Young's Winter Warmer | Wells & Young's Ltd
Wants Gots
Reviews: 203 | Ratings:
#126 ranked Winter Warmer | 5.00% ABV
Wells & Young's Ltd
England, United Kingdom
wellsandyoungs.co.uk
Notes: Winter availibility.
BA SCORE
81
Very Good
81
Very Good
Reviews: 203
| Ratings: 244
4.15/5 rDev +17.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
First had on cask, at the White Cross in Richmond, October 2016. I could drink a gallon of the stuff. Paired with sausage and mustard crisps for extra points.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
First had on cask, at the White Cross in Richmond, October 2016. I could drink a gallon of the stuff. Paired with sausage and mustard crisps for extra points.
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3.25/5 rDev -8.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Served on cask at the Rose and Thistle, Frimley Green into a UK pint glass
For background purposes I'm not a fan of Young's (or Wells for that matter) and had not had this beer for some 8 or 9 years!
However, I went in with an open mind!
The colour was a dark rich, brown, darker than mid brown and a decent half finger of white head that remained pretty much throughout the first 2/3rds of the drinking experience
In terms of smell, fruits of the dark and dried variety stand out, along with spices and a little malt aroma
Tastewise, definately dominated by the fruits and malts, quite a complex taste of different malts going on, also caramel/toffee/sugars, and a toasted flavour blending in with the spices present (maybe a pinch of nutmeg/cinnamon?)
A fairly full bodied beer for 5% with a certain amount of chewiness, I took my time over this one! A Bitter/soured aftertaste.
Overall - I doubt I'll be re-visting this beer in the near future, but if it was the only cask ale present I wouldn't be too shy !
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Served on cask at the Rose and Thistle, Frimley Green into a UK pint glass
For background purposes I'm not a fan of Young's (or Wells for that matter) and had not had this beer for some 8 or 9 years!
However, I went in with an open mind!
The colour was a dark rich, brown, darker than mid brown and a decent half finger of white head that remained pretty much throughout the first 2/3rds of the drinking experience
In terms of smell, fruits of the dark and dried variety stand out, along with spices and a little malt aroma
Tastewise, definately dominated by the fruits and malts, quite a complex taste of different malts going on, also caramel/toffee/sugars, and a toasted flavour blending in with the spices present (maybe a pinch of nutmeg/cinnamon?)
A fairly full bodied beer for 5% with a certain amount of chewiness, I took my time over this one! A Bitter/soured aftertaste.
Overall - I doubt I'll be re-visting this beer in the near future, but if it was the only cask ale present I wouldn't be too shy !
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3.61/5 rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Another bottle from the BeerFrigerator, which means that it has been aged, intentionally or not. Nothing seems to be indicated on the bottle, but figure 5 + years in a nice cool/cold environment ...
I will be the first to admit that carbonation seems to be among the first things to go. I had a good finger of deep-tan head until it gently fell, leaving behind a thin layer of head. Color was a deep brown with cola highlights and I could not decide if that was the result of my having stirred up some sediment that its clarity was not better. Nose was very caramel-malty, but not much beyond that. Mouthfeel was medium-to-full with a sweet-sour flavor on the tongue. I may have caught this one just in time! It was still caramel-malty sweet, but a sharp sourness was beginning to creep in. Finish was lingering with the caramel sweetness, so perhaps I did not screw it up as badly as I thought ... Winter in the Summer, who'd'a thunk it?
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look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Another bottle from the BeerFrigerator, which means that it has been aged, intentionally or not. Nothing seems to be indicated on the bottle, but figure 5 + years in a nice cool/cold environment ...
I will be the first to admit that carbonation seems to be among the first things to go. I had a good finger of deep-tan head until it gently fell, leaving behind a thin layer of head. Color was a deep brown with cola highlights and I could not decide if that was the result of my having stirred up some sediment that its clarity was not better. Nose was very caramel-malty, but not much beyond that. Mouthfeel was medium-to-full with a sweet-sour flavor on the tongue. I may have caught this one just in time! It was still caramel-malty sweet, but a sharp sourness was beginning to creep in. Finish was lingering with the caramel sweetness, so perhaps I did not screw it up as badly as I thought ... Winter in the Summer, who'd'a thunk it?
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3.53/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Had a dusty, vintage bottle at the Farmhouse in Emmaus, PA. Aside from the dust and old green label, this is clearly a cellared, but well-aged beer. There's no strong newspaper or cardboard oxidation (thank god), but still a spicy, leathery character with hints of sherry. There were also pleasant notes of lemon and berry fruit. It was a complex beer, but the aged character was a bit heavy. Still, a very nice experience and tasty beer.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Had a dusty, vintage bottle at the Farmhouse in Emmaus, PA. Aside from the dust and old green label, this is clearly a cellared, but well-aged beer. There's no strong newspaper or cardboard oxidation (thank god), but still a spicy, leathery character with hints of sherry. There were also pleasant notes of lemon and berry fruit. It was a complex beer, but the aged character was a bit heavy. Still, a very nice experience and tasty beer.
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2.9/5 rDev -18.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
#57. Young's Winter Warmer. My first of Young's products, another one dated considerably earlier than I had hoped. BBD is 31/08/08, or August 31, 2008 I suppose. It's only going to age more, so let's give it a shot while it's still fresh(er).
Poured from a 1pt, .9oz. bottle to a pint glass at room temp.
(Appearance) Pours a nice billowing 3 finger depth foamy head and retention is nice. Color is a dark hazy brown, close to black with ruby tones of light. The haziness makes the beer a lot darker than it should be in color. Carbonation is spritely but medium at best. Not a bad looking beer. 3.5
(Smell) Pungent enough from a big distance. Most of that comes from some burned sugars, toasted caramel and some distinctive malts. Pretty fair balance of sweet and bitter in this brew, but not sure where the bitterness is coming from. Slight smells of alcohol are easy to draw out in the smell. Interesting. 3.5
(Taste) Molasses and caramel. Somewhat faint and watery. A big part of me wants to say that the aging of this beer, although not as extreme as another beer I recently tried has led to the depreciation of flavor in this brew. If the flavor has gone untarnished over the years than I have to say that the flavor isn't that interesting and leads a droning taste throughout the entire experience. Only in the biggest sips can I detect some interesting toffee or cocoa-like flavors, but they are slight, and hardly round out the flavor here. It seems like a murky malt beverage. I'm a little wary of the aging; I might have to try this again. 2.5
(Mouthfeel) Between crisp and smooth. A tad thin and watery. Alcohol pretty easy to find. Not dry, a medium body. Doesn't feel very good. 2.5
(Drinkability) I could effectively share this bottle between two, but as a solo drinker I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to drink this by myself. I can finish it, but it wasn't very enjoyable. 2.5
Verdict: Again, it could be the aging that has thrown the flavors off, as I felt the beer was quite "stale". Most of the qualities of this beer seem tarnished and off. Not hugely enjoyable but I'm going to try a more recent version next winter to see if I can't change my mind. Pretty average for what it's worth. C (2.95)
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
#57. Young's Winter Warmer. My first of Young's products, another one dated considerably earlier than I had hoped. BBD is 31/08/08, or August 31, 2008 I suppose. It's only going to age more, so let's give it a shot while it's still fresh(er).
Poured from a 1pt, .9oz. bottle to a pint glass at room temp.
(Appearance) Pours a nice billowing 3 finger depth foamy head and retention is nice. Color is a dark hazy brown, close to black with ruby tones of light. The haziness makes the beer a lot darker than it should be in color. Carbonation is spritely but medium at best. Not a bad looking beer. 3.5
(Smell) Pungent enough from a big distance. Most of that comes from some burned sugars, toasted caramel and some distinctive malts. Pretty fair balance of sweet and bitter in this brew, but not sure where the bitterness is coming from. Slight smells of alcohol are easy to draw out in the smell. Interesting. 3.5
(Taste) Molasses and caramel. Somewhat faint and watery. A big part of me wants to say that the aging of this beer, although not as extreme as another beer I recently tried has led to the depreciation of flavor in this brew. If the flavor has gone untarnished over the years than I have to say that the flavor isn't that interesting and leads a droning taste throughout the entire experience. Only in the biggest sips can I detect some interesting toffee or cocoa-like flavors, but they are slight, and hardly round out the flavor here. It seems like a murky malt beverage. I'm a little wary of the aging; I might have to try this again. 2.5
(Mouthfeel) Between crisp and smooth. A tad thin and watery. Alcohol pretty easy to find. Not dry, a medium body. Doesn't feel very good. 2.5
(Drinkability) I could effectively share this bottle between two, but as a solo drinker I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to drink this by myself. I can finish it, but it wasn't very enjoyable. 2.5
Verdict: Again, it could be the aging that has thrown the flavors off, as I felt the beer was quite "stale". Most of the qualities of this beer seem tarnished and off. Not hugely enjoyable but I'm going to try a more recent version next winter to see if I can't change my mind. Pretty average for what it's worth. C (2.95)
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3.55/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
On cask at the Bunch of Grapes, London Bridge, London.
A-Pours ruby/mahogany with a very thin khaki head. Leaves light, soapy lacing.
S-Nose has a spiciness that could almost be confused for phenolic, were it not for the low ABV. A bigger whiff reveals hints of chocolate and nutmeg.
T/M-Initially a bit tart/metallic. Could this be infected? The off flavor passes quickly, revealing a body that is soft and rich. Flavors of light roasted coffee, milk chocolate, and nutmeg.
D-Hard to say definitively, due to possible infection, but it seemed okay.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
On cask at the Bunch of Grapes, London Bridge, London.
A-Pours ruby/mahogany with a very thin khaki head. Leaves light, soapy lacing.
S-Nose has a spiciness that could almost be confused for phenolic, were it not for the low ABV. A bigger whiff reveals hints of chocolate and nutmeg.
T/M-Initially a bit tart/metallic. Could this be infected? The off flavor passes quickly, revealing a body that is soft and rich. Flavors of light roasted coffee, milk chocolate, and nutmeg.
D-Hard to say definitively, due to possible infection, but it seemed okay.
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3.29/5 rDev -7.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Pours a dark red, looks brown in the shadows, nice highlights though. Dense, almost nitro, head that leaves fine lacings with staying power.
Smooth malt on the nose, good dose of caramel with a nice helping of dark fruit.
Dark fruit, dates, right up front. This gives way to a bit of roastiness that morphs into nice chocolate malt flavours which, in turn, give way to some straight forward toffee. Bog standard English malt all the way through. A good dry, slightly bitter finish, augmented with a bit of winterish spice, makes it a morish beer.
Smooth drinker, almost creamy, with good chewy malt.
Won't knock your socks off, certainly not as complex as some of the more contemporary takes on the style. However, it doesn't do anything particularly wrong, it's a nice malt showcase.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Pours a dark red, looks brown in the shadows, nice highlights though. Dense, almost nitro, head that leaves fine lacings with staying power.
Smooth malt on the nose, good dose of caramel with a nice helping of dark fruit.
Dark fruit, dates, right up front. This gives way to a bit of roastiness that morphs into nice chocolate malt flavours which, in turn, give way to some straight forward toffee. Bog standard English malt all the way through. A good dry, slightly bitter finish, augmented with a bit of winterish spice, makes it a morish beer.
Smooth drinker, almost creamy, with good chewy malt.
Won't knock your socks off, certainly not as complex as some of the more contemporary takes on the style. However, it doesn't do anything particularly wrong, it's a nice malt showcase.
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3.71/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
A: Dark, opaque caramel body with 1-2 fingers of faomy white head. Moderate lacing.
N: Caramel malt nose with winter spices
T: Rich caramel toffee flavors with winter spices in the finish. Cinnamon, ginger.
M: Medium with lots of foamy carbonation
D: Fairly good for a winter warmer. Goes down much like SA winter lager. A nice entry.
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look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
A: Dark, opaque caramel body with 1-2 fingers of faomy white head. Moderate lacing.
N: Caramel malt nose with winter spices
T: Rich caramel toffee flavors with winter spices in the finish. Cinnamon, ginger.
M: Medium with lots of foamy carbonation
D: Fairly good for a winter warmer. Goes down much like SA winter lager. A nice entry.
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3.43/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Poured from a 500ml bottle into a 3 oz. Sam Adams sampler.
A: Poured a rusty amber with a brownish red hue. A rocky head of clingy white foam built and left some sticky lace.
S: Smells grainy and a little spicy, with hints of cinnamon and clove as well as herbal hops.
T: Flavor is smooth and balanced. A light, toffee sweetness comes from toasted caramel malts and small traces of hop spiciness build from the additional spices and caramel flavoring.
M: Relatively carbonation and smooth, although not as rich and satisfying as I'd hoped this winter warmer might be.
D: Not a bad brew, but not complex or warming enough to warrant a seasonal rotation spot. Sessionable and worth a try but I'd reach for something with more character or ABV at least.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Poured from a 500ml bottle into a 3 oz. Sam Adams sampler.
A: Poured a rusty amber with a brownish red hue. A rocky head of clingy white foam built and left some sticky lace.
S: Smells grainy and a little spicy, with hints of cinnamon and clove as well as herbal hops.
T: Flavor is smooth and balanced. A light, toffee sweetness comes from toasted caramel malts and small traces of hop spiciness build from the additional spices and caramel flavoring.
M: Relatively carbonation and smooth, although not as rich and satisfying as I'd hoped this winter warmer might be.
D: Not a bad brew, but not complex or warming enough to warrant a seasonal rotation spot. Sessionable and worth a try but I'd reach for something with more character or ABV at least.
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3.5/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 4
A: dark dark copper with small white head that completely disappears
S: some extra sweet malts and a touch of fruity aroma
T: pretty much dominated by sweetness not much else
M: not much carbonation, but left a buttery coating too long that effected the overall taste
D: nothing bad, but nothing extraordinary either so could have a couple without trouble, but probably won't get another
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 4
A: dark dark copper with small white head that completely disappears
S: some extra sweet malts and a touch of fruity aroma
T: pretty much dominated by sweetness not much else
M: not much carbonation, but left a buttery coating too long that effected the overall taste
D: nothing bad, but nothing extraordinary either so could have a couple without trouble, but probably won't get another
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3.38/5 rDev -4.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
16.9 oz. bottle into a pint glass. Best by 09/05/07, so let's see how it's help up, if at all.
Appearance: A nice darker amber, really dark amber, with moderate carbonation and a lighter mocha-colored head. Murky as hell upon the swirl and pour of yeast that was residing on the bottom.
Smell: Sweeter malt flavors and some spices, but it's really subdued, and I can't pick out a lot. Balanced and pleasant, but maybe both subdued and a bit muddled. Maybe due to the age?
Taste: A nice balance between good malt flavors and good bitterness, but I don't really get a lot as far as specifics. It's tasty and everything, but I'm not sure I'd have guessed this was a winter warmer had I not known. Maybe it's the age. Some lighter fruit with the malt and a bit of spices is all I get. Again, weirdly solid and easy to drink, but not a lot of complexity I can discern.
Mouthfeel: A bit thinner than I thought it would be, seemingly, but it still has moderate carbonation.
Drinkability: Not sure this one's meant to be consumed after the best-by date, as I enjoyed it, but the flavors were completely muted and subdued. Maybe that's just the beer, though? I'd be interested in trying a fresh bottle at this point; maybe age hurt it more than helped it.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
16.9 oz. bottle into a pint glass. Best by 09/05/07, so let's see how it's help up, if at all.
Appearance: A nice darker amber, really dark amber, with moderate carbonation and a lighter mocha-colored head. Murky as hell upon the swirl and pour of yeast that was residing on the bottom.
Smell: Sweeter malt flavors and some spices, but it's really subdued, and I can't pick out a lot. Balanced and pleasant, but maybe both subdued and a bit muddled. Maybe due to the age?
Taste: A nice balance between good malt flavors and good bitterness, but I don't really get a lot as far as specifics. It's tasty and everything, but I'm not sure I'd have guessed this was a winter warmer had I not known. Maybe it's the age. Some lighter fruit with the malt and a bit of spices is all I get. Again, weirdly solid and easy to drink, but not a lot of complexity I can discern.
Mouthfeel: A bit thinner than I thought it would be, seemingly, but it still has moderate carbonation.
Drinkability: Not sure this one's meant to be consumed after the best-by date, as I enjoyed it, but the flavors were completely muted and subdued. Maybe that's just the beer, though? I'd be interested in trying a fresh bottle at this point; maybe age hurt it more than helped it.
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3.95/5 rDev +11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours dark brown with a thick head that sat on top of the beer the whole time. Roasted malt, fruit, chocolate and nutty aromas. There was also a floral hop aroma in there. Sweet Chocolate nutty flavor that gives way to sweet toasted malts. Nothing is too overpowering and it is very balanced. A heavy mouthfeel. The flavor sort of lingers, which is nice.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours dark brown with a thick head that sat on top of the beer the whole time. Roasted malt, fruit, chocolate and nutty aromas. There was also a floral hop aroma in there. Sweet Chocolate nutty flavor that gives way to sweet toasted malts. Nothing is too overpowering and it is very balanced. A heavy mouthfeel. The flavor sort of lingers, which is nice.
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4.65/5 rDev +31.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I find this to be a wonderful, full-bodied, rich ale with some good complexity.
It's deep, brownish ruby-red, with a large, long lasting head only shrinking a little. It has fairly good lacing, a little thin but long-lasting.
The aroma is malty with toasted bread, strong, sharp fruitiness and hints of caramel and leaves and a little chocolate.
The taste is rich, full, malty, and toasty, with definite caramelly-fruity sweetness but also a balancing hoppy, leafy bitterness that really kicks up in the end, giving it a nice bite. It's rich and full-bodied in the feel. This is delicious and very satisfying beer.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I find this to be a wonderful, full-bodied, rich ale with some good complexity.
It's deep, brownish ruby-red, with a large, long lasting head only shrinking a little. It has fairly good lacing, a little thin but long-lasting.
The aroma is malty with toasted bread, strong, sharp fruitiness and hints of caramel and leaves and a little chocolate.
The taste is rich, full, malty, and toasty, with definite caramelly-fruity sweetness but also a balancing hoppy, leafy bitterness that really kicks up in the end, giving it a nice bite. It's rich and full-bodied in the feel. This is delicious and very satisfying beer.
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3.6/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Deep copper in color, this ale pours with a decent head that pretty quickly disappears. Lace is good and hangs around til the end. The smell is a bit of earth and caramel. Carbonation was light, at least in my sample. Taste is a bit on the sweet side with no hoppy bitter aftertaste.
A decent ale, but as many others have noted, certainly not a warmer for the winter time. Also not the best of offerings from Youngs. I'd stay with the Oatmeal Stout or Chocolate Stout for the winter. Even better, Old Nick, if you can still find it. (BTW, I've recently found some from 2005 and it was excellent).
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Deep copper in color, this ale pours with a decent head that pretty quickly disappears. Lace is good and hangs around til the end. The smell is a bit of earth and caramel. Carbonation was light, at least in my sample. Taste is a bit on the sweet side with no hoppy bitter aftertaste.
A decent ale, but as many others have noted, certainly not a warmer for the winter time. Also not the best of offerings from Youngs. I'd stay with the Oatmeal Stout or Chocolate Stout for the winter. Even better, Old Nick, if you can still find it. (BTW, I've recently found some from 2005 and it was excellent).
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3.46/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
Young's Winter Warmer poured a dark amber/ruby color with a fluffy light tan head. Smell was very sweet, malt. Taste was malty, with some hints of bittersweet chocolate. Mouthfeel was ok, a bit think. Drinkabilty was good, nice easy drinker. I have to say that I was a bit underwhelmed by this beer. I have like young's beers in the past, but this one let me down a bit. This beer was bit overly sweet and sticky.
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look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
Young's Winter Warmer poured a dark amber/ruby color with a fluffy light tan head. Smell was very sweet, malt. Taste was malty, with some hints of bittersweet chocolate. Mouthfeel was ok, a bit think. Drinkabilty was good, nice easy drinker. I have to say that I was a bit underwhelmed by this beer. I have like young's beers in the past, but this one let me down a bit. This beer was bit overly sweet and sticky.
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3.8/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours a somewhat murky brown with an okay head that settles to a ring. Smells a bit earthy with some light cocoa notes and a bit bready as well. There is a slight woodiness to the aroma and a characteristically British metallic minerality on the finish. Taste is a little muddled up front, with a lot more earthiness and with a mineral finish. The breadiness goes away. Refreshing and a good hit of dry malt that lends some more chocolate. Not sweet, and easy to drink. Pretty decent, but mothing that really excites me.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours a somewhat murky brown with an okay head that settles to a ring. Smells a bit earthy with some light cocoa notes and a bit bready as well. There is a slight woodiness to the aroma and a characteristically British metallic minerality on the finish. Taste is a little muddled up front, with a lot more earthiness and with a mineral finish. The breadiness goes away. Refreshing and a good hit of dry malt that lends some more chocolate. Not sweet, and easy to drink. Pretty decent, but mothing that really excites me.
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3.43/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
My wife gave me an assortment of dark brews for Christmas, this happened to be one of them. 1L bottle, poured smooth, average weight for an ale, with a half a finger of head which quickly dissipated and left minimal lacing. It smelled sweet with spices, hops, and yeast. It tasted very similar to the way it smelled, mildly spicy, but the hops and yeast hung around longer than anything. I like my beers heavy and malty rather than light and hoppy, so this beer was average for me. I believe I prefer the Sam Adams Winter Lager over this beer, although it would be a close second since they are similar brews.
Overall, not a bad tinnie.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
My wife gave me an assortment of dark brews for Christmas, this happened to be one of them. 1L bottle, poured smooth, average weight for an ale, with a half a finger of head which quickly dissipated and left minimal lacing. It smelled sweet with spices, hops, and yeast. It tasted very similar to the way it smelled, mildly spicy, but the hops and yeast hung around longer than anything. I like my beers heavy and malty rather than light and hoppy, so this beer was average for me. I believe I prefer the Sam Adams Winter Lager over this beer, although it would be a close second since they are similar brews.
Overall, not a bad tinnie.
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3.58/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Pours a dark mahaogany, a few shades lighter than black, with a small head that leaves a good amount of lace behind. The aroma is of pumpkin pie, chewy malts, raspberries and mace spice. Christmas pudding and fruity, marmalade and apricot notes fill the taste. Woody, English hops and nutmeg show more prominently with warmth. The mouthfeel is full bodied and lightly cabonated. The finish is spicy and lasts a long time.
Its surprising this isnt brewed with any spices. Its got lots of traditional spiced beer flavors.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Pours a dark mahaogany, a few shades lighter than black, with a small head that leaves a good amount of lace behind. The aroma is of pumpkin pie, chewy malts, raspberries and mace spice. Christmas pudding and fruity, marmalade and apricot notes fill the taste. Woody, English hops and nutmeg show more prominently with warmth. The mouthfeel is full bodied and lightly cabonated. The finish is spicy and lasts a long time.
Its surprising this isnt brewed with any spices. Its got lots of traditional spiced beer flavors.
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3.16/5 rDev -10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Young's Winter Warmer is a very clear red ale with a small, soft off-white head that leaves nice lacing. The yeast dominates the aroma with crushed stone. The malt is soft and sweet in the nose. The hops are grassy-- maybe minty. It is medium-light and a little rough on the tongue. The flavor is smooth and nutty and a little metallic. It's mellow. It's not very stand-out but it would make a good session ale.
(rated Jan 1, 2008)
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look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Young's Winter Warmer is a very clear red ale with a small, soft off-white head that leaves nice lacing. The yeast dominates the aroma with crushed stone. The malt is soft and sweet in the nose. The hops are grassy-- maybe minty. It is medium-light and a little rough on the tongue. The flavor is smooth and nutty and a little metallic. It's mellow. It's not very stand-out but it would make a good session ale.
(rated Jan 1, 2008)
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3.01/5 rDev -15%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
An aggressive, foamy head develops from the ruby hued mahogany body leaving a fair lacing in its path.
Aroma of faint bread, sweet sugar, and pine.
Slightly sweet malt, pine, earthy, and slightly metallic flavor.
Full body, medium carbonation, and somewhat lacking on the palate.
I hate to say it, but somewhat disappointing for Young's. Lacking the traditional winter warmer character.
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look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
An aggressive, foamy head develops from the ruby hued mahogany body leaving a fair lacing in its path.
Aroma of faint bread, sweet sugar, and pine.
Slightly sweet malt, pine, earthy, and slightly metallic flavor.
Full body, medium carbonation, and somewhat lacking on the palate.
I hate to say it, but somewhat disappointing for Young's. Lacking the traditional winter warmer character.
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2.86/5 rDev -19.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Looks and pours like an old ale. A murky brunette with a short-lived off-white head. Aroma of nutmeg, caramel, and dust. Syrupy mouthfeel. Tasted like an old ale as well. Lots of caramel, wood, and metal. You know how a beer just keeps going downhill as you drink it? That's this beer.
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look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Looks and pours like an old ale. A murky brunette with a short-lived off-white head. Aroma of nutmeg, caramel, and dust. Syrupy mouthfeel. Tasted like an old ale as well. Lots of caramel, wood, and metal. You know how a beer just keeps going downhill as you drink it? That's this beer.
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3.35/5 rDev -5.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
A: Poured a dark ruby red with a fairly thick creamy beige head.
S: light roasted grains, bread, dark molasses, and fresh raisins.
T: The flavor was nicely balanced with a roasted malting, coffee with some dry spicing (cinnamon, nutmeg). There was a roasted nuttiness, dark fruit and a good smooth hop bitterness.
M: medium bodied, with some warming.
D: Average drinkability for a winter brew, nothing that really stands out. lacks heart.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
A: Poured a dark ruby red with a fairly thick creamy beige head.
S: light roasted grains, bread, dark molasses, and fresh raisins.
T: The flavor was nicely balanced with a roasted malting, coffee with some dry spicing (cinnamon, nutmeg). There was a roasted nuttiness, dark fruit and a good smooth hop bitterness.
M: medium bodied, with some warming.
D: Average drinkability for a winter brew, nothing that really stands out. lacks heart.
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3.41/5 rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
L: Pours a nice amber-brown color with a medium sized and medium bodied tan colored head that laces the glass nicely on the way down.
S: Smells of sweet malts, some nice spices - cinnamon, vanilla, and a bit of allspice perhaps at the end.
T: Like the smell, it was a big roasted malty base and then followed by the cinnamon and vanilla flavors.
M: Very smooth, right amount of carbonation.
D: Very drinkable winter warmer, I was expecting more from the spices, but this was a nice surprise, very mild and overall a nice beer.
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look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
L: Pours a nice amber-brown color with a medium sized and medium bodied tan colored head that laces the glass nicely on the way down.
S: Smells of sweet malts, some nice spices - cinnamon, vanilla, and a bit of allspice perhaps at the end.
T: Like the smell, it was a big roasted malty base and then followed by the cinnamon and vanilla flavors.
M: Very smooth, right amount of carbonation.
D: Very drinkable winter warmer, I was expecting more from the spices, but this was a nice surprise, very mild and overall a nice beer.
526 characters
3.36/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
I poured this one from a unique 500ml brown bottle into an Imperial pint glass.
A= This ale poured a hazy dark amber / mahogany brown color with a towering 3" creamy tan head. The head dropped to zero incredibly quickly and left only the slightest of spotty lace.
S= Aromas of sweet biscuity malt up front with some VERY faint spice in the end.
T= Like the smell, this one lead with sweet malts, caramel, and a bit of diacetyl. Very faint spicing in the finish. Not much else going on here.
MF= Medium body with a very low carbonation level made this feel a bit oily on the tongue despite its thinness.
D= This was an OK beer but nothing to write home about. It was easy to drink though...
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look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
I poured this one from a unique 500ml brown bottle into an Imperial pint glass.
A= This ale poured a hazy dark amber / mahogany brown color with a towering 3" creamy tan head. The head dropped to zero incredibly quickly and left only the slightest of spotty lace.
S= Aromas of sweet biscuity malt up front with some VERY faint spice in the end.
T= Like the smell, this one lead with sweet malts, caramel, and a bit of diacetyl. Very faint spicing in the finish. Not much else going on here.
MF= Medium body with a very low carbonation level made this feel a bit oily on the tongue despite its thinness.
D= This was an OK beer but nothing to write home about. It was easy to drink though...
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4.06/5 rDev +14.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
500 ml bottle bought at College Liquors in Grand Junction, CO. Pours a ruby-brown color with a very large and thick cream colored head. The aroma is very light toasted malts and nutty notes. The flavor is very nice; smooth bursts of fruit, toasted malts, light nutty flavors and a rich and full mouthfeel. Very nice. I love the label and the beer. Easygoing and yet very flavorful. Great. Also, this beer is a few years old, best by September 2007, but still quite good. I'll re-rate when I get a fresher one.
509 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
500 ml bottle bought at College Liquors in Grand Junction, CO. Pours a ruby-brown color with a very large and thick cream colored head. The aroma is very light toasted malts and nutty notes. The flavor is very nice; smooth bursts of fruit, toasted malts, light nutty flavors and a rich and full mouthfeel. Very nice. I love the label and the beer. Easygoing and yet very flavorful. Great. Also, this beer is a few years old, best by September 2007, but still quite good. I'll re-rate when I get a fresher one.
509 characters
Young's Winter Warmer from Wells & Young's Ltd
Beer rating:
81 out of
100 with
244 ratings
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