Space Heater
Sons of Kent Brewing Company

473 mL can from the LCBO, included in a Sons of Kent mixed pack. Dated Oct 7 2024 and served barely chilled. What better time to review a winter warmer than the end of spring?

Pours a murky brownish-copper colour; shining a bright light on the glass reveals some brick-red highlights, as well as the brew's translucence. An inch of thick, creamy, light beige-coloured head is situated atop, gradually receding over the next five minutes or so; a thin collar is the only remnant of note, with minimal lace deposition. Inviting, malty aroma of toffee, vanilla, cocoa and dried fruits, with suggestions of dark chocolate and biscuity malts.

The flavours are nice, I just wish they were a little more forceful. Cacao is easily discernible, mixed with notes of toffee, date, vanilla and bready, biscuity malts. No less malty at the finish, where brown sugar and biscuity malts fade into a mildly sweet, slightly persistent aftertaste of vanilla and cacao. Medium in body, with low carbonation and a relatively smooth mouthfeel; surprisingly crushable for the style.

Final Grade: 3.72, a B. Space Heater leaves me with mixed feelings. I often complain that winter warmers overuse spices, and here's one that really does its best to avoid that: the vanilla is understated, and I very much appreciate it. On the other hand, the flavours aren't as varied or deep as I'd like from this style - presumably related to its abv, which is clearly on the low side for a style meant to be "warming". I dunno, maybe if I'd gone into this expecting a chocolate porter or a brown ale, I wouldn't be bitching so much - it's not that this is a bad beer, it's just not a great warmer. I'll give this another shot next winter, but if you'd prefer a brew that is literally warming, may I suggest their Scotch Ale?

Feb 24 2025