Winter Ale (2012) / 5th Anniversary Ale | Kern River Brewing Company
Brewed by:
Kern River Brewing Company
California, United States
kernriverbrewing.com
Style: American Double / Imperial IPA
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 8.00%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by soughtbygod on 05-14-2011
This beer is retired; no longer brewed.
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Reviews: 90 | Ratings: 270
4.58/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Served in a pint glass poured from a growler. Pours a dark amber with a nice head, about 1 finger, that dissipates into lace around the glass. The aroma has a lot of citrus mixed with pine. It is medium bodied and highly drinkable. Feels good going down. A really good DIPA that hides the alcohol content well.
★ 311 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Served in a pint glass poured from a growler. Pours a dark amber with a nice head, about 1 finger, that dissipates into lace around the glass. The aroma has a lot of citrus mixed with pine. It is medium bodied and highly drinkable. Feels good going down. A really good DIPA that hides the alcohol content well.
★ 311 characters
4.44/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 22 oz bottle into a Half Acre tulip.
A- pours a dark golden with a 3" off-white thick head. Big rings and clumps of lacing cover the glass.
S- amazing! Honey, caramel, biscuit, huge pineapple and passion fruit along with more citrus and melon notes,.
T- sweet caramel, biscuit, pineapple and more citrus, some orange rind bitterness and some spices.
M- medium body and carbonation. Just a little thin but but is rather smooth.
O- very good dipa. Absolutely love the aroma and the flavors don't lack that far behind.
★ 534 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 22 oz bottle into a Half Acre tulip.
A- pours a dark golden with a 3" off-white thick head. Big rings and clumps of lacing cover the glass.
S- amazing! Honey, caramel, biscuit, huge pineapple and passion fruit along with more citrus and melon notes,.
T- sweet caramel, biscuit, pineapple and more citrus, some orange rind bitterness and some spices.
M- medium body and carbonation. Just a little thin but but is rather smooth.
O- very good dipa. Absolutely love the aroma and the flavors don't lack that far behind.
★ 534 characters
4.31/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A: Golden yellow with off white head. Good retention and some lacing.
S: Tangerines mainly. Pine and spicy hops with pineapple and a bit of mango. Some sweet malt in the back.
T: Grapefruit pineapple bite upfront. A very brief presentation of a sweet peach and malt flavor. Pine, spicy hop, and a touch of alcohol in the back end.
M: Medium bodied with medium-light carbonation. Carbonation is fine. Drying.
O: I'm pretty sure this beer is a bit older than I would like but it held up nicely.
★ 497 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A: Golden yellow with off white head. Good retention and some lacing.
S: Tangerines mainly. Pine and spicy hops with pineapple and a bit of mango. Some sweet malt in the back.
T: Grapefruit pineapple bite upfront. A very brief presentation of a sweet peach and malt flavor. Pine, spicy hop, and a touch of alcohol in the back end.
M: Medium bodied with medium-light carbonation. Carbonation is fine. Drying.
O: I'm pretty sure this beer is a bit older than I would like but it held up nicely.
★ 497 characters
4.49/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Thanks to APreacher for the bottle!
22 oz bottle pulled from the fridge and poured into a snifter. No freshness info. I too think there was some sort of labeling error as I at first thought this was the Winter (rye) Ale, but this is definatly an IPA.
Pours out a slightly hazy deep golden orange color with a very nice white head that shows some great retention and leaves quite a bit of sticky lace stuck to the glass.
Very nice aroma. Dank, pungent hops, smells like maybe some Nelson was used. Vegetal, juicy tropical fruits, candied citrus.
Loving this beer. Reminds me a little bit of Nelson from alpine and a little bit of nugget nectar. Juicy, dank, resinous. Juicy tropical fruits, a bit vegetal and onion, but totally in a good way, sweet citrus, a little pine needle, maybe some fresh sticky weed. Again, tastes just like Nelson hops were used with maybe a bit of citra? Malt isn't too noticeable, maybe just enough for the hops to play off of.
Finishes really clean and drink rather smoothly with a lot of bitterness that lingers. A bit sticky in the mouthfrom all the hops, medium bodied, almost feels a bit light and airy from a slightly higher than normal carbonation.
Im very impressed with this beer. Smells and tastes like a handful of fresh hop cones. If this was available to me, I'd come back to it again and again. Trade for this now!
★ 1,365 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Thanks to APreacher for the bottle!
22 oz bottle pulled from the fridge and poured into a snifter. No freshness info. I too think there was some sort of labeling error as I at first thought this was the Winter (rye) Ale, but this is definatly an IPA.
Pours out a slightly hazy deep golden orange color with a very nice white head that shows some great retention and leaves quite a bit of sticky lace stuck to the glass.
Very nice aroma. Dank, pungent hops, smells like maybe some Nelson was used. Vegetal, juicy tropical fruits, candied citrus.
Loving this beer. Reminds me a little bit of Nelson from alpine and a little bit of nugget nectar. Juicy, dank, resinous. Juicy tropical fruits, a bit vegetal and onion, but totally in a good way, sweet citrus, a little pine needle, maybe some fresh sticky weed. Again, tastes just like Nelson hops were used with maybe a bit of citra? Malt isn't too noticeable, maybe just enough for the hops to play off of.
Finishes really clean and drink rather smoothly with a lot of bitterness that lingers. A bit sticky in the mouthfrom all the hops, medium bodied, almost feels a bit light and airy from a slightly higher than normal carbonation.
Im very impressed with this beer. Smells and tastes like a handful of fresh hop cones. If this was available to me, I'd come back to it again and again. Trade for this now!
★ 1,365 characters
4.06/5 rDev -8.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Poured from a bomber into a pint glass in high elevation Libby, Mont. Reviewed live. No bottled-by date readily apparent. Got this bottle up in Montana from my buddy Kojevergas. I confused it with the Winter Rye Ale.
A- Thick one-finger white head. Middling retention. Nice white lacing and orange body with high clarity.
S- Floral hops, orange blossom, rye and other floral notes.
T- Bitter-sweet. Well developed, floral and flighty. I enjoy this taste very much.
M- Medium-bodied, smooth and wet.
O- Well-received. I like this beer quite a bit. Extremely drinkable DIPA.
★ 580 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Poured from a bomber into a pint glass in high elevation Libby, Mont. Reviewed live. No bottled-by date readily apparent. Got this bottle up in Montana from my buddy Kojevergas. I confused it with the Winter Rye Ale.
A- Thick one-finger white head. Middling retention. Nice white lacing and orange body with high clarity.
S- Floral hops, orange blossom, rye and other floral notes.
T- Bitter-sweet. Well developed, floral and flighty. I enjoy this taste very much.
M- Medium-bodied, smooth and wet.
O- Well-received. I like this beer quite a bit. Extremely drinkable DIPA.
★ 580 characters
4.34/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
[Poured into a generic pint glass]
I: When I see a bottle from Kern, I usually pick one up without much thought taking into account that they are kind of a rare beer at the store. While I've never been impressed by their brews, I'm usually satisfied. Here's to hoping to be impressed by their Winter Ale. [Update]: I believe there was a labeling error(it has the Winter Rye Ale) and instead got the 5th anniversary winter ale. Appearance and taste do not reflect the label on my bottle based on other descriptions.
B: [8.00% ABV 1 Pint 6 FL OZ 2013 Bottle] This isn't the most attention grabbing bottle by them I've seen. That said, it has winter written all over it(snow and flakes). Label is missing that glossy feel that I've come across in previous brews. As for info, the label leaves much to be desired. No back story, abv, brief description other than winter ale, etc.. Overall it's not the shelf worthy at this point, unless it can amaze during my taste.
A: Orange transparent body with a bubbly white head that settles into a thin layer of cream(slow dissipation), and good lacing.
S: Orange citrus and cascade hops.
T: Loads a big spicy citrus(enhanced by carbonation as well) with slight creamy sweet malt, slight sour lemon zest,orange, and grapefruit.
M: slick/crisp finish, medium body, medium carbonation, and little apparent alcohol.
O: Very tasty and drinkable DIPA with great citrus presence. There's no going wrong with picking up a bottle of this stuff. While I'm confident that my bottle is the 5th Anniversary Winter Ale IPA, I can't be 100% sure do to a mislabel. Whatever it is, I could drink it all day. I would recommend and buy again.
★ 1,673 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
[Poured into a generic pint glass]
I: When I see a bottle from Kern, I usually pick one up without much thought taking into account that they are kind of a rare beer at the store. While I've never been impressed by their brews, I'm usually satisfied. Here's to hoping to be impressed by their Winter Ale. [Update]: I believe there was a labeling error(it has the Winter Rye Ale) and instead got the 5th anniversary winter ale. Appearance and taste do not reflect the label on my bottle based on other descriptions.
B: [8.00% ABV 1 Pint 6 FL OZ 2013 Bottle] This isn't the most attention grabbing bottle by them I've seen. That said, it has winter written all over it(snow and flakes). Label is missing that glossy feel that I've come across in previous brews. As for info, the label leaves much to be desired. No back story, abv, brief description other than winter ale, etc.. Overall it's not the shelf worthy at this point, unless it can amaze during my taste.
A: Orange transparent body with a bubbly white head that settles into a thin layer of cream(slow dissipation), and good lacing.
S: Orange citrus and cascade hops.
T: Loads a big spicy citrus(enhanced by carbonation as well) with slight creamy sweet malt, slight sour lemon zest,orange, and grapefruit.
M: slick/crisp finish, medium body, medium carbonation, and little apparent alcohol.
O: Very tasty and drinkable DIPA with great citrus presence. There's no going wrong with picking up a bottle of this stuff. While I'm confident that my bottle is the 5th Anniversary Winter Ale IPA, I can't be 100% sure do to a mislabel. Whatever it is, I could drink it all day. I would recommend and buy again.
★ 1,673 characters
4.64/5 rDev +4.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75
A: pours a clear golden-yellow with a finger of white head that fades into a frothy ring with a little lacing.
S: loads of citrus here. Oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit dominate with notes of pineapple. There is some honey sweetness toward the end.
T: grapefruit and orange dominate the flavor with earthy pine flavors. Lightly bitter with just a hint of alcohol presence. Delicious.
M: medium body and carbonation, this beer is nicely carbonated and avoids being too sticky or watery.
O: a great DIPA overall. Delicious and aromatic. Fantastic.
★ 552 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75
A: pours a clear golden-yellow with a finger of white head that fades into a frothy ring with a little lacing.
S: loads of citrus here. Oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit dominate with notes of pineapple. There is some honey sweetness toward the end.
T: grapefruit and orange dominate the flavor with earthy pine flavors. Lightly bitter with just a hint of alcohol presence. Delicious.
M: medium body and carbonation, this beer is nicely carbonated and avoids being too sticky or watery.
O: a great DIPA overall. Delicious and aromatic. Fantastic.
★ 552 characters
4.04/5 rDev -9.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
1 pint 6 fl oz brown glass bottle with standard pressure cap acquired at a local beer store and served into a New Belgium stem-goblet in me gaff in low altitude Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California. Expectations are extremely high given its current ratings, the hype, and the reputation of the brewery itself. No ABV is listed on the bottle. Label is okay.
Served chilled but not quite fridge cold. Side-poured with standard vigor as no carbonation issues are anticipated.
Paired with spicy noodles.
A: Pours a one finger white colour head - fairly thin - of some slight cream and of nice thickness. Retention is decent for the style (~2-3 minutes). Good sticky lacing on the sides of the glass. Body colour is a fairly vibrant semitransparent copper. Translucent. No yeast particles are visible. No bubble show. Par for the style.
Sm: Appealing floral hops, wonderful pine character, clean malts, dominant oily nectary hop notes, grapefruit citrus esters, and citrus zest. The grapefruit isn't biting or overly sweet, and there is no detectable hop bitterness. Seems balanced and appealing. Fresh. I can't wait to try it. A moderate strength aroma. Fantastic for an IPA, but not ideal or perfect. No alcohol or yeast character is detectable.
T: Nectary and wonderfully oily hops, with some balanced grapefruit of impressive depth of flavour. Some floral character complements. Pale malts form the simple unobtrusive yet well layered foundation. Lightly citrusy - just enough to refresh. Just a bit of hop bitterness on the finish, but it's well hidden for the most part - and completely concealed until that point. No hop bite or sharpness; it masters the key characteristic of a good IPA: balance. Refreshing and enjoyable. I'm digging it. I'm not blown away, but it's a damn good beer in the style. No alcohol or yeast comes through.
Mf: Oily, smooth, and wet, with enough coarseness throughout to bring out the flavours. Near perfect thickness. Slightly overcarbonated, but it aids the assertive character of the hops. Feels tailored to the flavour profile. Very good execution. Refreshing, with excellent palate presence.
Dr: A highly drinkable Double IPA from Kern River - especially for its high ABV (which is well concealed). I could down this all night. That said, it's not amazingly holy-shit incredible - and in that respect it doesn't quite live up to its reputation. Still, I'd definitely have it again and it's a must try within the style. A great offering from Kern River. Met my high expectations. Worth seeing out. I'd recommend it to friends; in fact I got a second to send to one.
A-
★ 2,616 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
1 pint 6 fl oz brown glass bottle with standard pressure cap acquired at a local beer store and served into a New Belgium stem-goblet in me gaff in low altitude Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California. Expectations are extremely high given its current ratings, the hype, and the reputation of the brewery itself. No ABV is listed on the bottle. Label is okay.
Served chilled but not quite fridge cold. Side-poured with standard vigor as no carbonation issues are anticipated.
Paired with spicy noodles.
A: Pours a one finger white colour head - fairly thin - of some slight cream and of nice thickness. Retention is decent for the style (~2-3 minutes). Good sticky lacing on the sides of the glass. Body colour is a fairly vibrant semitransparent copper. Translucent. No yeast particles are visible. No bubble show. Par for the style.
Sm: Appealing floral hops, wonderful pine character, clean malts, dominant oily nectary hop notes, grapefruit citrus esters, and citrus zest. The grapefruit isn't biting or overly sweet, and there is no detectable hop bitterness. Seems balanced and appealing. Fresh. I can't wait to try it. A moderate strength aroma. Fantastic for an IPA, but not ideal or perfect. No alcohol or yeast character is detectable.
T: Nectary and wonderfully oily hops, with some balanced grapefruit of impressive depth of flavour. Some floral character complements. Pale malts form the simple unobtrusive yet well layered foundation. Lightly citrusy - just enough to refresh. Just a bit of hop bitterness on the finish, but it's well hidden for the most part - and completely concealed until that point. No hop bite or sharpness; it masters the key characteristic of a good IPA: balance. Refreshing and enjoyable. I'm digging it. I'm not blown away, but it's a damn good beer in the style. No alcohol or yeast comes through.
Mf: Oily, smooth, and wet, with enough coarseness throughout to bring out the flavours. Near perfect thickness. Slightly overcarbonated, but it aids the assertive character of the hops. Feels tailored to the flavour profile. Very good execution. Refreshing, with excellent palate presence.
Dr: A highly drinkable Double IPA from Kern River - especially for its high ABV (which is well concealed). I could down this all night. That said, it's not amazingly holy-shit incredible - and in that respect it doesn't quite live up to its reputation. Still, I'd definitely have it again and it's a must try within the style. A great offering from Kern River. Met my high expectations. Worth seeing out. I'd recommend it to friends; in fact I got a second to send to one.
A-
★ 2,616 characters
4.26/5 rDev -4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Big thanks to DaveHack for opening this one!
This poured out as a really nice golden color, great clarity. The retention is pretty good, the lacing is decent too. The smell is lemony with some nice bright aromas. The taste is nice and hoppy, plenty of sweet citrus flavors. The mouthfeel is light bodied with a clean crisp finish and dry. Overall a very nice IPA worth trying for sure.
★ 386 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Big thanks to DaveHack for opening this one!
This poured out as a really nice golden color, great clarity. The retention is pretty good, the lacing is decent too. The smell is lemony with some nice bright aromas. The taste is nice and hoppy, plenty of sweet citrus flavors. The mouthfeel is light bodied with a clean crisp finish and dry. Overall a very nice IPA worth trying for sure.
★ 386 characters
4.09/5 rDev -8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
22 oz, 2012 bottle, "Winter Ale". Big thanks to Rich for finding me a bottle.
Pours a golden copper orange, slightly hazed, with some small bubbles of carbonation supporting a thick creamy white head. Nose is pretty much purely hops, pine and sweet tropical fruit with a little lemon and grass keeping balance with some biscuit malt. Flavor is a little boozy and sweet; orange pulp, grapefruit resin, pineapple and a finish of earthy hops and pine. Medium thick, soft body, gentle carbonation and a slightly thin finish. Very good, but a little boozy and catty. Oh well, not every state can make IPAs like VT can. Maybe one day someone in CA will get it right.
★ 661 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
22 oz, 2012 bottle, "Winter Ale". Big thanks to Rich for finding me a bottle.
Pours a golden copper orange, slightly hazed, with some small bubbles of carbonation supporting a thick creamy white head. Nose is pretty much purely hops, pine and sweet tropical fruit with a little lemon and grass keeping balance with some biscuit malt. Flavor is a little boozy and sweet; orange pulp, grapefruit resin, pineapple and a finish of earthy hops and pine. Medium thick, soft body, gentle carbonation and a slightly thin finish. Very good, but a little boozy and catty. Oh well, not every state can make IPAs like VT can. Maybe one day someone in CA will get it right.
★ 661 characters
4.3/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Reviewed from notes 3/10/2012.
Orange-amber body yields plenty of fluffy white head. Good lace and retention. Bursting at the seams with fresh, juicy hop aroma. Did I just stick my face inside a grapefruit?
Tropical fruits bum-rush my palate, dancing in all directions with flavors of orange, mango, and citrus. No question this bottle is super fresh. The combination of fresh hops, creamy body, near-perfect carbonation, and high drinkability makes this one dangerously good DIPA. Need moar!
★ 494 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Reviewed from notes 3/10/2012.
Orange-amber body yields plenty of fluffy white head. Good lace and retention. Bursting at the seams with fresh, juicy hop aroma. Did I just stick my face inside a grapefruit?
Tropical fruits bum-rush my palate, dancing in all directions with flavors of orange, mango, and citrus. No question this bottle is super fresh. The combination of fresh hops, creamy body, near-perfect carbonation, and high drinkability makes this one dangerously good DIPA. Need moar!
★ 494 characters
4.33/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Thanks to glitchedmind for this one!
A: Pours a semi hazy orange color with a large, two finger white head on top, very thick foam with great retention and lacing all around.
S: Nice tropical fruit aromas, some grapefruit, pineapple, and citrus zest. A little bit of grainy malt as well. Thick and juicy, but not over the top.
T: Nice grapefruit up front with more zest/pithy flavor. Tropical fruits and some light bready malt. Very well balanced.
M: Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Smooth with no sign of 8% at all.
O: Another great IPA from Kern River. Hopefully they continue to make this one!
★ 614 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Thanks to glitchedmind for this one!
A: Pours a semi hazy orange color with a large, two finger white head on top, very thick foam with great retention and lacing all around.
S: Nice tropical fruit aromas, some grapefruit, pineapple, and citrus zest. A little bit of grainy malt as well. Thick and juicy, but not over the top.
T: Nice grapefruit up front with more zest/pithy flavor. Tropical fruits and some light bready malt. Very well balanced.
M: Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Smooth with no sign of 8% at all.
O: Another great IPA from Kern River. Hopefully they continue to make this one!
★ 614 characters
4/5 rDev -10.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a beige head. Color is a clear dark golden orange.
Aroma: Weedy and floral. Grassy. Bready malts. A lot of grapefruit.
Taste: Sticky, weedy hops. Hop resiny. Grapefruit. Some bready malts.
Mouthfeel: Bitter and sticky. Medium bodied with a medium amount of carbonation. Ends very sticky.
Overall, this was a good beer, but I don't see how this is top 100. Solid offering, but nothing earth shattering. Citra is a much better beer.
★ 440 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a beige head. Color is a clear dark golden orange.
Aroma: Weedy and floral. Grassy. Bready malts. A lot of grapefruit.
Taste: Sticky, weedy hops. Hop resiny. Grapefruit. Some bready malts.
Mouthfeel: Bitter and sticky. Medium bodied with a medium amount of carbonation. Ends very sticky.
Overall, this was a good beer, but I don't see how this is top 100. Solid offering, but nothing earth shattering. Citra is a much better beer.
★ 440 characters
4.6/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
A long time want by me and generously given to me as an extra by cocoapuph. A little over two months old at this point.
Appearance – Pours into a Captain Lawrence pint glass with a hazy dark golden color and about a finger of slight of white head that dissipates leaving nice lacing.
Smell – Lots of tropical fruits such as tangerine, orange, and grapefruit give a wonderful citrus aroma. Slight floral hops with a bit of sticky pine resin at the tail end. The end gives off just a little toffee/caramel backbone.
Taste – Wow. So much tropical fruits. I love…LOVE tropical fruits in DIPA’s. I swear, this tastes like the first batch of The Oracle by bells with a couple months on it. Still a nice hoppy bite at the end, but first and foremost there is sweet (but not malty sweet) tropical fruit flavors up front (heavy mango and tangerine which then finishes with ripe orange juice). I’m sure this has become just a bit sweeter with those few months of age on it, but this is honestly how I love my DIPA’s. Slight floral and bitter hops mixed in with a heavy dose of sweet tropical fruit flavor, and just a bit of a caramel backbone. As stated, the sweetness is not cloying like I get in 90min from the malts, but is instead from “fruits”.
Mouthfeel – Medium bodied, creamy, chewy, oily, lower carbonation than thought, finishes not dry but almost there.
Overall – One of the most drinkable DIPA’s I’ve encountered. Huge tropical notes yet still a nice bitterness mixed in. Kern freaking makes some amazing D/IPA’s. Will seek out come next release.
★ 1,582 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
A long time want by me and generously given to me as an extra by cocoapuph. A little over two months old at this point.
Appearance – Pours into a Captain Lawrence pint glass with a hazy dark golden color and about a finger of slight of white head that dissipates leaving nice lacing.
Smell – Lots of tropical fruits such as tangerine, orange, and grapefruit give a wonderful citrus aroma. Slight floral hops with a bit of sticky pine resin at the tail end. The end gives off just a little toffee/caramel backbone.
Taste – Wow. So much tropical fruits. I love…LOVE tropical fruits in DIPA’s. I swear, this tastes like the first batch of The Oracle by bells with a couple months on it. Still a nice hoppy bite at the end, but first and foremost there is sweet (but not malty sweet) tropical fruit flavors up front (heavy mango and tangerine which then finishes with ripe orange juice). I’m sure this has become just a bit sweeter with those few months of age on it, but this is honestly how I love my DIPA’s. Slight floral and bitter hops mixed in with a heavy dose of sweet tropical fruit flavor, and just a bit of a caramel backbone. As stated, the sweetness is not cloying like I get in 90min from the malts, but is instead from “fruits”.
Mouthfeel – Medium bodied, creamy, chewy, oily, lower carbonation than thought, finishes not dry but almost there.
Overall – One of the most drinkable DIPA’s I’ve encountered. Huge tropical notes yet still a nice bitterness mixed in. Kern freaking makes some amazing D/IPA’s. Will seek out come next release.
★ 1,582 characters
4.24/5 rDev -4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from bottle into pint glass.
A: Cloudy yellow appearance, moderately lacy head that lingers.
A: Hoppy sweet, fruity, hints of banana & pine.
T: Punch of happiness with light lemon flavor, hoppy bitterness with some roasted malt coming through. Finish lingers a bit & stays dry.
M: Medium mouthfeel.
O: Overall tasty DIPA but nothing that separates from the pack.
★ 374 characters
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from bottle into pint glass.
A: Cloudy yellow appearance, moderately lacy head that lingers.
A: Hoppy sweet, fruity, hints of banana & pine.
T: Punch of happiness with light lemon flavor, hoppy bitterness with some roasted malt coming through. Finish lingers a bit & stays dry.
M: Medium mouthfeel.
O: Overall tasty DIPA but nothing that separates from the pack.
★ 374 characters
3.97/5 rDev -10.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a bright orange with a small amount of head. Slightly cloudy apperance, minimal lacing left behind. The nose is chock full of hoppy goodess in the form of grapefruit, pine, citrus, and a dash of earthiness. The taste includes some honey and sweet malts to pair with the assertive hop profile that features citrus, pine, and resin. The taste becomes very bitter as it finishes. The body is somewhat big with medium carbonation. Overall, a very tasty DIPA, a little heavy for my liking but still very good.
★ 510 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a bright orange with a small amount of head. Slightly cloudy apperance, minimal lacing left behind. The nose is chock full of hoppy goodess in the form of grapefruit, pine, citrus, and a dash of earthiness. The taste includes some honey and sweet malts to pair with the assertive hop profile that features citrus, pine, and resin. The taste becomes very bitter as it finishes. The body is somewhat big with medium carbonation. Overall, a very tasty DIPA, a little heavy for my liking but still very good.
★ 510 characters
4.42/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A: One-inch just off-white head, light-golden color, decent carbonation, good lacing
S: Mango, citrus, straw, bit of orange peel, nice blend of hops
T: Hops and bitterness, grapefruit, malts are present and balance nicely
M: Smooth and oily, medium-bodied, dry towards finish and aftertaste
O: Good stuff, hope to drink again this year or next
★ 347 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A: One-inch just off-white head, light-golden color, decent carbonation, good lacing
S: Mango, citrus, straw, bit of orange peel, nice blend of hops
T: Hops and bitterness, grapefruit, malts are present and balance nicely
M: Smooth and oily, medium-bodied, dry towards finish and aftertaste
O: Good stuff, hope to drink again this year or next
★ 347 characters
4.17/5 rDev -6.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Nice cali dipa treat thanks to marisatheyounger.
Pours nice hazy Orange with large fluffy white head. Lots of lace left on the glass here. Nose has lots of hop aroma! Mostly grapefruit, citrus, and some floral hops at the end. Same in the taste. Grapefruit hops, some floral too. Piney bitterness towards the end. Some mild caramel malts too. Medium body with good carbonation. Very nicely done dipa. Hop heavy but like it that way. Thanks marisa for the brew!
★ 462 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Nice cali dipa treat thanks to marisatheyounger.
Pours nice hazy Orange with large fluffy white head. Lots of lace left on the glass here. Nose has lots of hop aroma! Mostly grapefruit, citrus, and some floral hops at the end. Same in the taste. Grapefruit hops, some floral too. Piney bitterness towards the end. Some mild caramel malts too. Medium body with good carbonation. Very nicely done dipa. Hop heavy but like it that way. Thanks marisa for the brew!
★ 462 characters
4.45/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A: Rather hazy yellowish amber in color. Forms a beautiful, billowing rocky off-white head that has excellent retention and leaves a copious amount of lacing.
S: Aroma is heavy on the citrus hops, with orange, orange blossom, and tangerine.
T: Starts off with an appreciable sweetness, some light pale malt, and then more citrus. Again, primarily orange. There is a little caramel malt and just the slightest hint of toast and a slight bit of alcohol on the finish.
M: Medium to full bodied with lower carbonation and a mild-to-moderate bitterness.
O: A very good, very easy drinking, citrus-hop forward DIPA. Wouldn't mind having better access to this beer, because it is very enjoyable.
★ 696 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A: Rather hazy yellowish amber in color. Forms a beautiful, billowing rocky off-white head that has excellent retention and leaves a copious amount of lacing.
S: Aroma is heavy on the citrus hops, with orange, orange blossom, and tangerine.
T: Starts off with an appreciable sweetness, some light pale malt, and then more citrus. Again, primarily orange. There is a little caramel malt and just the slightest hint of toast and a slight bit of alcohol on the finish.
M: Medium to full bodied with lower carbonation and a mild-to-moderate bitterness.
O: A very good, very easy drinking, citrus-hop forward DIPA. Wouldn't mind having better access to this beer, because it is very enjoyable.
★ 696 characters
4.72/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Bottle graciously sent by smarcoly and marissatheyounger, so thank you both! 22 ounce capped bottle poured into a globe glass.
A: Hazy golden-orange colored body with a thick and creamy white head. Great sticky lacing covers the walls of the glass, as well as leaving a patchy tight bubbled retention cap and ring. Gorgeous looking beer although I'd like a bit less haze.
S: Huge tropical and citrus fruits along with some slight floral hop notes. Orange, mango, pink grapefruit and peach all pour out from the glass giving this a massive aroma. The bitterness of the hops come in for some nice diversity, but it's just a massive "west coast" style Double IPA.
T: Like the nose, citrus fruits are at the forefront with more orange, pink grapefruit, mango, papaya and peach. A sharp bitterness comes in towards the back end reminding you what you're drinking and giving a really nice cut to the citrus flavors. The malts give a nice balance too.
M: Well carbonated, smooth and medium-bodied. There's nothing off about this feel, it's creamy with just the right about of bubbles.
It's hard to say if I preferred this over Citra DIPA but these are honestly neck-in-neck with each other. Both exemplify exactly what I love about "west coast" IPAs in general with their big citrusy and juicy nature. Another astonishing beer from Kern River.
★ 1,341 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Bottle graciously sent by smarcoly and marissatheyounger, so thank you both! 22 ounce capped bottle poured into a globe glass.
A: Hazy golden-orange colored body with a thick and creamy white head. Great sticky lacing covers the walls of the glass, as well as leaving a patchy tight bubbled retention cap and ring. Gorgeous looking beer although I'd like a bit less haze.
S: Huge tropical and citrus fruits along with some slight floral hop notes. Orange, mango, pink grapefruit and peach all pour out from the glass giving this a massive aroma. The bitterness of the hops come in for some nice diversity, but it's just a massive "west coast" style Double IPA.
T: Like the nose, citrus fruits are at the forefront with more orange, pink grapefruit, mango, papaya and peach. A sharp bitterness comes in towards the back end reminding you what you're drinking and giving a really nice cut to the citrus flavors. The malts give a nice balance too.
M: Well carbonated, smooth and medium-bodied. There's nothing off about this feel, it's creamy with just the right about of bubbles.
It's hard to say if I preferred this over Citra DIPA but these are honestly neck-in-neck with each other. Both exemplify exactly what I love about "west coast" IPAs in general with their big citrusy and juicy nature. Another astonishing beer from Kern River.
★ 1,341 characters
4.09/5 rDev -8.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from the bottle into a goblet.
Appearance: Pours a cloudy amber with a golden hue. There is a finger of fluffy, off white head that fades to a layer on top of the pour. There is some mild lacing on the edge of the glass.
Smell: Lots of sweet citrus bitterness. A good amount of malt, but the thing that catches my attention is the citrus notes. It reminds me of tangerine and clementine. There is some warm alcohol in the mix as well.
Taste: Great balance of sweet malt and bitter hops, but the taste still manages to be light considering the abv. Citrus peel hop bitterness with some tangerine. The alcohol is still here, but not as prevalent as the smell.
Mouthfeel: Medium body with tingly, delicate carbonation and a dry finish.
Overall: This is a very good beer, but I don't know that it lived up to the hype for me. I would have it again if they make it.
★ 872 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from the bottle into a goblet.
Appearance: Pours a cloudy amber with a golden hue. There is a finger of fluffy, off white head that fades to a layer on top of the pour. There is some mild lacing on the edge of the glass.
Smell: Lots of sweet citrus bitterness. A good amount of malt, but the thing that catches my attention is the citrus notes. It reminds me of tangerine and clementine. There is some warm alcohol in the mix as well.
Taste: Great balance of sweet malt and bitter hops, but the taste still manages to be light considering the abv. Citrus peel hop bitterness with some tangerine. The alcohol is still here, but not as prevalent as the smell.
Mouthfeel: Medium body with tingly, delicate carbonation and a dry finish.
Overall: This is a very good beer, but I don't know that it lived up to the hype for me. I would have it again if they make it.
★ 872 characters
4.5/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
On tap at GHS.
Hazy amber body with a tall lasting head, a few shades darker than Citra. A lot of tangerine and orange on the nose, very citrus forward with floral undertones. Little malt character to the aroma. The palate has a bigger malt foundation, though it's by no means sweet. Orange, tangerine and perfumey floral notes provide most of the flavor. Beneath that there's a light backbone of bread crust and caramel malt. The finish exhibits a lower-moderate level of bitterness that never wears down the palate. Overall, this is another exceptionally good beer from Kern River, who are fast becoming one of my favorite breweries in California.
★ 650 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
On tap at GHS.
Hazy amber body with a tall lasting head, a few shades darker than Citra. A lot of tangerine and orange on the nose, very citrus forward with floral undertones. Little malt character to the aroma. The palate has a bigger malt foundation, though it's by no means sweet. Orange, tangerine and perfumey floral notes provide most of the flavor. Beneath that there's a light backbone of bread crust and caramel malt. The finish exhibits a lower-moderate level of bitterness that never wears down the palate. Overall, this is another exceptionally good beer from Kern River, who are fast becoming one of my favorite breweries in California.
★ 650 characters
4.45/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 22oz bomber into a 20oz pub glass.
A: Pours a very cloudy and murky dark orange and apricot color. Great thick white head.
S: Loads of very pungent hops.
T: Very pungent hops. Lots of citrus in the from of pineapple, orange, and tangerine. Finish is bitter with a nice hop bite.
M: Slightly viscous, average carbonation.
O: A very good DIPA. Delicious and very easy to drink.
★ 396 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 22oz bomber into a 20oz pub glass.
A: Pours a very cloudy and murky dark orange and apricot color. Great thick white head.
S: Loads of very pungent hops.
T: Very pungent hops. Lots of citrus in the from of pineapple, orange, and tangerine. Finish is bitter with a nice hop bite.
M: Slightly viscous, average carbonation.
O: A very good DIPA. Delicious and very easy to drink.
★ 396 characters
4.62/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
From notes. Poured from a 22 oz. bottle into a tulip.
Kern 5th Anniversary pours a dark faded golden yellow color with a long-standing white head.
The aroma is quite floral with a strong lilac or lily presence. A grapefruit, lemon, and apricot hop aroma adds a strong citrusy hop aroma to a biscuity malt base.
Each sip starts out with a biscuit and honey sweetness that is light and somewhat dry. As the flavor progresses, a juicy grapefruit flavor comes in with a hoppy vengenace. Apricot and some lemon zest provide some further depth to the strong hoppiness.
Bubbly carbonation also has a creamy quality to it, giving off the perception that this is a light, easy drinking beer. The 8% ABV is deceptive for sure.
Overall this is an extremely enjoyable beer out of Kern River.
★ 784 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
From notes. Poured from a 22 oz. bottle into a tulip.
Kern 5th Anniversary pours a dark faded golden yellow color with a long-standing white head.
The aroma is quite floral with a strong lilac or lily presence. A grapefruit, lemon, and apricot hop aroma adds a strong citrusy hop aroma to a biscuity malt base.
Each sip starts out with a biscuit and honey sweetness that is light and somewhat dry. As the flavor progresses, a juicy grapefruit flavor comes in with a hoppy vengenace. Apricot and some lemon zest provide some further depth to the strong hoppiness.
Bubbly carbonation also has a creamy quality to it, giving off the perception that this is a light, easy drinking beer. The 8% ABV is deceptive for sure.
Overall this is an extremely enjoyable beer out of Kern River.
★ 784 characters
Winter Ale (2012) / 5th Anniversary Ale from Kern River Brewing Company
4.45
out of 5
based on 270 ratings.
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Copper and yellow color, full inch of head. Aroma was primarily citrus (citra) in its hoppiness. Plenty fruity.
Taste was soft, bitterness low, hop flavors high. Dank factor up. Really similar to their more well known citra dipa, but probably equally as good. A changeup, maybe this one had Nelson/Mosaic, something that got a little funkier than just the citra hop.
★ 373 characters