GREAT LAKES ~ WINTER ALE

A Winter Warmer sampled from a bottle. The beer poured a translucent medium beer brown with slight amber hues. It had a fingers height of head that left good lacing after it fell. There was lots of spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger) on the nose as well as caramel, dark fruits, and sweet malts. The beer began with sweet malty caramel and suggestions of orange, followed by dry spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), with a touch of honey. It finished fry with a pleasant earthy hop and warming ginger. It is well carbonated and the mouth feel is on the thinner side of medium. A pleasant offering from GLB, but these beers are like pumpkin ales to me, I want them as a treat not all the time. Worth checking out.

6.5 % from Toronto, Ontario

OR THOUGHTS ON GOOD & EVIL ~ SAWDUST CITY

Sampled on draught, this brew is a dark winter saison. The beer poured a deep brown with garnet highlights and an off white head that left lacing. The nose contained caramel, dried fruit, fruity esters, spice and roasted barley. The flavour had a complexity. At first it was caramel and burnt sugar, rich malts and a touch of wood. A light sweet chocolate, spice and dried fruit were more predominant as the beer warmed. The beer gave a warming boozy feeling. The finish still contained strong sweet malts and fruit but also had a mild hop bitterness (hopped with Amarillo). The beer was medium to full bodied with lively carbonation. This beer reminded me some Belgian Ales, but hinted at ‘saison-ness’ as well. Very drinkable for 8%. A Delicious winter brew!
Barley & Malt: Pilsner, Munich II, carafe II special, wheat, Demerara sugar
Hops: Amarillo
Yeast: Belgian Saison

15 IBU