Winterfest
Willimantic Brewing Co.

Poured from a fresh growler into a modified pilsner glass.
A - Wonderful clarity, a deep copper prism in the glass. refined carbonation feeds a thin off white cap.
S - Lightly roasted malts, beech wood smoke. a bit of fig, nice noble hop, element.
T - A fine Marzen, caramel, kiss of smoke, brilliant malt base with appropriate sweetness, nice hop bite to close.
M - Refined lager feel, enough carbonation to keep things tight.
O - A wonderful offering, enough body, and flavor, very enjoyable.
Cheers

Draught @ Brewpub: This one pours a clear, very dark amber color. There was absolutely no head on it, nor was there any lacing. The nose is good: lots of malts to it. Mainly caramel with a touch of biscuit. The taste is good. Lots of malts, a touch of biscuit and spice. There are some hops trying to give it a hint of bitterness but are not succeeding.

Served on-tap at the brewpub.

A: The winterfest is a dark amber color, nearly crimson and barely translucent. A small head rests atop the warmer.

S: The nose is heavy with malts, toffee, caramel, and breads all take a turn at the front. The toasted grains may be the strongest, adding a firm body to the ale.

T: The taste picks up with the toasted breads and caramel from the nose. The conflagration of malts results in a chewy beer, warming even without any form of hop presence.

M: The mouthfeel is clean, even with so many malts running around. The chewiness fits in well for an amber.

D: Interesting, a malt-rich warmer that doesn't rely on any spices. Happy Holidays!

Screw-top growler filled at the brewpub.

First imperial pint pours with an uneven skim, over the clear orangey brown brew. Skim quickly recedes to the rim, with surprisingly sticky lasting lace. Aroma is rich sweet malts with a light pineness. Taste begins with a dense, worty graininess, carries through the middle, and ends with a lightly bitter close. Mouthfeel is smooth and low in carbonation, with good drinkability.