Winter Ale
Southern Appalachian Brewery

this tastes barrel aged to me, it doesnt make any explicit declaration of being so, but i definitely get some oak and whiskey on this, they either blend in some aged beer, or there are is a version of this that is wood aged, not sure, but i thought it pretty unique, better and better as it warms up too. deep soy sauce colored brew without a lot of carbonation. cool spices come out in the nose right away, things like anise, licorice, black pepper, and clove are all there, and a very deep malt base, some cocoa and also an abbey type to it, wintery for sure. the flavor is a little more subtle on the spices, but they unwrap nicely as this warms. some booze up front, some grain heft, notes of brandy soaked cherries and raisins, wet tobacco, vanilla and whiskey, molasses, and a touch of oxidation, quite complex, with some cinnamon and clove rising up on the finish, definitely a cold weather brew, festive and unique in the style. not sure how much of this i can drink, especially with it feeling so under carbonated, but i like the flavors more and more as i sip on it, and appreciate something so distinctive in this style. cool beer, must be barrel aged...

Poured a deep walnut brown with a thinner off white head atop.Spiced aromas and quite heavy at that,clove,mace,and nutmeg mainly.Same as the nose really spicy but not to the point where it makes the beer undrinkable,the alcohol came into play more as it warmed as well.A little heavy handed with the spices,but I liked it alot more than the previous reviewer.