Craft Beer Cellar Advent Beer Day 21

Today is day 21 of the Craft Beer Cellar Advent box. Today is also the winter solstice. I shouldn't have been surprised to get a Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale. It is a winter warmer from Anderson Valley Brewing Company close to where my family lives in California.

Gail and I also shared the little bell-shaped goat cheese we got today from MA-France. We always find fun surprises in this cute new Lexington cheese shop. I often find fresh goat cheese to be somewhat bland, but this bell combined grass and lemon flavors in a nice young texture. I'm sad it's gone.

Back to the beer, which was full of nuance. It had a slight hoppy and yeasty aroma, unusual for this style. The bitterness was also slight, but noticeable, again unusual. It had the typical malt highlights, which gave way to caramel and a hint of nutmeg. I'm sad it's gone too.

Craft Beer Cellar Advent Beer Day 3

When I opened today's Advent beer I wondered what Global Warmer had to do with the Christmas season. After reading the back of the can (yes, good beer can come in cans now) I saw the pun with Winter Warmer. I now can't imagine how I missed that.

Sixpoint Brewery's winter offering is like a strong IPA modified to be sweeter for the season. It has a hops-heavy taste, especially in a mouthful of that big, lacy head. It also has the full bitterness of an IPA, which goes surprisingly well with the lingering sweetness.

Three days, no disappointments. Thanks again Craft Beer Cellar!