Southern Winds Winter Warmer
West Sixth Brewing Company

 

As winter comes to a close and warmer days beckon, the palate comes to the realization that boring lighter fare will soon adorn the shelves and the more malty, meaty and aritstic beers of the cooler seasons are behind us. But still, there's a few die hards out there and West Sixth's winter warmer won't go quietly.

Its deep garnet hues and amber highlights tell a malty tale while is wisping casual head projects the moderate succulence of maple, molasses and brown sugar. Dark, dried fruit intertwine with the malty sweet taste and light creamy starch as the culmination of flavor begins to align with fruitcake.

Across the middle palate, its full and robust taste lightens its malty grip as the fruit and alcohol begin to dance upon the tastebuds. Brandy-type spices, broad wood-flavored hops and a tinge of cinnamon spice balance the malt and add complexity to the fruit and sweetness particularly as the beer warms.

With light brown sugar and maple lingering, its finish is malty-dry as the fullness of taste and texture develops considerably from its richer upstart. The wintry ale closes with dehydrated cherry, berry and apple as its spicy dryness echoes a cough-drop aftertaste.

This starts with a brash sort of chocolate malt but settles into maple and sorghum. As it warms you get more barley malt, roasted nuttiness, grape and an odd fruitiness that might be cherries. I was hoping for the Christmas Ale, sans the spice, but this presented itself as a whole new beer that missed by just inches.

Caramel malt, sorghum, and cinnamon form the aroma. There's a hint of chocolate.

Flavor reveals that sorghum sweetness throughout. Dark fruit notes of tart cherry add intrigue. The finish is lightly smoky.

Interesting take on the style.