5 brews reviewed for the 'state of winter beers'

November 30, 8:45 PMBoston Nightlife ExaminerMark Donovan

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Boston Nightlife Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

I am a drunk nutter who has been living inside his own head for about three days now. And I have been doing research. Yes, research. It means: to search again. And this research has lead me to do nothing good.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/elmachuca/2987527793/ 

What research, you ask? Beer research. Research into beer, and all of its joys. This has left me in a state many would call "Mungo". And now, in this state, I present to you the fruits of my labor. Behold: The State of Winter Beers.

I brought this up before. There was an article I remember writing in a state close to this. It was something about Hell, and Christmas. Seems a little over the top right now, since this is far closer to Purgatory than Hell. At least it will be over in a month.

So, onward. To Beer!

Gritty McDuff's Christmas Ale: It is much better than their horrible Autumn Brew, which tasted like leaves and dirt. This Christmas Ale is actually drinkable. It tastes like a sub-par Ale, with a hint of spice. Not terrible. I'd drink it again, as long as I didn't have to pay for it.

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale: Tastes like an IPA. It is a good IPA, don't get me wrong, but it just doesn't taste like anything special. It is cheap...ish, and it is much better than drinking some other beers out there. This would go well at a Christmas party.

Samuel Smith Winter Welcome Ale: Tastes somewhat nutty, with a hint of fruit. I can't put my finger on it. Also, it has more alcohol than usual. This may be what is causing my current state. It is one of the higher priced winter beers, and it comes in a 4 pack, instead of a six. Not good for parties. Too expensive. Too weird. Good for drinking with friends. Yes. Perhaps best for cold nights indoors.

Smuttynose Winter Ale: A dark, malty, somewhat sweet beer. It reminds me of the Full Moon Ale that I was drinking last week. It has similar tastes. They aren't exactly the same, but they go down easily. Too easily. I'm beginnin to wonder if this article is even intelligeable. Too much beer in the system. My mind has recoiled in horror.

Delirium Noel: I think I was premature in blaming my current state on Sam Smith. With an awesomely high 10% alcohol content, I think this may be the cause, and solution, to all of my problems. It is a very strong Belgian Quad, and tastes exactly like a very strong Belgian Quad. In fact, I don't think I need to say the words "very strong" when talking about Belgian Quads, since that is their sole purpose. They are very strong. It is redundant. Perhaps the Department of Redundancy Department will hear about this. Drink this! Though, it is expensive. The kind of $6 a bottle expensive that would make it off limits to those on a budget. Oh well, every rose has its dawn, or however that song goes. I hate that song.

So, there you go. Research! made available for you, if the time ever comes when you need to know what beers are worth your while. If you are planning a party, it is best to stick with the old favorites like Smuttynose or Blue Moon, and leave the heavier stuff for those cold nights when you just want to relax.