Here’s another winter offering from the south, one from a little-known Atlanta brewer worth checking out. Atlanta Brewing has been around since 1993, but prior to moving down here I had only tried a few of their beers, their flagship Redbrick Ale, a malty red ale, and Red Brick Golden Lager, a drinkable German style lager. Both of these beers I had received through the Beer Across America beer of the month club.

Today, of course, I live in Georgia and have easy access to Atlanta Brewing Company’s beers. Together with Sweetwater and Dogwood Brewing Companies, Atlanta Brewing keeps the Peach State supplied with plenty of fresh, craft-brewed beer. The beer is produced at the brewery on Williams Street in Midtown Atlanta.

Though Sweetwater may be Atlanta’s best-known microbrewery, Atlanta Brewing is the city’s oldest operating independent microbrewery. In the tradition of microbrewers all over the country, Atlanta Brewing has crafted this delicious winter seasonal ale for limited release. It’s perfect for sipping on cold winter nights, though those are a bit few and far between down here.

A robust and flavorful winter ale, the beer is spiced with orange peel and hopped with German Tettnangs. The Tettnangs give the beer a decidedly German flair, and that is not uncommon with Red Brick beers like the aforementioned Golden Lager (a helles) and their ironically named American Wheat (brewed with an authentic Bavarian yeast strain). Atlanta Brewing also produces a Bohemian styled pilsner called laughing skull.

As I’ve said previously, I was concerned when I first arrived here in Georgia that my beer drinking options might be severely limited. My worries were most serious concerning the holiday season, when a plethora of idiosyncratic winter brews make their appearance. My fears were ill founded. I’ve found easy access to such holiday favorites as Anchor Our Special Ale, Harpoon Winter Warmer, Samuel Adams Winter Lager, Rogue Santa’s Private Reserve, and Redhook Winterhook. What’s more, I’ve discovered new holiday treats like Dogwood Winter Brew, Sweetwater Festive Ale, and now, Red Brick Winter Brew.

Red Brick Winter Brew pours to a deep mahogany color with a light but slightly creamy tan head and a fruity malt nose. The palate is rich with a smooth, full mouthfeel that glides ride over the tongue and leaves impressions of rich, sweet toasty malt, light chocolate, subtle spice and a light grassy hop buzz in the finish. It’s delicious with homemade carrot cake, chock full of grated carrot and topped with cream cheese frosting.

This is a beer that emphasizes malt over spices, and as such may appeal to the traditionalists who eschew beers heavily-laden with nutmeg and ginger. A very good value at about $6 a six pack, I picked it up for $5.49 at Sherlock's in Marietta.

Update 2005: For 2005, Atlanta Brewing has whipped up a deliciously sinful chocolate oatmeal porter. The beer is incredibly smooth and very drinkable with luxurious silky oatmeal notes and rich chocolate overtones. Not so roasty as a stout nor as full in body, but still packed with a hint of coffee and a slightly roasty finish. A sheer delight indeed! And still a bargain at $5.99 a six-pack.

Note: Red Brick has replaced this beer with a new winter seasonal, Red Brick Long John Ale.

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