Day 17 of the 5th Annual Advent-ure Calendar
Day 17: Brew Kettle Winter Warmer
This is a classic Christmas ale that always finds its way onto the calendar and into our fridge but it’s a beer that we normally don’t seek out. But, if you ask people what their favorite Christmas ale in Cleveland is, this is bound to be on a few of their lists. From the brewery: “A Christmas Ale packed with the spices of the holidays; cinnamon, ginger, orange & lemon peel, and a sleigh load of honey. A beer that’s loaded with holiday cheer!”
Reflections
Beard & Broad
Beard: Even though this is on the lighter end in terms of spice level in holiday beers, I’m not a huge fan. It’s perfectly fine, but nothing really stands out. It’s almost like it’s missing something. If you’re going to make a malt forward, holiday beer and the spices are supposed to be the star, it’s kind of a go big or go home situation. Gotta commit. I’m a big Brew Kettle fan, but there never seems to be enough here to get excited for it.
Broad: This beer is good, but not great. It has a lot of flavors but also tastes kind of like nothing if that makes sense? I can’t tell you exactly what I’m getting from it. Maybe some ginger or orange or even some cinnamon. Theres no overwhelming flavor that sticks out. With that being said, it’s smooth and easy to drink. However, I prefer my beers with a little more flavor. I want something special to stand out about the beer I’m drinking.
Adam & Alex
Adam: Brew Kettle Winter Warmer is a wonderful blend of ginger, lemon, and honey. This boozy delight makes my heart grow three sizes… or maybe it’s just the heavy booze number making me warm from the inside out.
Alex: I really enjoyed Brew Kettle’s Winter Warmer. I can taste holiday spices but it’s not overwhelming and I can ask taste honey at the end. I feel like I like this more than I have in prior years. I also really enjoy that the can has a gift tag To: and From: on it!
Scott & Christa
Scott: The Winter Warmer from Brew Kettle was at first sip, not what I wanted. Being a little patient definitely paid off because once my half glass was empty, I wanted more! It’s a maltier, slightly sweet ale that definitely fits the bill as a winter warmer. It’s not as spicy as some other Christmas beers and instead focuses on the fullness and warmth of its namesake.
Christa: The Brew Kettle’s Winter Warmer isn’t warming my spirits this evening. Historically, I don’t think I like warmers so this may just me and my tastes. It’s too artificially sweet, too much cinnamon, and while it tastes better as I go, I don’t think I’ll be adding this one to my repeats list.
Tony & Megan
Tony: Well guys I tried but I’m officially out of Christmas Vacation references to intro my reviews. I’m sure you’re all devastated haha…..Ok, so Brew Kettle Winter Warmer is up. Red amber in color, slightly cinnamon forward in taste. A little malty, little bit of caramel maybe. It’s enjoyable to drink. It’s not hoppy at all so if you’re looking for that flavor you won’t find it here. But it felt well balanced and it’s a pretty good one. Middle of the road among the lineup so far.
Megan: Mmmm for a cold beer, it feels like a warm and cozy Christmas Eve by the fireside. It’s so smooth and sweet. I’m getting those classic holiday spices like cinnamon, ginger and cloves but just the right amount! Maybe also some caramel? This is one I would go to the stores to buy again!
Brad & Heather
Brad: By far my favorite holiday beer yet! I love smokey beers and this one is perfect. Not too smokey but just enough to really taste the smoked caramel flavors. I am for sure getting an additional 6 pack to enjoy on the cold winter days even after the holidays. Also, at 8%, it’ll help get my mind right for the cold winter nights.
Heather: Winter warmer: This. Is. Delicious. This might be my favorite we’ve had on the advent-ure so far. Verrrrry smooth and creamy and warm and everything I want in a winter beer. The absolute perfect ratio of spices topped off with the sweetness of honey, but nothing is overpowering. Love.