Winter officially started yesterday on the day known as Winter Solstice, called such because it is officially the longest night of the winter (is that like starting football season with the Super Bowl?). Even in the days of climate change, it is worth looking at the weather map and noting cold temperatures and snow across the globe. So, ales appropriate for the cold are appropriate even though the cold, we are told, isn't as cold as it once was and that it is warming, thawing, and that these things may eventually impact all we know as good and enjoyable.
In Houston, we already had global warming noted in two seasons: Summer and Dreary. Summer was marked by sun and warm, humid temperatures. Dreary was noted for its cloud cover, moisture hanging around, damp and cold (by Houston standards) temperature, and the trees losing their leaves to provide a barren look to the Dreary landscape.
It was during such times that I learned to enjoy a fire and a specialty ale. Winter (including Dreary) does not disappoint, but Winter finds its names on ales, not Dreary, partly because no one is going to buy an ale called "Dreary Ale" or "Dreary Weather Welcome Ale." Winter, however, finds an introduction of some fine seasonal craft beers that are as good as they are different.
Today, we look at two from the large variety of winter beers available, partly because I couldn't afford, nor have the room for, or time to, try all the ales that are out there. So, we look at two this year and have the full knowledge of more to review in upcoming years.
The two we look at are Sam Adams Winter Lager and then we jump across the pond to enjoy Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale from Britain.
Sam Adams Winter Lager was so enjoyable that I ran to the supply store to ask about making a lager, and I learned more that day than I needed to. Important to note to the home brewer, in case you didn't know this, that lagers take twice the time and require colder temperatures than normal beers. Adams doesn't disappoint with its patience though in brewing and distributing a quality lager for winter. It has a fullness in taste and body that is enjoyable. It is a darker beer and enjoys an alcohol content of slightly over 5% per bottle. If you want to learn more about its ingredients and other facts, go to their website, to learn more. This was a great beer and I enjoyed it with a cigar on one occasion. I'm holding two back because yes, I brewed some in early December knowing full well it will be February before I can enjoy them.
The next beer is Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale that hails from the country of Britain. As I enjoyed this one, I felt as though I was connecting with a different time and place, thinking at one point that I heard Arthur with his Knights of the Roundtable somewhere around the place. It notes that it is brewed in the "Old Brewery" in Yorkshire, England and is fermented in stone vats. The brewery, it is noted on the bottle, was built in 1758 in Tadcaster which must be a part of Yorkshire. All that to say that it does have a distinct flavor and notes on the bottle to serve at 51 degrees F in a glass. It has a 6% alcohol content, but you can read all about its color, alcohol, and other such factors by going to the website to learn more. Yes, I recommend it, but it does have a distinctly European flavor to it. So, be prepared.
Hoping you read this far and learned about two winter ales from the abundance out there, I hope you and your families have or had a great Christmas and enjoy the holidays. Beers and ales are meant to enhance your holidays with those you love, not ruin them, so enjoy and be aware of your surroundings. I have to go, King Arthur and the others are waiting.
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