2016 Craft Beer Cellar Advent Box: Day 8

Advent Beer Day 8:

Solstice d'hiver from Brasserie Dieu du Ciel

This dark brown and cloudy beer was a real treat. It had almost no head, but still sufficient effervescence for a rich mouthfeel. It is a a barleywine, but hopped enough to remove the tang I don't usually love in a barleywine. The first flavors are caramel and coffee on the back of the tongue. It is tingly on the front of the tongue with a delicious sweetness that lingers and a richness on the front of the tongue. Flavors included honey, chocolate, and burnt sugar. This was quite special.

2016 Craft Beer Cellar Advent Box Day 2

Advent Beer Day 2:

Arquebus Barleywine Ale from the Cambridge Brewing Company

The CBC started out as a local Cambridge brewpub. I was fortunate to work just a couple of blocks away back then. Now they are bottling up a great range of beers and selling them locally. I had a certain nostalgic feeling opening this bottle.

This is described as a dessert barleywine with honey and Semillon grapes. Semillon is the grape of Sauternes, France's decadently sweet dessert wine.

This ale is tangy with just enough sweetness to make it work. I'm not a huge fan of barleywine, but Arquebus is quite good. It's a high alcohol beer, so this bottle is great for sharing - or three nights in my case. It has burnt caramel and honey flavors, and hint of pine.