Winter Tilt FestivÁle
Empyrean Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

now called winter axis, with little to no modification. it pours more bronze than red, clear, and with a thin lacey head, tan in color, fading slowly. i smell a touch of spice, some candy sugar, and a nice dose of citrusy hops. theres some belgian yeast in here, but its a very low key strain lacking all the characteristic fruity bright properties. flavor does have some fruit though, red and dried, thanksgivingy, with some sweetness and a lot of hops in the finish. easily the most interesting beer ive had from empyrean, which isnt saying a whole lot, but there is quite a bit happening in this glass. finishes yeasty and orangey. brighter mouthfeel with better carbonation that some other empyrean beers, and the body is only medium at most, so several of these is an easy proposition. good stuff.

 

 

Poured into a balloon glass. This is Winter Axis, circa 2012.

The beer pours a hazy peach-orange, with a light cream colored head that recedes to a wisp. Light lacing.

The aroma is of bananas, sweet bubblegum, apricots, with a faint alcohol note.

The taste is a mimic of the aroma. Banana peel, sweet caramel, apricot fruitiness, and a sour grapefruit rind finish.

The mouthfeel is medium bodied, maybe a tad creamy.

Overall, a flavorful belgian-style brew, but I don't feel this is a holiday seasonal so much.

 

 

 

 

From BeerAdvocate magazine Issue #59 (December 2011):

LOOK: Hazed amber, pretty lacing

SMELL: Husky, toasted grain, phenolic, mild estery alcohol, vague spice, hint of ripe fruit

TASTE: Very smooth, light creamy body, toasted biscuits, peppery, dried fruit, medicinal herb, kiss of alcohol, slight spiciness, dried grass, spicy & fruity finish  

The palate is awakened by this brew, reminding us of Belgium in the early winter, our visit to Essen for their Kerstbierfestival, and pots of Flemish stew with warm toasty sandwiches. A nice change amongst other seasonals, and something to shake at winter.

 

 

Poured into a tulip.

Hazy copper. White head that quickly forms a ring.

It's got some vanilla in the nose. Malty sweetness as well.

Very sweet and sugary. Some anise and vanilla spice notes. Not much for hops but lots of malts.

Medium bodied with legs. Very sticky.

Overall, this beer is pretty good. Not sure I want more than one though.