Bell Ringer - Franciscan Well Micro Brewery

MusicaleMike

Pennsylvania

4.23/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Awesome looking bottle! A litre bottle is not something you see too often. Best before date of 12/12/12 and is bottle #77/1000. The bottle reads "Not brewed since 2003, this strong winter ale greets the drinker with a "heady" aroma and a warming sensation to the palate. A firm hop bitterness combines with a fruity and nutty malt character in this limited edition (bottle conditioned) seasonal specialty. A beer intended for sipping by the fireside on a cold winters evening or pairing with you favourite (strong) cheeses."

The beer pours a clear amber color, with a solid cream head that does a good job of sticking around. Very attractive.

I was expecting a "spiced" ale because that is typically what American Winter Warmers are like, but this Bell Ringer Winter Warmer reached into the "classic" realm and pulled off a stronger, hop-forward brew for the winter season. The aroma is filled with an immediate hop presence, earthy and spicy in nature. Reminiscent of classic Noble hops, supported by a subtle, sweeter malt aroma with notes of caramel and toast.

The flavor is spectacular, and shows off a quite new and unique hop flavor (at least to me...) that is supported by a very mellow and soft alcoholic warmth and a fruity malt flavor. I pull out flavors of pear and spices...it is elusive to me. It is familiar but I cannot identify it.

The mouthfeel is soft and full bodied. The carbonation keeps things alive

Overall, I think this is a fantastic beer that I would absolutely drink again! Very drinkable for a Winter Warmer. This is also the first beer I have ever had from Cork, Ireland!

Slainte!

Serving type: bottle

02-14-2012 22:43:33 | More by MusicaleMike

fionn13

Ireland

4/5  rDev -2%

08-24-2012 03:51:13 | More by fionn13

bh123

California

4/5  rDev -2%

03-31-2012 19:52:45 | More by bh123