$3.48 per 22-ounce bottle
In Alaska, where they know a thing or two about cold weather, Alaskan Brewing produces a winter warmer that’s surprisingly light on alcohol (6.4 percent by volume) for the classification. Pouring a slightly hazy golden amber, Winter Ale has a deep, loose white head whose aroma is balanced more toward malt but with noble hops also playing a role. On the tongue, the ale is biscuity and sweet, with a crisp hoppiness. What gives this beer a distinctive characteristic is that it’s brewed with tips of the Sitka spruce evergreen. I was expecting something of a juniperlike flavor from this, but it surprised with a faint note of berries instead. A lighter member of the pantheon of winter warmers, to be sure, but a pleasant addition, especially if the drinker is intent on having more than one. Alaskan Brewing Co., Juneau, Alaska;
Marcus Chamberland; mchamberland@denverpost.com
