Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale - Anderson Valley Brewing Company

DaPeculierDane

Wisconsin

3.53/5  rDev -9.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 2.5

Does anyone remember cattail candy? When I was a kid I used to get this stuff from old people and I always hated it. Cattails consisted of caramel on a stick, which made them look a lot like nature’s cattails and they were slightly vanilla flavored. Well, Anderson Valley’s Winter Solstice tastes remarkably similar to cattail candy.

I have to give this brewery props for uniqueness. I have never quite tasted a beer like this. It is supremely rich and tastes strongly of sticky candied caramel and the syrup they add to vanilla flavored vodka. Unfortunately, I don’t care for the flavor much but I could definitely see others relishing in this beer.

The appearance and mouthfeel are both tremendous. The beer is immensely smooth and creamy despite violent swirls of carbonation that give the otherwise transparent dark brown body a hazy look to it. Lacing is decent and lasting. The nose has nice light hop feel to it, which helps to dry the finish of this otherwise sweet beer. Although this beer is not for me, I can’t help but respect it. If the vanilla was toned down a little I might enjoy it a whole lot more.

Serving type: on-tap

03-24-2006 20:42:54 | More by DaPeculierDane

tattooedtolley

Virginia

4.38/5  rDev +12.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap

Appearance: Reddish amber in color, thin tan head.

Smell: Very sweet smelling, fruit-like, and malty. a bit of hops

Taste: Sweet with plenty of malty goodness, and a bit of hops to balance. For some reason I tasted bubblegum on a few sips. I heard others saying the same thing, but after a few more sips it was easier to pick that apart.

Mouthfeel: Good body to it also fairly crisp and refreshing.

Drinkability: I was satisfied after one, not a session beer for me but I could easily handle another.

I must be honest, I am no big fan of winter ales. I said this to my friend at this particular pub and he insisted that I have one of these on the house. After having this winter ale, I don't think there will be another out there quite like it or one that I like so well.

Serving type: on-tap

02-23-2006 17:37:49 | More by tattooedtolley

sinistrsam

Maryland

4.45/5  rDev +14.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This was a complete sleeper for me; In my wildest dreams I wouldn't have thought this beer was as interesting and tasty as it was. It poured a dark brown with a small tan head, and left moderate lacing on the glass. It had a rich, sweet nose, caramel and dark sugars, possibly dark fruits. Most definitely dark malts, and some mild spices.
The taste was quite sweet, with plenty of fruit and spice, caramel and chocolate, very smooth and very creamy. I was expecting a bitter spicy seasonal, but I got a creamy chocolate caramel brew that really suprised me. The aftertaste was as smooth as a milk stout, with milk chocolate taste lingering for several minutes. Hats off to Anderson Valley on this one; possibly the best seasonal I've had all year.

Serving type: on-tap

12-30-2005 20:17:31 | More by sinistrsam

RootedFool

California

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

The pint is filled to the brim, no head. An ashy ring of foam surrounds the rim of the brew's surface. The color is translucent, effervescent copper. Smell: Maraschino cherries, wheat crackers, orange zest, candy corn. Taste: Opens with a jab of fruit punch, lots of apple and a splash of pineapple. The middle brings out some sharp yeasty notes, much like sourdough. The finish is slightly dry, and pulls the breadiness into the fruit with ease. I with the mouthfeel had a bit more weight to it -- as it, it's very slick.

This is better than I remember it from the bottle last year, and the year before.

Serving type: on-tap

12-15-2005 03:11:55 | More by RootedFool

pjwilson

California

3.65/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

had this bad boy on tap. it's hard to compare this beer to others; it's sort of in a league of it's own, at least on tap. It's a very full, rich beer, very, very sweet. I thought it tasted like pure candy, like you were sucking a caramal pop. It poured a nice light amber brown and I wasn't smelling much. Get this on tap if you see, just be prepared that it is so sweet it's like a desert beer or something. I couldn't have more than one, that's for sure.

Serving type: on-tap

12-03-2005 10:29:27 | More by pjwilson

loving44

California

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

Had this one on tap at Naja's Place in Redondo Beach

The appearance of this beer was good... dark amber with a nice head that settled quickly. Very little lacing.

The smell was faint but was spicy with hints of vanilla

Taste was good... pretty average holiday spice.

Mouthfeel was a bit too watery for me... a little weak.

This one was pretty drinkable due to it's light mouthfeel... could make a good session brew.

Serving type: on-tap

11-26-2005 22:19:45 | More by loving44

goindownsouth

South Carolina

4.1/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A very, very fine brew, and something of a surprise, in my book. This winter warmer presented before me with a respectable head and a deep and rich dark amber hue. The aroma was of smooth roasted sweetness with some residual hints of fruit and spice (cherry?). The flavor followed suit and this brew clings to the tongue with above-average mouthfeel. All in all, a solid offering by the Boonville crew, and one I will be tasting again, soon.

Prosit!

Serving type: on-tap

01-26-2005 12:29:53 | More by goindownsouth

IceAce

California

3.73/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a redwood brown with a rapidly dissapating collar of foam. Nose is of earthy malt, but only reveals itselt after much coaxing.

The initial taste caused my taste buds to do a double-take as this is a much more complex brew than alluded to by the aroma. Entry provides a seemingly void experience leading to the midtaste...and then the party begins. Earthy grain is experienced first, closely followed by support from the spices...namely vanilla, backed up by cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish closes fast with just a hint of hop and the fading glory of roasted malt.

Mouthfeel is a wee bit slick, most likely owing to the inclusion of vanilla. This is a highly quaffable brew, best paired with roasted meats such as lamb.

Serving type: on-tap

12-27-2004 20:34:20 | More by IceAce

gentlebubbles

Massachusetts

2.68/5  rDev -31.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

on tap at Redbone's

Luminous honey-gold, served with barely any head, just cream-colored foam skimming across the surface. Syrupy scent. Cinnamon spice mingles with the malt. Lingering syrupy body and a weird medicinal aftertaste that refuses to leave like an unwanted guest.

Serving type: on-tap

12-04-2004 17:46:07 | More by gentlebubbles

Truh

New Hampshire

3.13/5  rDev -19.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Couldn’t have been any further away from the sun with this one on 11/26/2004. 16-oz. shaker pour at ACPH.

Filmy, cawl of initial chromosomal head. Dark amber to light mahogany hue and fairly clear. Somewhat muted Christmas earthy, floral bouquet of gargled malt, allspice, and hints of clover. Soapy malt taste with some kind of berry involved, maybe the nosey cranberry. Overall, seemingly lacking on the taste front for the style – almost too light for a winter, in my estimation.

Serving type: on-tap

11-29-2004 22:05:24 | More by Truh

noob

Massachusetts

3.55/5  rDev -9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

On draft at Redbones as part of the NW Brewers Fest, keg just tapped.

Beautiful tawny, amber color with thick tan head. Right away I smelling vanilla and am digging it. Upfront it had an intense, "vanilla coke" taste that really over powered the whole taste of the beer. Also detected were hints of ginger? and nutmeg?

All in all not a bad beer, but not one I would have more than once a night or season for that matter.

Serving type: on-tap

11-22-2004 16:21:33 | More by noob

tenorvoice0739

New York

4.93/5  rDev +26.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

O.K.!

This is definately a "Best in Show" type beer. Across the style categories, this brew is a Platinum award beer. The 2003 edition has been the best so far. It seems that Anderson Valley is paying close attention to the proportions of additives and truely working towards perfection of this important seasonal beer. What I mean is that over the years the beer has ebbed and flowed with many of its characteristics. Last year's version contained an overt vanilla signature that has receeded in this years glass. In this edition I sense more of the pleasant winter spices that are married to, and not in opposition of, the very sweet caramel malt.

This beer is not a rougue interpretation of style, but everything about it says "winter beer". Low carbonation, sweet, toasty malt, and a warming spirit finish contribute to it's adhearance to style and its distinction.

This beer is an example of a brewer's journey towards "getting it right". I have always judged winter ales in their unique addidtives. Many brewers can fail miserably and produce a beer that tastes like a Christmas tree. Balance is where Winter Solstice wins out.

This popular beer will be gone by January so drink up quickly.

Serving type: on-tap

12-06-2003 17:33:52 | More by tenorvoice0739

GCBrewingCo

North Carolina

3.53/5  rDev -9.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

The beer arrived at the table with a huge head which lasted from first sip to the last drop. The amber brown beer had an aroma of malt and spice along with sweet fruit. The flavor is sweet almost syrupy cheery as it warms with other fruits and spices. The balance between sweet and the dry finish is well done.

Serving type: on-tap

11-25-2003 02:25:27 | More by GCBrewingCo

Longstaff

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this on tap at Redbones - don't know if it is the same beer it was just called Anderson Winter Ale on the board an my impression seems to be somewhat different than other reviews here. Aroma much like eggnog. Tasted like vanilla ice cream at first, then turned to bubble gum flavors. Finished somewhat dry and not as sweet as the flavor suggests. Medium mouthfeel. A nice desert beer that is unlike any other beer I have ever had. I would have had another - or two - if I didn't have to drive.

Serving type: on-tap

12-04-2002 07:51:13 | More by Longstaff

PatandDavid

Massachusetts

2.65/5  rDev -32.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Had this on tap at Redbones...My first thought was, wow this tastes like caramel candy. After about a fourth of the glass, I wondered where the taste went. It pours a nice amber color, no head, no lace either. The overwhelming taste of caramel that first appealed to me quickly vanished. It wasn't particularly hoppy, malt taste was there, not omnipresent though...I've never had a beer where the flavor went so quickly, I don't think my taste buds were overwhelmed, but maybe so. After each sip, there was a wee whisp of caramel, but not like at the first few sips. While it wasn't a bad tasting beer, I had no urge to get another. The flavor just didn't last.

Serving type: on-tap

12-04-2002 02:27:17 | More by PatandDavid

aaronh

Pennsylvania

3.15/5  rDev -19.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

This deep amber beer with orange-red highlights pours with an attractive white head the displays decent retention. The aromas are a little of spice and a little of hops, pleasant but not assertive enough to pick out individual traits. The taste was like a normal pale ale that had some spice added to it somewhere along the line. The beer displayed a normal light ale feel on the tongue, but left an unpleasant bitterness clinging to my mouth on the finish. The poor finishing characteristics and the high ABV result in a beer I'm glad I tried, but of which I didn't buy a sixer. My third offering from Anderson Valley was definitely not a "charm".

Serving type: on-tap

11-23-2002 19:30:42 | More by aaronh

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

dogfishandi

New York

3.51/5  rDev -10%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12oz can poured into a snifter. No canned on date, but I gotta assume it was from sometime this early winter.

Pours out a hazy deep red color, maybe a little orange and brown. A decent looking yellowish light tan head, spotty lacing.

Smells of sweet malts, dark dried fruits, brown sugar, with a bit of a fruity ester aroma.

Sweet caramel malt, dark fruits, plum, brown sugar, fruity esters, a bit of apple, and just a hint of warmth from the alcohol.

Medium bodied, just a touch too much carbonation for the style.

Kind of like a light version of an old ale. Not really my cup of tea, especially when it comes to winter Warner's, I prefer them with some roast and maybe a bit of x-mas spice.

Serving type: can

04-08-2013 21:59:18 | More by dogfishandi

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

IronDjinn

Alberta (Canada)

3.51/5  rDev -10%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

From a red 355 ml can. Pours out a hazed nutty amber hue, two fingers of spongy light beige head that settle to a thick cap.

Caramel malt on the nose, a bit of chocolate, along with some nutmeg, coriander, citrus rind, and a bit of a cidery character.

Caramel and some sweet chocolate up front in the flavour, spices are milder on the finish, some nuttiness.

Medium-bodied mouthfeel, texture is a bit thin yet sticky, with medium carbonation that is able to hold it all together at least.

Mild in terms for the style, some malty goodness going on, an easy drinker for a Winter Warmer.

Serving type: can

03-10-2013 21:38:40 | More by IronDjinn

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

phishsihq

Colorado

3.94/5  rDev +1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

This seasonal release from Anderson Valley pours a clear amber with a touch of orange noticeable as well. A khaki colored head fades quickly but leaves a decent lace. Spice on the nose provides hints of orange peel, nutmeg, cinnamon, and citrus. Rich malt flavors and a touch of vanilla lead into flavors that include orange, amaretto, caramel, nutmeg, and spices. The citrus hops help balance out the sweetness and mellow the spices to not overpower the palate. Medium-light mouthfeel, Winter Solstice is moderately carbonated. Perfect for a cold winter night!

Serving type: can

02-17-2013 19:26:24 | More by phishsihq

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