Winter Warmer #1

So, as the days grow shorter and the temperature lowers, the mind wishes for something a little stronger and sweeter then the normal ales we chose. Most commercial craft brewers chose to brew and release a beer that suits this desire. This week I am choosing to taste two new releases that I picked up this weekend at Argonaut Liquors. First is the Frambozen from New Belgium Brewer in Fort Collins, Colorado; second is the release from Anchor Brewing in San Francisco, California called Our Special Ale. So with no further ado here we go:





The pour is a clear brown/burgundy color with a redish/cream head that diminishes rather quickly.



The nose has a sweet and tart smell with almost no backing maltiness. This smell reminds me of a maraschino cherry odor. This I find odd, considering it is a brown ale with raspberries.



First taste is purely raspberry; there is definitely no mistaking that addition to the ale. A tartness gives the ale an almost sour beer characteristic which I found that enjoyable and cleansing. This might be the allure of the sour ales that are starting to flood the market recently.

The brown ale definitely taken a second fiddle to the raspberry presence. I did not expect the malt to be so subdued to this fruit. It is not labeled as a Lambic which I am reminded of. One thought I have is that New Belgium brewery found a way to put a Lambic style ale out without the time and expense it normally take.


As the Frambozen warms I keep expecting the malt to come forward. Still no sign, but more presence then real cold. I recomend letting it warm a little out of the fridge.


I do believe that this is a great holiday ale and will be a great dessert drink to match with chocolate desserts especially chocolate cake spiked with Reese's peanut butter cups.



All good for now. Blog you later.