Winter Wee
Rattlesnake Mountain Brewing Company

 

 

I sat down and had a pint of this winter seasonal after spending an hour and a half with the man himself, Kimo. The Wee Heavy takes its dominant flavor from a hearty infusion of peat malts. Peats accent the bittering and vice versa for a beer with a spiced and smoky complexity and a touch of brown sugar. The body is lush crimson with vigorous carbonation, trailer lace, and a plush tan carpet of head. The mouthfeel is big and fluffy.

A nice drinking winter ale, certain to please peat malt fans.

I was served 12 ounces in a pint glass from the tap at Kimo's in Richland, Washington.

A: It poured a clear mahogany with ruby highlights body and a head that was sticky tan, one finger tall and composed of large bubbles. The head fell fast but left a thin curtain with long legs.

S: It emitted aromas of dark molasses, caramel, plums and raisins, as well as dark malts and hints of alcohol. It was not as pungently sweet as some wee heavys but pleasantly balanced.

T: The flavors followed the aromas. The flavor of caramel dominated the front followed by dark roasted malt, hints of dark bread, and ripe dark fruits.

M: It was light to medium-bodied, a tad watery, and had tingly lasting carbonation. The finish was sweet and clean with little residual after taste.

D: It was not overly sweet like some wee heavy's making it very drinkable in a session. It had a bit of kick (8.3% ABV) but was fresh and finished clean.