Redhook Winterhook - Redhook Ale Brewery

Mebuzzard

Colorado

3.6/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A dark, caramel color beer. Not as heavy as imagined. Small, thin head, but it did stay a bit in spots.
Smelled like caramel, roasted malt and almonds. Not very powerful.
Taste had about the same. Nut, roasted malt, caramel. Thinner than a winter ale ought to be, lower alcohol content. Can drink it fairly well.

Serving type: on-tap

02-11-2006 16:39:12 | More by Mebuzzard

CultureJamMN

Minnesota

3.35/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Local Macro watering hole had this on-tap, since it was the only thing that wasn't macro-lager, i figured i would give it a go (ESB was also on tap, had that too)

A darkish amber hue with red around the edges, virtually no head, and minimal lacing.

The smell seemed weak to me, but i did pick up caramel malts, with a note of citrus, and something approaching toast that's just a little overdone (not charred)

Good malts in the first tast, but nothing to write home about. The hops come on later, and actually leave a bit of an unpleasant aftertaste. The citrus notes are there, but the caramel stands out.

This was thin for a winter warmer... mine felt a bit over carbonated as well, though that may own to the bar where i was at.

all in all, if you're drinking warmers, there are better out there. but if you're stuck in macro-land, and this is your craft/micro option, go for it.

Serving type: on-tap

02-01-2006 17:39:07 | More by CultureJamMN

lordofthewiens

Maine

4.22/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I'm surprised this beer hasn't been reviewed. Redhook East is a good brewery, and the pub serves great food. Anyway, this winter seasonal is a nice dark amber color with a fairly thick creamy head. Good lacing. It has a sweet molasses smell to it, and a fruity, cinnamon taste. Good mouthfeel, not too carbonated. A very drinkable beer.

Serving type: on-tap

01-17-2006 12:52:21 | More by lordofthewiens

jmz62565

Connecticut

3.83/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A real dark reddish color with a smallish head with good lacing.The smell is earthy,floral,and hoppy.The taste is a spice,malt and hop filled pleasure.The m/f is well balanced between malt and hops.This is a ggod seasonal beer and I was pleasently surprised.

Serving type: on-tap

12-12-2005 22:08:47 | More by jmz62565

Backer2004

North Carolina

3.85/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured a nice pint at the Mellow Mushroom in Charlotte. Must have been on special on Wednesdays because the bill was less than I expected. Typical to the other winter warmers I've tried so far this season. Much more than a hint of cinnamon and spices that sparkled in the mouth (though not anything "extra" for the style). Thin lacing around the glass. Hard to fully judge this one, since I was trying to pay attention at my first Carolina Brewmasters meeting. Not as good as the home brewed Imperial Stout I tried later in the evening.

Serving type: on-tap

01-07-2005 02:57:48 | More by Backer2004

kmpitz2

Tennessee

4.13/5  rDev +15%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

This beer poured a deep red to slightly brown color with a finger of head that fell to coat the beer. The nose was sweet, very sweet caramel with a light touch of hop. Not too bad. The flavor was well balanced between the sweet caramel and sweet grapefruit and piney hops. Where the beer lacked was in the mouthfeel. It was just too thin. Overall a nice easy sipping beer that was good to start a night. I'd have it again.

Serving type: on-tap

12-23-2004 19:50:39 | More by kmpitz2

oberon

North Carolina

4.13/5  rDev +15%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this on tap at Brixx Pizza,first time on tap.Poured a lighter brown almost amber color with athis head that left a thin sheet of lace,picked up a bigger than expected hop presence in the aroma some pine along with some roasted malt.Big and hoppy up front on the palate very piney and resiny with a enough of a roasted malt backbone to hold up to the hop attack making for a big,bold,well rounded brew.Very pleasntly suprised with the character of this brew,have had it before and dont remember such a hop profile.

Serving type: on-tap

12-10-2004 03:54:24 | More by oberon

Truh

New Hampshire

3.6/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Dreamt of cherubim and seraphim with this one on 11/20/2004. 16-oz. pour at Margarita’s in downtown Concord, NH.

Was a bit leery of what the tap lines might be like, but what the hell, when in Rome. Nice ½ inch fluff of plumed head immediately, which actually remained attenuated throughout most of the emptying, and pretty good lacing as well. Dark copper to brown hue with a dulling sheen to the whole affair. Copious malt front to nose with some spices kicking about – cinnamon, maybe some nutmeg, spruce essence perhaps. To taste, welcoming deep malt with a robust, almost scotch ale like overall profile; a touch of chestnuts roasted on an open fire toastiness too. On the whole, a pretty good offering from Redhook when I am used to uninspiring stuff from them, for the most part.

Serving type: on-tap

11-24-2004 21:42:08 | More by Truh

shapudding

Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

No head, just a slight ring of khaki on the edge. Dark and clear amber color. Very smooth mouthfeel, with a bit of bitterness that breaks through to you. Lightly carbinated. Not too heavy at all. -Could not get any scent on this one at all (was drinking at my hangout which had become a bit smokey, when I shoved it at beerbud in frustration to see if he could catcha whiff, he said he could smell generic cola). Decent drinking brew.

Serving type: on-tap

07-05-2004 14:53:05 | More by shapudding

cbl2

New York

3/5  rDev -16.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Appearance:

Crystal clear brown with quarter inch white head.

Smell:

Predominantly hoppy with a hint of pine keeping with the season.

Taste/Mouthfeel:

Not sure what distinguishes this beverage from Red Hook's IPA. Overly hoppy thogh some malts appear midbrew to be quickly quashed by the strong hop presence. Not my cup of tea.

Serving type: on-tap

06-21-2004 14:54:52 | More by cbl2

Billolick

New York

4.08/5  rDev +13.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Light brown and foamy, left alot of foamy lace. Crisp and refreshing, nice qualities for this syle beer. Very smooth and long malty center, Mild/mellow hop finish. nice balance and drinkability. Good session brew. A pleasant quaffer. Tried this one on tap. Didnt have the time to let it warm up abit in the glass.

Serving type: on-tap

02-07-2004 02:17:32 | More by Billolick

NJpadreFan

New Jersey

3.58/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

RedHook WinterHook Ale- Mugsys bar Rte 70 ( Toms River/ Bricktown)

Appearance- A nice dark red with a thick white head
Smell- bitter hops with a citrus and floral
Taste- bitter. Citrus and floral hops. good!
Mouthfeel- sharp bitterness. Nice little aftertaste. No bubbly carbonation.

Overall, a good Ale that I enjoyed but Sierra Nevada would be a sufficiant replacement and slighty more enjoyable!

Serving type: on-tap

01-04-2004 21:46:04 | More by NJpadreFan

scottum

Vermont

3.65/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours a deep red amber with a big llasting acey off-white head. Sweet on the malts and light on the hops. The balance is spot on. Mouthfeel is very smooth. The strength barely shows through. Certainly amoung the better beers by Redhook. Not over the top in flavor, but very eaasy to drink.

Serving type: on-tap

12-19-2003 19:30:51 | More by scottum

mschofield

Massachusetts

3.33/5  rDev -7.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Reddish copper with a 2 finger rocky tan head. Laces well in complete rings.
Piney hop and herb-like aroma.
Pine and citrus (grapefruit) nearly dominate the taste, but they are almost balanced by the caramel from the malt. A little fruitiness buried deep in there.
Pleasant and easy to drink, medium bodied.

Serving type: on-tap

12-16-2003 17:18:55 | More by mschofield

Boilermaker88

California

3.2/5  rDev -10.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Redhook Ales winter seasonal had a dark maroon color and a bubbly one-finger off-white head that was quite durable and left behind some thick sheet lace on the glass walls. The smell was pretty subdued; some caramel and mild herbal aromas over some modest malt notes. The taste was rather bland up front - just a moderately sweet, fruity flavor and some caramel. As the beer got to the back of the palate, a more substantial hops spiciness came out and there was an overriding long bitter finish. The bitter taste had a medicinal quality to it. The feel was medium- to full-bodied and smooth.
Winterhook is a decent beer that seemed to be a bit too off-balance to be truly enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap

12-16-2003 16:43:01 | More by Boilermaker88

Shaw

Florida

3.2/5  rDev -10.9%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Had a pint of Winterhook at my local pub, the Cock & Bull. My homebrew partner had one the last time we were in and raved about it. Too bad I didn't feel the same.

The best part of this beer is the smell. It has a great aroma of dry-hopping that is nice and herbal. But this hoppiness in the aroma is not matched in the taste. It is rather dull, and not very robust for a winter seasonal. I couldn't tell you what makes this beer special for winter.

Winterhook is just an average beer with a good smell.

Serving type: on-tap

12-14-2003 06:42:43 | More by Shaw

clvand0

Kentucky

3.63/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This beer pours a dark shade of brown with a nice head and leaves some lacing on the glass. The aroma was malty with caramel and some spice. The flavor reminded me a lot of Anchor Steam, with just a little more strength in the flavor. Malty and hoppy, with caramel and spices. Good winter beer.

Serving type: on-tap

12-12-2003 21:44:44 | More by clvand0

AtLagerHeads

Ohio

3.68/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A tawny amber body lying under a cloud of ivory foam. The head lasted and laced decenlty. The nose was mostly malty with pulpy fruit notes and a bit of spicy hop notes. Flavors are mostly of a fruity malt variety with a decent medium body and a creamy sense. Good drinkability from this nice, light old ale.

Serving type: on-tap

12-11-2003 05:22:37 | More by AtLagerHeads

far333

Connecticut

3.9/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

Mahogany color with a brown receding head. Low aroma of sweet malt belies the full flavor jumping out of this beer. Sweet malt flavor, yes, but surprisingly hoppy. Smooth floral hops, not biting, with definite hints of citrus and pine. The finish is adorned with spicey flavors including cinnamon and brown sugar. Very enjoyable beer.

Serving type: on-tap

12-03-2003 13:16:13 | More by far333

dpend

Florida

3.6/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap @ The Cock n' Bull 11/26/03 - Cool snowglobe tap handle .

Appearance is deep copper that's clear and clean.Well displayed head that settled slowly.A nice hop aroma with a presence of fruits,malt,nuts and a bit of spruce.I was expecting more of theses same flavors in the taste, but it turned out to be a little underpowered.Mouthfeel is a bit on the watery side as well.All in all, a nice, tame seasonal that's worth a try.

Serving type: on-tap

11-27-2003 15:35:00 | More by dpend

Reidrover

Oregon

4/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Ok wife took me out to "The Outback" Steakhouse tonight for me birthday..they had not much of intrest on tap ( Newcastle Brown and Black Butte being the best)..so I tried this new keg of Winterhook..what the heck..might as well. Came in the 22 oz mug.
Served slightly too cold , despite me asking for a "slightly" chilled glass..so let it stand a while.
Actually afer the chill haze was gone, its quite a good looking beer ,light chocolaty brown with garnet accents..lovelly coffeen'creme coloured head.
Good malty aroma with wine like smell of alcohol.
Pretty nice taste , malty smooth, chocolate , liquorice then it gets bitter with noticable alcohol warming in the throat.
Nice and smooth on the palate.
A quite enjoyable brew with my Prime Rib..and New York Cheescake to finish!
Tastes though it was stronger than 5.58..but the waitress had no idea!

Serving type: on-tap

10-10-2003 04:22:06 | More by Reidrover

StJamesGate

New York

3.59/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

Raw umber body with lumpy linen head that turns to film.
Red currant cake, a whiff of paint fusels, earth and brownie mix on the nose.
Chocolate cherry fruitcake, some soil and a big bite of spicy, woodsy, piney hops.
Ginger cake finish and long stinging, oily linger.
Medium, chewy and a bit hot, oddly.

Lots of rough edges to this one which I suspect are down to cinnamon oil. The barky spice accentuates all this beer's faults, making it play like it's got too many IBUs for the style, and too many stray boozy notes. A bit more body and malt (but not sweetness; verging on syrupy as it is) would be the way to go here.

Not an easy sipper.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2013 20:50:39 | More by StJamesGate

rangerred

Tennessee

3.96/5  rDev +10.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4

Poured into a pint glass out of a 22oz bomber.

Pours a slightly hazy reddish brown with a one finger off-white head. Ok head retention but not much in the way of lacing.

Aroma is a big shot of piny hops along with roasted malt, caramel, and toffee. Some cinnamon and nutmeg in there too. A little on the light side but pleasant.

The flavor is big on piny hops but that is quickly followed by loads of caramel and toffee. Roasted malt is there along with quite a bit of nuttiness. Cinnamon is buried underneath but it all comes together to give this beer quite the "wintry" feel. Mouthfeel is a little chalky towards the finish and just a little on the thin side.

Overall, I am quite impressed with this offering from Redhook. There are a lot of flavors coming together and they all work really well. One to pick up if you see it.

Serving type: bottle

02-14-2013 01:35:20 | More by rangerred

Utica_Brew_Review

New York

3.58/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25

Nice amber color. Great sweet hoppy aroma. First impression is of a winter pale ale. Spicy pine and hop notes. It becomes more bitter as you drink, but the flavor holds throughout. Flavor holds through the finish. Nice winter beer but it could improve in sweetness and depth.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2013 09:01:52 | More by Utica_Brew_Review

NilocRellim

Minnesota

3.79/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75

Beer poured out a brownish caramel colour from the bottle, and had a creamy, low head. Had the faint aroma of floral, citrus hops with a hint of sweet malt. Taste was on par with the smell; there was a mild hop presence that was smoothly blended with a slight sweet malt flavour. Medium bodied and flavourful, with a lingering hop taste of the palate.

Would I buy this beer again? Definitely.

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2013 05:51:05 | More by NilocRellim