Schell's Snowstorm 2015
August Schell Brewing Company

 

 

I was not overly impressed with this beer. Definitely a winter beer with a bready homey taste, but fruitiness detracts from my idea of a winter beer.

 

 

 

12 ounce bottle poured into an English pub glass.

Deep brown body with a lighter shade towards the base of the glass. Foamy head plateaus within the glass and as it recedes, a wall of lace forms resembling ivy. Great persistence to the head. Great appearance.

Smell throws me for a loop. Has a saison-like floral bouquet, apple and caramel and bread and a distant roastiness on the finish. Interesting and pleasant although I'm not entirely seduced by it. 3.5

I find more of a conventional brown ale awaiting me on the flavor. Caramel and bread up front leading to a lot earthy hop finish and some toast and light roasted coffee on the finish. All light flavors here but there's enough to satisfy. A strong floral flavor will linger with each drink and again reminds me of a something more in the Belgian vein, although I do generally expect a yeast-y flavor and feel in browns (English especially). 3.5

Really light in body with a bitter finish and lingering yeast note. Sweet and creamy up front so you do get a good mix of both. A bit more body would be nice, but otherwise does me well. 3.75

I don't drink too many browns and this doesn't compel me to want more, but it does serve as a gentle reminder there are plenty of redeeming qualities to the style and that an excellent brewery like Schell's can produce a darn good one.

 

Pours a chestnut colored body with one of the creamiest heads I've ever seen. Swampy lace on the sides of the glass and the head just doesn't quit. Body has 30% opacity to it.

Aromas of cinnamon, ginger, roasted nuts, dark barley and braeburn apple.

Flavor is nothing short of exceptional - a spiced punch to the palate with cinnamon, ginger (sounding familiar?), nutmeg, clove, along with roasted nuts, caramelized pecans, and fruity apple and pear flavors.

The feel is huge without being overwhelming; creamy, tight, and wet. Sounds like I'm describing an adult film. The carbonation prickles the tongue all the way to the finish delightfully.

Overall, this year's Snowstorm totally whupped last year's. I like what they did here, too bad it's so limited. I'll see if I can grab more.

 

APPEARANCE: Brown with ruby tints up to the light. Finger of quickly dissipating khaki head that leaves a creamy ring on top. Hold a flashlight up to the bottom of the pint glass and I get small, slowly rising bubbles. Minor lacing down the glass.
AROMA: Definitely dark, dried fruits. Plums, raisins, figs. Smells like a rum soaked fruitcake. Some grassy. corny notes, as well.
TASTE: Lots of sweetness, just like the aroma, big on dark dried fruit/fruitcake. No alcohol present. Nutty. Almost has that Christmas spiced vibe to it.
FEEL: A little sticky but finishes dry. Good medium carbonation. Medium body.
OVERALL: Not a lot of bitterness, so this one definitely is on the sweet side. Nice brew though, one or two, at most for me. The corny bit in the aroma...not a big fan. On the whole, an above average beer, for me.

 

 

Poured to a 16 oz glass. Very clear dark amber color. Modest head which leaves rather fast. Very nutty and fruity taste with a touch of chocolate. Very good beer for the price.