer has to offer. From their website: “Boasting a deep amber hue and rich mouthfeel, its creamy finish will lift your spirits. Hints of toffee, spice, and caramel tease the senses making this the perfect ale to share with friends and family during the cold days and long nights of winter.”
REFLECTIONS
Beard & Broad
Beard: I’m a big fan of malty, sweeter beers around the holidays and this fits the bill perfectly. Even though I think our can was a bit oxidized, it was still delicious. Caramel, toffee, and a little bit of subtle spice; this beers strikes the perfect balance for me. It has those winter flavors but still tastes like a beer first.
Broad: This beer is just delightful! It’s smooth, malty, light and has just the right amount of holiday taste to it. I don’t really taste a specific flavor, it’s just good and tasty. I really like that it’s not too sweet and not too malty, it’s just right!
Adam & Alex
Adam: This beer is both joyful and triumphant (nails that grinch ref). I get a nice mix of holiday spices but it’s not overwhelming. The strongest flavor I get is toffee. And I enjoy toffee. This beer would be great for a holiday cheermeister
Alex: This beer goes back to the taste I associate with most Christmas ales. I really enjoyed this and get a good mix of spices and toffee as well. Nothing really jumps out to make it super special but I enjoyed it nonetheless and would definitely drink it again.
Scott & Christa
Scott: Give me more please, this beer is delicious! The Anderson Valley Winter Solstice Ale is malty, flavorful and just flat out enjoyable to drink. I don’t know much about this Californian brewery, but I’m happy to try more after getting to drink this gem.
Christa: I loved this beer! It’s a malty, holiday spiced delight. I am getting a taste of cinnamon and nutmeg flavor and even some vanilla. It’s got the right amount of sweetness to counterbalance any bitterness but isn’t over the top like some of our pours have been. I’ll be buying this again as sharing with greedy Berry is difficult.
Tony & Megan
Tony: I think I may have had this at a Cleveland Beeefest before and I remember writing it down because I liked it. Not sure if this is the exact same one but I know it was a winter ale from Anderson Valley. I like this one, but I’ll be honest theres not a lot of depth of flavor. Its got some caramel flavor notes and a little maltiness, but not too much else. Its not bitter, not hoppy either. A little creamy. Its easy to drink, pretty light, didn’t taste any spices. Overall its decent but just doesn’t really stand out.
Megan: The design is interesting but I don’t really taste much on this one. It’s sweet but not overly sweet and doesn’t seem full of spices either. I wouldn’t mind having a couple of these in a row but this one isn’t standing out to me.
