Double Diamond Winter Ale - Dick's Brewing Company

Gusler

Arizona

3.93/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

The color a hazy and murky deep copper color with a modest light tan head that is semi-creamy in texture with the lace sufficient to conceal the glass. Nose has a light hop floral aroma at the front but malt dominates also a slight hint of bubble gum, fresh and clean to the senses, start is lightly sweet, nice malt profile, top is light to moderate in feel. Finish is delightful in its hop spiciness, the acidity biting, and aftertaste hop spicy bitter and quite dry quite nice Winter Ale.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2004 23:46:56 | More by Gusler

beerguy101

California

3.53/5  rDev -11.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Dark brown color. Small white head. Aroma is malty, sweet and fruity. Medium bodied “strong-ale”. Malts are nutty and sweet. Hops are piney and grapefruity. Underlying tone of smoke, spice and peat. An easy drinking winter warmer. Hides the 8.5% alcohol very well. It’s slightly under-carbonated. Mouthfeel is full and round. Finish is clean and a touch dry. Aftertaste is slightly bitter.

Serving type: bottle

01-03-2004 04:40:23 | More by beerguy101

RoyalT

Ohio

3.73/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance – Orangish-brown in color with some good carbonation but little head.

Smell – Faint aroma of sherry-laced toasted malts with a strong citrus compliment.

Taste – The hops fall back at the tongue, leaving a big sherry-soaked malt base. This one is filled with a strong, bitter coffee/alcohol flavor and a strong oak influence. The sherry is really more like a whiskey or rye flavor, making this one a strong drink indeed.

Mouthfeel – Medium-bodied with a rather harsh alcohol sensation. This one could have been a little smoother.

Drinkability – I enjoy heavy Christmas ales, but this winter offering by Dick’s was a little rough.

Serving type: bottle

12-15-2003 03:43:44 | More by RoyalT

Thrasher

Oregon

3.8/5  rDev -5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Sampled at the 2003 Holiday Ale Festival, Portland, OR. This winter warmer is just a big, fresh, malty, hoppy ale. No tricks, no spices, no berries. A robust amber color with tiny lacing. Aroma is musty, horse-blanketish, a bit sour - it is the low point of the brew. Malts are forceful, and somewhat raw, but appealing. There is some roastiness too. Hops are very crisp, a bit gummy and chewy which I love. Mouthfeel about as large as you would expect from a big beer like this. A solid and enjoyable ale, for winter or anytime. At the holiday ale fest this was a welcome respite from spiced, sweet holiday beers, this just being your basic malt and hops English ale, just jacked up a few notches.

Edit 1/05: I recently had this beer in a bottle and really hated it. Dick's bottle-conditions their beers and this one had too much dirty-tasting, dead yeast. The numbers reflect my original review, but you are advised to seek the beer on draft.

Edit 2/05: Also tried it from a cask. It was quite good, although thick to the point of being gloppy.

Serving type: on-tap

12-08-2003 04:06:42 | More by Thrasher

freed

Oregon

3.88/5  rDev -3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Winter seasonals? yeah. Skiing season too? Sweet.

Pours a rich mahogany, no head but for an ultra slim ring around the glass. Aroma is slightly offensive but in a good way. A hint of barnyard in the husky smell. Taste is full and somewhat spicy, but not as appetizing as some. Still a nice and welcome addition to the winter family.

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2003 02:20:11 | More by freed