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Winter Ale - chilling, but not way cool

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Contributed by: Russell Weisfield on 12/2/2006

With craft beers continuing to gain market share, new brews are constantly hitting the market. To that end, brewers are trying to market new beers as "capturing the tastes of each season." Blue Moon Brewing Company has claimed to have done that with their newest attempt to supplement their flagship Belgian white ale.

Over the years, this subsidiary of Coors has attempted a variety of different drinks. The list includes a raspberry cream and a pumpkin ale. They continue to learn what Orson Welles learned after Citizen Kane: It's hard to top one of the best. The Belgian White is worthy of a perfect seven canoes in the rating system, but the winter ale pales in comparison (well, actually it's darker, but that's not the point).

Frankly, the winter time brings to mind flavors of sugar, hot chocolate, sugar, stale fruitcake, sugar, candy canes and sugar. Generally, vanilla is not high on that list, but yet vanilla (or at least something similar) is the most notable taste one gets from this brew. There are some scents of refreshing fruit but otherwise, it is a fairly generic amber ale. By the way, winter drinks should be helpful in fortifying against the cold, not a refreshing respite from the heat (unless you're in Hawaii, but if you're in Hawaii, shouldn't you be drinking pina coladas?)

The definition from FAQS.org is that a winter ale is "usually a high gravity and full-flavoured beer." Blue Moon's attempt still fails at this definition because it is not full-flavoured.

Ignoring the title, though, the ale is not completely lost. It has a full pour that produces a heavy head which is slow in dissipating. The liquid that is left is a pretty-looking amber. Its flavors are strong on the outset but then disappear, along with the bulk of the body, before leaving a tangy vanilla. The 5.6% alcohol content is modest and not overpowering, though if Coors tries to sell this product in grocery stores, expect the watered down 3.2 version to take away what redeeming qualities are present.

While Blue Moon's attempt to supplement the Belgian White is laudable, the Winter Ale falls short of expectations. Particularly, this beer does not match the expectations of the winter ale style. Certainly, there are worse tasting beers available and this is a much better beverage choice than even a modest egg nog. Therefore, the Winter Ale earns the mid rating of 4 canoes.

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Showing 1-2 of 2 comments

Submitted By: Micheal Gieger

posted on 12/5/2006 @ 6:48:23 AM

Rated Story

Russ, Tried the Czar and enjoyed it immensely. Can't say I've ever liked Blue Moon in any genre but always pick up a six-pack of Coors Winterfest during the holiday. Thanks

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Submitted By: Troy Cardinal

posted on 12/4/2006 @ 10:58:32 PM

Rated Story

If you would like to try a decent brew, insted of rating mass produced fizzy beers, come by the Cheshire Cat and try some real beer! Troy Cardinal General Manager Cheshire Cat Brewpub

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Russell Weisfield

Arvada , CO

Russell Weisfield has posted 45 stories and 6 comments since joining on 9/14/2005. Russell Weisfield 's average story rating is 4.72.

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