New Belgium 2 Below Winter Ale, $7.99 a six-pack
Whatever beer they take on, New Belgium Brewing and brewmaster Peter Bouckaert do superbly.
2 Below Winter Ale is no exception. Returning for a second year, 2 Below, like most NB products, is complex, from its lighter-than-usual color to a piney aroma to a sweet, malty beginning that is replaced by a hoppy finish, thanks to dry hopping in the brewing process.
For all its competing flavors, 2 Below has a creamy mouthfeel and is invitingly smooth on the palate. Its alcohol is somewhat elevated at 6.6 percent (by volume).
Available in 14 states, mainly in the West, it’s expected to be on retail shelves through the end of the year.
New Belgium Brewing, 500 Linden St., Fort Collins, CO 80524; newbelgium.com|Dick Kreck
