Tart & Soul
Otto's Pub and Brewery

DATE: December 26, 2025... OCCASION: I let this age almost a year from its gifting--thanks, Jer!--and now hope to enjoy it post-Christmas this year, as the "storm" that was predicted abates rather quickly outside... GLASSWARE: Lindemans footed tulip... pours a sizzling ruby mahogany body that supports two fingers' worth of tan, roiling head, which settles to an uneven ring... reflected Christmas tree lighting plays beautifully through the glass... cranberry, apple, cinnamon, baking sugars, and a hint of vanilla... this emits a worthwhile drag, dessert-like and fruity with a sense of restraint.... soft on the teeth and warm in the throat, it puckers a bit on its way, with a rounded, sippable finish that suggests more malt than a sour usually has anchoring it... cranberry and apple fill out the profile, while cinnamon, pastry, sweet icing, and sugary sweetness late... I detect some vanilla and red grape as well... I like this is as a winter sipper--despite its 5.7% ABV, its spices and tartness require parsed draws.... Otto's does a lot right, and this one is a solid seasonal that might not be produced this year... but I would seek it out if it were...