Winter Beers: Final

Wow, the holiday season sure has a way of making you very busy.  I have a backlog of stuff I wanted to talk about, but I've just not really been on top of writing about it.  Sort of feel like I have seen most of what I want to know about beer.

On the plus side I have more to talk about about things other than drinking beer and rating it.  Like making it!  So after a little thought I have decided that I should push to write things specifically about Northwestern beers if I am rating a beer.  There are after all several rating sites and lots of blogs all over the place that cover this in depth.  I think talking about breweries and beers of specifically the Northwest will be more productive (occasionally will talk about special releases from California and maybe Colorado or something similar).

Thought that I would at least finish up the Winter Beers:

in no particular order, I'd say the top 5 winter beers we've had this year are:


Deschutes Jubelale


This beer has a very warming feel to it; has a lot of the malty and carmel flavors similar to what you'd find in a Scotch Ale.  I had it in bottle, on cask, and on tap.  Cask was great, but they were all good.  Nice dark ruby color and a little thicker feeling than I thought it would be.

This beer is so very perfect for what I want in a winter beer
Jubleale

Boundary Bay Cabin Fever


This has a very similar taste and profile to Jubelale, but it is much stronger feeling.  Definitely a little bit of alcohol taste in there, this WILL warm you up.  I prefer the Jubelale, but Sam prefers this one.
Boundary Bay's site

Alaskan Brewing Co. Winter 


I had already discussed this one in an earlier post, but the reason I like this is the Spruce tips and the overall mellow factor this beer has.

Winter Ale

Hopworks Abominable 


Another one I already mentioned; the label on this one is very cool though.  Not to be confused with Fremont Brewery's Abominable, which I actually don't think I have tried.  More on the aggressive side.
Hopworks

Three Skulls Poison 


Just thought I'd throw this is there, it was totally a random event that led us to ordering this.  I think they were out of Arrogant Bastard.  Had it on tap at the Pillagers' Pub in Seattle (Greenwood) on New Years.  It was pretty awesome, very strong in ABV, yet had a nice, not overpowering flavor.
Three Skulls

Ninkasi Sleigh'r


Yeah, okay this is actually number 6, it's an honorable mention I suppose...  but I really liked this one.  Definitely check it out, because it is very different.


List of all the other winter ales we tried:

Laughing Dog Coldnose - like I said, would not recommend
Red Hook Winter Hook - inot bad, but I liked the others more
New Belgium 2 Below - similar to Winter Hook
Elysian Bifröst - while I found it quite good, it's actually more like a winter IPA; so if you want a really hoppy winter beer then for sure grab this
Rogue Mogul Madness - this one is good, but I don't see why they charge so much for it.  Not worth the extra cash in my opinion.

New Belgium Brewing Fat Tire

Hey, Nathan here.  I just got hired at Manito Tap House on the South Hill in Spokane.

Hopefully I'll be able to get some unique insight on the backside of the house.

The last beer I had was a New Belgium Fat Tire and a Rogue Dead Guy Ale.  I've mentioned the New Belgium before and I really have nothing to say about it.  The fact is that I think it is a very neutral beer; I've heard people say "tastes  like beer" when they try something I give them (ensue my eye rolls), but I think it actually applies here.  It has a bit of hops upfront due to the Belgian influence (word is the brewmaster made the amber ale while on a trip in Belgium), however past that the malt flavors are there but they seem to fall flat into a lackluster aftertaste.  I've tried this beer many times and each time I get this feeling no matter how hard I try.

Fat Tire is definitely more in the session territory, but is a little heavier than say a Hef.  Then again, by American standards anything below 6% is often considered session.

So here it is, not a terribly interesting beer.  Not the strongest or lightest on the tongue, but if you're not sure what to get or recommend go for this.  Perfect by the pitcher, but I really do think there are better ambers or pale ales or witbiers (all comparable styles).

P.S. Dead Guy is perfect with Dubliner cheese, yum!

Here's an older picture I have of the New Belgium:

Beer and Cheese? Yes, please!

Hello! It's Sam on this post. I have a couple beers that I will be reviewing.

Nathan and I moved to a really really great neighborhood within trotting distance of some pretty awesome beer selections. We are near Manito Taphouse, The Hop Shop, Super1 Foods (Excellent selection and decent pricing) and Brews On Washington. We have yet to try The Hop Shop but we'll get there.

The Manito Taphouse has an amazing selection and after our misfortune of leaving the Up and Up in Bellingham and moving to the beer desolation that is Spokane Valley, we were happy to find a place such as this place. The two beers I tried there were:
1. Double Dead Guy Ale (Rogue Brewing- Newport, OR)
2. Bitter Root Porter (Bitter Root Brewing- Hamilton, MT)
I might also add that we drank both of those accompanied with yam chips (yes, YAM CHIPS) and a Gorgonzola cream dip that Rogue made. Cain I just say, AMAZING? Not only does Rogue make damn good beer but they make damn good cheese too. You may see us relocate to Portland if I have anything to do with it.
1. Double Dead Guy Ale was strong. Imagine Dead Guy Ale (if you've had it) with about three flavors. The first flavor was good ol' Dead Guy with a syrupy midtaste (I know it sounds disgusting but syrupy was the only way I can describe it) and a smooth finish. It is definitely not a beer to session, but if you're like me, it'll make you a cheap date. I was done pretty well right away. If you're my friend, you'll be on the floor watching top gun in 20 minutes. You know who you are. Would have again.
2. Bitter Root Porter- One of the most unique porters I've had in a while. I was expecting a porter like Black Butte Porter with some substance but it had the consistency of an amber or a red ale with the delicious smokiness of a porter. It was refreshing and delicious. Would have again... many times.
If you're ever in Spokane, I recommend you visit the Manito Taphouse. My only real complaint was that happy hour beer specials weren't as good as they could be. I am hoping that with time, it lowers in price.