Snow Report Wintry Golden Ale

Review Date 1/8/2024  By John Staradumsky

  Style: Saison   Brewery: Allagash   Country: USA   State: Maine   $ Per OZ: $.23 (B), $.39 (D)   ABV: 8.6%

I was at Total Wine the Sunday before Thanksgiving, to buy some beer of course. I picked up a lot of great stuff, but when it came to Allagash Brewing of Portland, Maine, there were two interesting selections available. The first was Gatherwell Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout, and I bought a 4-pack of that. The second was Snow Report Wintry Golden Ale. I passed on that in favor of the Gatherwell. I could have bought a single, I suppose. I’m not sure why I didn’t.

Taco Mac to the rescue! Dropping by for some beer and wings the week between Christmas and New Year, what did I find on tap but Allagash Snow Report. Here’s how Allagash describes it:

The forecast is calling for an accumulation of festive beers in your fridge. Snow Report is our celebratory saison brewed with local wildflower honey. In it, you’ll find balanced notes of melon, green apple, and a touch of honey.

Allagash Snow Report Wintry Golden Ale has an alcohol content of 8.6% by volume and I paid $8.94 for a 23-ounce mug at Taco Mac. It was selling for $14.99 for a 4-pack of pint cans at Total Wine. The latter seems a bity high to me, though the former is I think reasonable. Allagash suggest a shelf life of six months.  

Allagash lists the following ingredients on their website:

Grains: Raw White Wheat, Pale, Special Blend

Hops: Hallertau, Saaz

Spices/Other: Swan’s Wildflower Honey

Yeast: Imperial Saison

My mug of Allagash Snow Report Wintry Golden Ale arrived a pale golden color with a mininmal wispy head and a spicy pepper and fruit nose. Taking a sip, the beer is medium in body with honeydew melon fruit, tart apple, white pepper and a kiss of honey. It finishes dry from the spiciness and gently warning with alcohol, but it is quite refreshing and invited you to take another sip.

Allagash Snow Report Wintry Golden Ale was a great accompaniment to an order of hot buffalo wings and Taco Mac’s legendary house made bleu cheese dressing. I enjoyed it very much, and I’m glad I did not miss out on it after all.

Glad I tried it?  T

Would I rebuy it??