Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale - Anderson Valley Brewing Company

dacrza1

New Jersey

3.9/5  rDev 0%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75

date reviewed: 27 January 2013...
glassware: Ayinger willibecker...
occasion: anticipating another "winter event" tomorrow...
appearance: medium-brown body with even, cirrus lacing; not much effervescence; thick head dissipates quickly...
aroma: brilliant,, fragrantly fruity bouquet; some spices too; malt and hops seem balanced in their non-entity....
palate: warming, full-bodied, raspy and ragged mouthfeel; bubbly and active at the tongue...
taste: currants, raisins, and doughy accents make this an enjoyable, flavorful experience--some berry hints too, but a bit medicinal in the finish...
overall: Anderson Valley has done a lot right, and this beer follows in the tradition; respectable...

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2013 04:37:17 | More by dacrza1

mfnmbvp

Illinois

3.28/5  rDev -15.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz. bottle, no bottled on date, but this is the 2012 winter seasonal release, I'm sure. Poured into a Firestone Walker pint glass.

A - Pours a quarter inch of off-white / khaki colored head that quickly dissolves into a thin layer of foam, bubbling it's way out of existence. Body is a very dark ruby / blood orange / chestnut color.

S - Smell is of winter spice, cinnamon and nutmeg, some earthy, barrel aged oak, cream & vanilla smells come secondary. Bit of alcohol astringency, and some cherry & fermented dark fruit. Cherry vanilla smell is dominant, but doesn't always come off as smelling natural.

T - The beer is light bodied and smooth, with a faint hint of alcohol warmth, and bit of medicinal cherry flavored syrup. Some woody, barrel aged vanilla poking about in there, but it doesn't seem totally genuine, if you ask me. A decent tasting beer, but definitely not the best tasting beer I've ever had. A simple brew.

M - Feel comes off somewhat hot and carbonated. Not a horrible tasting beer, but not one I would recommend sessioning. Fruity, bitter, & dry aftertaste on this beer.

Overall, it isn't a horrible beer, but it is definitely not a beer I will ever consider drinking again. Seems very imbalanced, with a lot of off-putting aspects: too sweet & sugary, with a medicinal artificial cherry vanilla syrup like taste. Underwhelming, for damn sure. My second beer from Anderson Valley Brewing Co., and not one I will be having again any time soon. Looking forward to other endeavors from this brewery.

Anderson Valley Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale ---3.5/5

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2013 02:18:35 | More by mfnmbvp

pkalix

California

4.78/5  rDev +22.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

beautiful honey-toffee color, minimal head, but a thick tan layer and a nice cover on the sides.
smells very sweet with honey and toffee on the top.
taste reminds me of an english type of brew, with the typical english malts. i actually really like this. another good, long draught to determine whether i can consciously give this a five! alright, i'm not even buzzed yet and this stuff is AWESOME!! if it were a 4.9% brew i'd knock it down a bit, but at 6.9% this is very nice. slight bitterness on the side of the tongue, but an overall subtle sweetness and this really satisfies. i'd honestly give this a 98 or 99 for the taste, but since i cannot, i'm giving it a 5. 4.5 for appearance and smell as i really like the thickness on the sides and the smell promises happiness before the first quaff. i am very impressed with this, especially since it's all gone on sale at Total Wine because, i suppose, we're done with the 'seasonals' . . . .

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2013 02:54:53 | More by pkalix

ItsTheLimit

Florida

4.33/5  rDev +11%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Perfect beer for a cold night, especially if stouts and other traditionally heavier beers aren't your thing.

Hazy copper color with a thin tight head. White-ish lacing with nice head retention.

Smells of sweet malt, caramel, black licorice, and coriander.

This beer tastes delicious. Warming quality from some alcohol but very balanced. Sweet malt up front with dried fruit, nutmeg, caramel and other spices.

Smooth, creamy mouthfeel makes this an easy drinker, but will definitely warm you up. Nice alcohol heat will make this a great evening-sipper near a fireplace. Really liking this beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2013 03:18:59 | More by ItsTheLimit

constantine_272

Oregon

4.26/5  rDev +9.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

A: Dark copper. A bit hazy. Light brown thin foam. Visibly more bubbly than a lot of other beer.

S: Smell isn't that great. First impression was alcohol. A second trust smelling revealed caramel and chocolate, but still alcohol.

T: I had low expectations after smelling the beer first; I expected a strong alcohol heavy taste. I was wrong. First taste I get is a tang of mild hops, then softening to caramel, and continuing to soften to a sweet and rich chocolate. I didn't expect the chocolate. Either based on the color. A final flavor or sweet red raspberry lingers on the back of the tongue on the finish.

M: Finishes with a bit of a salty feeling. Taste lingers bit longer than I would like.

O: Sweet and flavorful. The diverse flavors work we'll together and create a depth of flavor that seems to change with each sip. It's fascinating to drink, the sum of its parts is greater than its parts individually. Despite minor imperfections, still a truly top notch beverage. I got this in a sampler pack so I sadly only got one; I may need to look for a six pack of this next winter.

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2013 04:58:16 | More by constantine_272

jucifer1818

Florida

3.79/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: dark amber in color, with a clean clear appearance, but a very quick forming and quick disappearing head.
3.75/5

s: for a holiday beer, this beer needs a lot more "oomph" for its smell. You can get a hint of some nice spice and caramel malt smells, but it isn't strong enough to really define the beer. The best part of this beer its its distinctly belgany yeast smell, which is quite nice, but it needs more definition to have the winter smell to it
3/5

T: again, this beer is dominated by the mellow bengany tastes. IT really tasted like a Belgian amber ale, with little to no hops in the flavor (which is dominated by the benganly flavors). It has some hops in the after taste, and the body has some light beady malty flavors mixed in to it. Overall Its a nice beer. For almost 7%, you can taste none of it, and its quite easy to drink.
4/5

mouthfeel: This bee has a slick,, light (very light) syrupy feeling in the mouthfeel, with a nice bit of prickliness from the yeast flavors/carbonation.
4/5

Overall: This is not a bad beer. Its not the best holiday beer I've had, but it occupies a unique nitch in-between heavier ABV and spiced holiday brews. Its almost more of a session holiday brew, something to have 2-4 of at dinner, which I assure you, would make you quite drunk.
for what it is, I think it easily deserves a 4/5

I feel that this is a great beer to go hafsies on with a friend, have a nice large meal with (like, for ex, Thanksgiving) and have a truely fantastic night of drunkniness and excellent food.
just my 2 cents

Prost!

Serving type: bottle

02-12-2013 21:25:43 | More by jucifer1818

FosterJM

California

3.84/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

1713th Review on BA
Bottle to red solo cup
12oz

Shared with bgrider85 on beer geek radio finals

App- It was a bit darker than I thought. Even from a top level view since I couldnt see it, looked a bit lighter on the edges to me. The head was a bit bubbly and fast receding. Maybe a touch of cling to it.

Smell- Had a lot going on in this one. More of a chocolate, malty, graham cracker, dark fruit aroma. On the show I called it a dubbel aroma with some yeasty notes mixed in.

Taste- I enjoyed this beer. Much more chocolate forward than a spicy regular winter warmer. A touch on the malty side but pretty balanced. The yeast and malts created a nice flavor profile on which to play off of on this one. A good amount of that 6.9 is hidden and dont get really any boozy notes.

Mouth- A bit of a lighter medium and semi bubbly body with a fairly soft and balanced carbonation flavor behind it. The residual flavors are a bit of the less harsh dubbel with more chocolate.

Drink- One of the better winter warmers out there. Big thanks to the Beer Geek Radio guys for having me on the show.

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2013 00:13:00 | More by FosterJM

RickS95

Indiana

4.56/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

It's a nice looking pour. Dirty brown with an offtan head up top. The beer is dark enough (mahogany) that you can't see through it, but you can still see what I can only describe as a richness. The head cascades to a couple fingers thick before giving way to half a finger where it stays for the duration. It's got a soapy look and has nice lacing.

Smell is muted a bit, possibly because my fridge is too cold. Even after warming, the nose struggles to find anything. What's there is all malt, mostly caramel it seems.

The taste, OMG. It's got some spices and some fruits, and again, a malty base. Not much hoppiness, but that taste is pretty outstanding. Cinnamon, caramel, dark, rich, ripe fruits.

Mouthfeel is about as good as it gets. I really don't know how you'd improve. It's spicy and sweet, earthy and full-bodied. Alcohol is only noticeable enough to let you know it's a beer. There's almost no bitterness, just the faintest bit in the finish, but everything else works so well together it's not really needed.

Overall, it's a hell of a good beer. Best beer I've ever had out of a can. Goes down extremely easily...making you beg for another sip. Possibly my new favorite Christmas beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2013 03:56:09 | More by RickS95

facundoCNB

New Jersey

3.98/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

an opaque amber pour with 2 fingers of off-white head, patchy lacing, good retention.
smells of chocolate, raisins, dates, fig, cinnamon. the flavor is very sweet up front with lots of raisin notes, caramel, fig.. subtle nutty notes as well. very sweet, very tasty!
medium body leaning towards full.. nicely carbonated, rich and creamy.

a surprisingly great beer and for only $4 a bomber. very filling, great for the winter months.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2013 18:50:32 | More by facundoCNB

Hex92

Virginia

3.83/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This is another one of those beers that I think ends up being better than the sum of its parts. I don't think its amazing in any category. It doesn't look like much. Nice head and lacing, but its not a dark beer and a little murky.

Smells a bit like raisons.

This beer is smooth. Goes down real easy. This beer is a good one to sit down and drink several in a row. I only got one as a mixed sixer. I would definitely pick up a six pack so I could knock back a few in a row next year.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2013 01:19:38 | More by Hex92

Cylinsier

Pennsylvania

3.98/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz.

Pours a rosey amber with a an off-white head about half an inch, slow dissipation.

Figs, cinnamon and cloves in the nose.

Caramel, cinnamon, a hint of vanilla and some cherry and almond sweetness. A bit of hop character later in the taste.

Medium body with tingly carbonation on the roof of the mouth.

This is a pretty good ale and, considering I don't normally care for winter warmers, a really nice beer to have in that style to me. I like it more than most of WWs I've had and would probably have it again.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2012 01:33:58 | More by Cylinsier

OtherShoe2

Massachusetts

3.9/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours medium amber with a little haze and an off-white head. retention to a ring. No lace.

Some light spice, lots of woody vanilla and cream, some sweet fruit and strong sweet caramel. The cream/vanilla dominates.

Creamy caramel malt, with nice sweetness and a touch of vanilla again. Caramel, some mild bitterness, some mild fruit. Beer clears to maltiness that is a bit nutty and very smooth.

Medium body, mild carbonation.

A bit richer version of the summer brew. Cream ale with some intensity and caramel. Barely spiced. Very drinkable, but I wonder how I'd do with a 6 of this...A couple might be enough.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2012 21:51:59 | More by OtherShoe2

MadScientist

New York

2.58/5  rDev -33.8%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

A: Light copper, good clarity and a very thin, off-white head

S: Moderately-strong caramel malt with moderate light-fruit aromas of peaches and apples. There is a pipe tobacco like aroma, with a bit of vanilla. I don't smell any spice although that be in line with a winter warmer as apposed to a Christmas Ale. There isn't any hops though maybe a light earthiness that is caught up with the tobacco.

T: It tastes only slightly better than the smell with the pipe tobacco up from mixed with a moderate sweetness. There is a light raisin and apricot type of fruitiness. The hops bitterness is pretty mild leaving the balance is slightly sweet. The finish is of a slight citrus peel flavor.

M: Medium-full bodied with moderate carbonation.

O: An uninspiring beer that I would not recommend. It kind of comes off like a homebrew made from old extract having that extract twang mixed with poor fermentation temperature control fruitiness.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2012 02:11:24 | More by MadScientist

TheRealBigC

Nevada

3.78/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This beer has some character. It's got a sort of caramel apple thing going on. The flavor is very full and it definitely stands out from the others in its category. A chewy mouth but also plenty of bubbles. I wouldn't say it's an easy drinker - much like its summer counterpart AV goes for full-bodied and unique over supreme drinkability - but it's well worth getting a six pack during the season.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2012 18:50:50 | More by TheRealBigC

GRPunk

Michigan

3.9/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle poured into a nonic pint.

A- A sloppy pour created a 2-1/2 finger tan head. The clean, amber body showed moderate-heavy carbonation. The head sustained at about 1/2 finger and left nice, foamy rings about the glass.

S- I got a decent shot of spice at the pour. Sweet malts, caramel-like, dominate. A little muted at first. Malts suggest Hawaiian bread and gain strength with time. Light hops seem pretty fresh, maybe noble variety?

T- really nice and malty. Lots of caramel and brown sugar, some residual sweetness going on. Light spice. Taking a stab, I'll guess cinnamon, something like clove-like, maybe some ginger.

M- Moderate-heavy carbonation. Slight warming, almost in "stomach feel." A little bite from hops and carbonation. Fairly full bodied.

O- A robust, malty ale, great for cold weather drinking. Nice to have spicing dialed down, allowing traditional ingredients to shine.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2012 22:06:34 | More by GRPunk

mooseo

Pennsylvania

3.93/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

12oz bottle into snifter.

A - Muddy amber-brown with a medium white head.

S - Fresh baked bread, caramel, toasted grain and light floral hops. Subtle but nice.

T - Toasted bready malt, nuts, brown sugar, and light earthy hops. Hints of vanilla cream and nutmeg in the finish.

M - Extremely soft, smooth and creamy. Medium bodied with moderate carbonation.

O - Love the mouthfeel on this one. Lots of sweetness but the hops lend some balance. A pretty good, drinkable winter ale.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2012 00:17:33 | More by mooseo

barczar

Kentucky

3.85/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a slightly hazy dark copper color with a solid half inch beige head that dissipates slowly leaving sheets of lacing.

Caramel, brown sugar and cinnamon comprise the aroma initially. Notes of allspice, toasted malt, and dark fruit emerge. Aroma is initially subtle.

Flavor is an overload of malted milk balls, with currants , cinnamon, and chocolate surfacing mid palate and lingering into the slightly dry finish.

Body is a touch on the heavy side, with moderate carbonation and slight alcohol warmth.

Overall, I'm amazed at how closely the flavor resembles malted milk balls. There's a fruitiness that follows, so it's a little different. Not am overly spicy seasonal, which I appreciate.

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2012 22:41:02 | More by barczar

chefhatt

Pennsylvania

4.35/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I poured this beer into a pint glass, it has a copper color body with a strong white 2" white head that is stays around for a while. The smell is like cream soda, vanilla, brown sugar. The taste has a sweet malt start, then a nice sweet cream flavor, also some vanilla in there also. The mouth feel is creamy, smooth and a nice drinker.

Serving type: bottle

12-13-2012 20:38:44 | More by chefhatt

SerialHiker

Illinois

3.6/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Pours a nice mahogoney, the perfect seasonal, fall color…it’s deep in color, but fairly transparent…tons of bubble action in the middle…some head did form, but minimal lasted…a nice looking brew…(3.5/5)

Smell: A nice spiced aroma…black currant, cinnamon, allspice…very warming…sweet cherry candy comes through…nice deep, sweet malt, some piney hops, a smidgen of brown sugar…creamy vanilla…nice…(4/5)

Taste: Wow…a creamy take on the holiday flavor…yes, there is the spice and candy flavor, but the creaminess is undeniable…a balance of sweet malt with earthy hops play conveyor to the spice, sweet and creamy flavors…it’s almost too simple while being effective…no alcohol or astringent flavor what-so-ever…(3.5/5)

Mouthfeel: Light body, it is a little watery…light carbonation, it does bring some fluffiness, but that doesn’t last long…it’s a smooth, smooth drink, that is crisp, but flavorful and leaves only kindness and tenderness on my tongue…after taste is a creamy, sweet spice…no bitterness or alcohol heat to really speak of…does leave my mouth watering for more, which I like…(3.5/5)

Overall: This is one of my favorite takes on the holiday ale I’ve tried in 2012…the creamy factor takes this in a direction that others haven’t, leaving little comparison to other seasonal ales…it may be a touch too creamy (imagine a cream ale versus a root beer), but that risk is rewarded here, as they’ve succeeded in making a very drinkable, unique brew…it’s a very balanced, light beer that is well worth seeking out and bringing to the next holiday party…serve this brew crisp and cold and it will be enjoyed by the micro beer enthusiast and the less adventurous alike…(3.5/5)

Serving type: bottle

12-13-2012 20:28:53 | More by SerialHiker

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

First Winter Solstice of the year!

Hazy brown-red, like brick red, with a bone-white head that dried out to a stable quarter-inch of foam immovable. I love the way this ale looks!

Brown sugar, vanilla cream soda, cinnamon, graham cracker crusts, and sweet malty roast. Has similar creaminess in the nose to Summer Solstice.

English malts marry medium roast with toffee and brown sugar. Creamy vanilla, light caramel, cinnamon, and stewed apple sweetness; but, there's also a papery note. The finish is sweet, but cleaner than the buttercream opening. Bitterness only plays a supporting role here.

Drinks kind of rich. Smooth and creamy with a low-lying carbonation.

I try to forget about this beer being as tasty and delivering as it is, but it always comes back to smear its goodness in my face. Well done, Anderson Valley. Well done.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2012 05:39:59 | More by thecheapies

kneeland

North Carolina

3.93/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Very nice tasting. It's matly, but not too much. Caramelized, allspice and hints of cinnamon and black licorice. A great, natural ale. I only got one, I wish I got more.

It's a pretty great looking beer too. A crisp, clear copper color, with decent head for most of the glass. And it smells like a good ale should. Definitely brings out the malted hops.

Overall, I will drink this again

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2012 19:23:12 | More by kneeland

thebrood1987

New Jersey

5/5  rDev +28.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A very malty sweet smell with spices and caramel. It has a rich malty sweetness very tasty with a vanilla bit of orange and cinnammon nutmeg in there all subtle not jumping out too much and some slight bitterness from the hops.

The mouthfeel is amazing on this beer and I also get a slight mineral salty taste I guess from the mineral water they use? Its a very complex tasty beer the whole way down and is very drinkable.

This brewery is one of the best in Calfiornia. This one and their Hop Ottin IPA are some of my favorite beers ever. Very full flavored for sure.

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2012 02:50:37 | More by thebrood1987

dbrauneis

New Jersey

3.95/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Pours a lightly hazy garnet red in color with some decent amounts of amber highlight and light to moderate amounts of carbonation. The beer has a half finger tall dark beige head that reduces to a small thin patch of larger bubbles, a mottled very thin film covering the majority of the surface of the beer, and a thin ring at the edges of the glass. Moderate amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Light to moderate aromas of caramel and toffee malt sweetness with lighter notes of brown sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg. Very light notes of cocoa as it warms.

T: Moderate amounts of malty sweet flavors upfront with notes of caramel, toffee, and brown sugar. Additionally there are some light flavors of nutmeg and vanilla. Very light hints of bitterness that fades quickly. Very light amounts of cocoa as the beer warms.

M: Medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Smooth and creamy with a light amount of alcohol heat in the finish.

O: The beer is pretty easy to drink and enjoy even though there are a lot of sweet flavors, this beer is not cloying. The combination of malty sweetness and spices is very nice and one of the more enjoyable offerings in the style.

Serving type: bottle

12-04-2012 01:19:19 | More by dbrauneis

2x10

Pennsylvania

4.6/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a nice orange tint with a red hue. Little foam and nice carbonation. Definitely a beer you dont want to drink ice cold cause it takes alot of the flavor away and your left with bubbles.

Great mouthfeel with very little indication of spices. They are there (cinnamon, clove), but very unnoticable.

You can definitely taste the advertised black currant and the finish has a hint of black licorice. I personally hate black licorice, but in this beer, it works really well.

Our opinion is that is winter warmer blows all the Winter beers out of the water. Only downside to us is that it could have a higher abv.

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2012 05:40:27 | More by 2x10

Bung

North Carolina

3.63/5  rDev -6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12oz. A fairly clear orange/amber pour. Thinner layer of cream colored head on top.

Aroma, a malty caramel fruitcake. Caramel apple. As it warms the fruit goes away, though it seems to gain some mustiness?

Taste, less fruity. Shortbread cookie. Nice bready malt and large caramel backbone. Some herbal and toasted grainy malt notes to finish. Like a light dopplebock. It is just a tad watery throughout.

Lights side of mid bodied. A nice carbonation, the slight wateryness makes it easy to drink, though less interesting. Worth checking out, I bet better on draft.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2012 02:47:36 | More by Bung