Lately, it has come to my attention how much I enjoy malty beers. I think I always have, in fact I know I always have, but these days with all the hype that IPAs get, my resolve to enjoy and support malty beers is only redoubled. Not that I don’t like IPAs and hoppy beers; I certainly do. It’s just that, well, there’s far more to the beer world than these pungent brews.

When it comes to malty beers, you can’t get much maltier than winter warmers. There’s a problem with that, though. You can only get them in winter, right? Mostly, though you can get pretty close with old ale throughout the year. That said, I like to stash away a few winter warmers and other malty holiday treats each Christmas season and break them out in July. And that’s just what I did with a bottle of Anderson Valley Winter Solstice this year.

Last November I enjoyed this malty holiday treat on tap at Taco Mac and I also bought some bottled to enjoy at home. One of those bottles I’m just now opening after a lengthy stay in my DBR (Dedicated Beer Refrigerator). Here’s what Anderson valley says about it on their website:

Winter Solstice® is our take on the classic style of “winter warmer.” Boasting a deep amber hue and rich mouthfeel, its creamy finish will lift your spirits. Hints of toffee, spice, and caramel tease the senses making this the perfect ale to share with friends and family during the cold days and long nights of winter.

Ingredients from the website:

MALTS: Pale Two-Row, Crystal (40L and 80L), Munich (20L)

HOPS: Northern Brewer, Liberty

Anderson Valley Winter Solstice has an alcohol content of 6.9% by volume and 6 (count ‘em!) IBUs. I paid $6.50 for a full mug pour at Taco Mac and $9.99 for a six-pack at Total Wine. The label says “ale with natural flavor added” though they don’t tell you which spices.

Anderson Valley Winter Solstice pours to a rich amber brown color with a medium head formation and a very nutty malty nose. Taking a sip, the beer is just as sweet nutty malty up front as the nose suggested with the lightest suggestions of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and caramel. Cinnamon and nutmeg spicing is very subtle but they come out for me. The finish is balanced with gently grassy hops, perhaps more subtly than when I enjoyed it fresh at Taco Mac. There, I likened this beer to a glass of plum pudding.

This is a malty treat and a tasty winter warmer. Maltheads everywhere will rejoice, and even if you don’t like spicing in your holiday beers, rest assured that this is far more subtle than say, a Harpoon Winter Warmer.



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