Crooked River Yuletide Ale

[Katefan00]

Picked up a 6er of this over the weekend from my local liquor store. Has anybody had this this year? I thought it was a pretty decent winter session brew, decent for spiced beer-winter fare, but nothing spectacular. I'd probably buy it again, though.

K.

[steveh]

Can you give us a concise review? Please? :D

S.

[Katefan00]

Sure! I actually did take tasting notes, but they're at home. Will post them when I get home in just a bit.

K.

[steveh]

Can you write it in the style of Dorothy Parker?

S.

Just kidding!

[Katefan00]

Crooked River Brewing Company, formerly a microbrewery in Cleveland, Ohio, closed its doors in 2000. Crooked River beers are now brewed by Frederick Brewing in Maryland, which would explain why it was easy for me to get in DC!

This "spiced winter ale" has very nice packaging -- festive holiday silver and greens, without being gaudy (although I do like gaudy beer labels too -- witness Unibroue). Extra points with me for being brave enough to call it "Yuletide" instead of something generic like "holiday."

The beer poured a deep, clear copper color. Off-white head with fine bubbles that dissipated quickly, delicate lacing on the glass. The nose smells spicy -- sweet caramel, cinnamon and a pleasing roasted malt aroma.

It tastes of sweetish malts and hints of cinnamon, possibly some nutmeg, smooth and rather light bodied, especially for a winter warmer. But I felt like the spices were too muted, overpowered by the heavy malt flavor. Virtually no hop flavor. The aftertaste was spicy, possibly a hint of cloves.

I thought it was a decent winter warmer, remarkable because it is light enough to drink as a session brew, though not spectacular because it lacks complexity. Still, for quaffing a few by the heater at night without being completely lit up, I'd buy it again.

K.

(I tried to channel the great Ms. Parker, but she is not currently available! Though I think she would be tickled at the idea of a discussion forum devoted entirely to alcohol.)