Winterbraun - Lost Coast Brewery and Cafe

SaCkErZ9

Florida

2.19/5  rDev -41.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2 | feel: 1.75 | overall: 1.75

I don't know if the recipe has changed, but my bottle indicates an abv of only 6.8%. Pours a murky, typical brown ale color of purple and brown mixed together in a rusty sort of way. Topped with a very nice sized, brown eggshell colored head. The head isnt very dense or foamy, but there is enough substance to get it to two fingers and keep it there for a while. Some sporadic lacing.

Aroma is a bit lacking. Nothing really pops out at me. I guess caramel, grainy bread, and sweet figs present themselves: otherwise, rather lackluster.

Not a fan of the flavor. Dammit! I bought a six pack of this stuff on sale hoping for a flyer. Drats! Bitter yet sweet, alcoholic, salty, astringent, sour. It is as if someone put fresh lime rind in my mouth before I took a sip. Very astringent and sour. Is something wrong with this?

This one went down the tubes really fast. Thin and watery, sour, astringent (like sucking on Aspirin), not refreshing at all. This will be a chore to finish the whole sixer. Maybe the recipe DOES need to change. Avoid this one...

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2013 20:43:37 | More by SaCkErZ9

Jesse13713

Ohio

2.58/5  rDev -31.2%
look: 3 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Appearance - A very heavily carbonated cola-like brown color. A thin milky line of head at the top that stays clumped in certain areas.

Smell - Not much going on in the scent. Very faint sweetness and malt.

Taste - Not a bad brown ale, though I'm not sure what's Winter-like about it. Light notes of toffee and a bit of caramel. No spice or any other characteristics that stand out. A bit of light fruit.

Mouthfeel and Drinkability - I seem to be at a loss for words with this review. I can't exactly pinpoint what I'm tasting. It's a fairly plain brown ale that I don't mind drinking.

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2011 01:09:38 | More by Jesse13713

loren01

Oregon

2.68/5  rDev -28.5%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

A: Pours dark cola color, small white head, small amount of lacing down the glass
S: I'm not getting hardly anything here, a hint of sweetness, slight coffee scent
T: Pretty weak, slight dark chocolate taste with some sweetness. A little bit of hop dryness at the end
M: Full bodied, smooth, creamy mouthfeel
D: This beer was not easy to finish, however I did. It didn't really smell or taste like much of anything, however left me feeling a little buzzy. I would not buy this beer again.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2007 07:29:36 | More by loren01

theopholis

California

2.73/5  rDev -27.2%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Appearance- Pours a dark brown/burgandy color with a idecent tan head. The head has NO staying power at all, and leaves just a hint of lace.

Aroma- The aroma is barely there. Just a hint of malt sweetness with some toffee thrown in.

Taste- Taste is fairly simple/ Mostly some malt sweetenss, some coffee overtones, .

Mouthfeel- Medium body, CO2 level good. Mouthfeel is about what you would expect from a brown ales..

Drinkability- It's okay. Nothing great, but not to aweful either.

Serving type: bottle

03-04-2007 00:37:03 | More by theopholis

jhu1995

Maryland

2.85/5  rDev -24%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

Poured a deep, dark brown with a thin, light tan head that dissipated quickly. A well carbonated beverage. Smell was malt, pure and simple, with mostly caramel aromas with some toastiness coming through. Not much else going on. Taste was similar to smell with some faint spice trying to come through. A little more hops or some other spice would probably do the trick for me. Felt clean on the mouth with lots of body. Personally, I could only have one of these as a change of pace and move on to something else. The caramel malt flavor is a little too much for me.

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2005 00:05:21 | More by jhu1995

BenjaminBlondbeard

New York

2.9/5  rDev -22.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours a rich mahogany that doesn't let a lot of light pass through. There is a half inch of off white foam that shrinks quickly, but leaves a little lacing behind.

The smell i strong, and gives off roasted malts, some chocolate, molasses, some dark fruits, and a little coffee.

There is not too much flavors up front despite the full bodied brown brew. There is active carbonation that helps some piney hop flavors and roasted malts hit the taste buds, but the subdued flavors don't totally mask the boozy nature of this 8% ale. There is a little tinge of alcohol at the end of each sip. The light syrup after feel makes this thick brew leave a lasting presence. I personally don't like that, but it that helps the minimal flavors stick around to balance the booze flavor that otherwise prevails.

All in all it is a decent winter warmer like brown ale for the price. It is a relatively inexpensive, and drinkable, strong brown beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2012 02:49:33 | More by BenjaminBlondbeard

GClarkage

California

2.98/5  rDev -20.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

12/25/04- Purchased at Tower Market in San Francisco, CA

Presentation- 12 oz bottle with a freaky picasso-esque drawing on the label. No expiration date, poured into my Shipyard pint glass.

Appearance- Dark brown colored, very small head and decent lacing.

Smell- A sour and bitter scent. Not appeasing my nose. I think it's the kind of yeast that I don't like. The same kind they use in Pyramid maybe.

Taste- Mixed between a IPA and a ESB. Very bitter hops that hit the upper back of my throat. Not liking this. ESB's aren't my thing. There are, however, some decent roasted malt flavors in the background.

Mouthfeel- Medium to high carbonation. Goes down decent considering.

Drinkability- I'll pass on this one. Finished it, but it wasn't easy for me.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2004 17:12:53 | More by GClarkage

cerveza5150

California

3/5  rDev -20%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

A: Pours a dark, ruby red to almost black. Head is pretty nonexistent, but clings to the side of the glass.

S: Smells spicy and piney like a typical winter warmer. Reminds me of Anchor Steam's annual offering, but it actually smells alot better!

T: This might be too subjective, but I gave this an overall below average rating in the taste category. It starts off promising, but finishes way too sweet and malty. I taste the spices, but there's no bitterness to wash it all down with. It leaves a taste like fig newtons on the palette that's not too enjoyable...

M: The mouthfeel is actually right on. If the taste were to back it up, it would be a killer ale.

D: Only a couple would do me for this one. It's just way too sweet, way too thick, and way to spiced to be enjoyable as a session ale. I know that the purists out there are going to chastise me for calling any winter warmer a 'session ale', but some do follow that craving (ie. SN's Celebration Ale). I'm not regretting the purchase, but I'm not going to buy this again this year. Too many other choices out there.

Serving type: on-tap

11-11-2008 01:24:00 | More by cerveza5150

beertunes

Washington

3/5  rDev -20%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Served in straight pint glass. I hate when this happens. This is a beer I like a lot, from a brewery that I like a lot. And sitting down for critical review all I can do is rate every thing as average. I still like this beer and will continue to enjoy it, I just thought the actual rating would be higher. A beer worth trying and having several is not a bad idea, just don't expect to be blown away.

Serving type: on-tap

09-26-2009 23:12:12 | More by beertunes

Graham21

Iowa

3.03/5  rDev -19.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

it poured ok, brown amber in appearance with a two finger head that dissipated to ok lacing. this beer smells like smoked meat, kinda sour, hoppy, and malty with nutty undertones.

taste is weak, maltiness, some sweetness, hints of chocolate and nuts with a bitterness that follows.i also tasted the alcohol. the flavors are lacking in complexity and the carbonation leaves quickly,

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2006 06:21:41 | More by Graham21

Drew966

Florida

3.05/5  rDev -18.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Winterbraun pours a reddish brown color with a thin light tan head from a brown twelve ounce bottle. The aroma is quite mild, its a bit fruity, and a bit nutty. Taste is kind of average, slightly fruity, a bit nutty, a bit of cocoa. Not unpleasant, but doesn't get me excited either.

Serving type: bottle

12-07-2006 02:07:50 | More by Drew966

OWSLEY069

Pennsylvania

3.05/5  rDev -18.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours a clean deep amber to brown-ish color with a light tan head. In the aroma, a light caramel and a roasted malt. In the taste, a mix of caramel and roasted malt, with a nice ending with a hop presence. A smooth and medium bodied mouthfeel, with a dry small hop and caramel like sweetness in the aftertaste. A bit sweet, but nice hop presence in the beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2012 15:21:12 | More by OWSLEY069

PintOHops

California

3.08/5  rDev -17.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Glass - Nonic

A - A dark mahogany colored brew with little visibility. It didn't produce much of a head, maybe about a finger that dissipated quickly. It left a spot or two on my glass.

S - I get lots of brown sugar, toffee, and peanut brittle upfront. There's a bit of a underlying spicy character to it, like cinnamon. Hop aroma is faint and gives off soft herbal notes.

T - Brown sugar, toffee, almond flavors everywhere. There's a soft cinnamon note mingling around mid to finish. Hops lend a touch of herbal flavors, and the bitterness is mild but noticeable. As it started to warm I picked up some chocolate and a slight bit of alcohol.

M - A bit on the crisp side with a smooth and almost chewy feel to it. Medium-full bodied.

O - To me this beer tastes like a brown ale with a touch of cinnamon thrown in. The flavors were good but for the most part it did come off like it was almost a porter to me. I'd probably only have about one of these in one sitting. Overall I thought it was a okay brew, but I don't see myself buying it again.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2012 02:18:12 | More by PintOHops

ggroller

Pennsylvania

3.1/5  rDev -17.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

I had this on tap at Cannon's in Allentown last night.

It poured a red mahogany color with a creamey white head about a finger's width that dissipated after my first couple of sips. The smell was inviting to me especially given the season and the atmosphere. Roasty malt, chocolate, coffee, cinnamon.

The taste let me down. It was too burnt tasting and the finish was too thick and sticky on my tongue. I wouldn't drink this one again.

Serving type: on-tap

12-31-2004 13:16:31 | More by ggroller

monkeybeer

California

3.1/5  rDev -17.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A- Clear brown red with a very quick disappearing light tan head. Some very light lacing on the glass.

S- A good smell of hops mixed with a sweet and chocolate smell.

T/M – Sweet taste with a roasted undertone

D- A good winter beer. It is a bit heavy so not one to drink a lot of. It defiantly is a winter warmer.

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2008 21:12:00 | More by monkeybeer

Naes

New York

3.13/5  rDev -16.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

This one is a dark brown ale with a tall light tan head. Lacing and retention are good.
The aroma is nutty and malty sweet.
The flavor is also nutty, but it has a strong chocolate malt character with a slight hop presence near the finish.
Mouth feel is medium in body and moderately carbonated.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2006 02:15:39 | More by Naes

Suds

Pennsylvania

3.15/5  rDev -16%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Dark brown in color, slightly red hue when held to the light. The head is tan and a little thin, but this is a fine looking beer. The aroma is malty...with a burnt grass and medicinal character. Some background herbal hops, but mostly a bready, toast-like malt-like smell. The taste is balanced, with a malt backbone. Not much here that's overwhelming...a bit thin, but nice malt-candy and spice qualities. Some grain. All in all, this one is just okay.

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2011 21:55:48 | More by Suds

Rastacouere

Quebec (Canada)

3.18/5  rDev -15.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Deep brown without much light brown head and it doesn't stay up there too long. Aroma is heavily malty with distinct milk chocolate, brown sugar, vanilla and nutty hints: I could indeed mistake this smell as a porter blind. It's got a nice nutmeg and almond bite in mouth coupled with dark licorice and a low-profile hop character that leaves a boring unfresh bitterness, while aftertaste is bready, mostly dry and short. Cheers to Matta!

Serving type: bottle

02-20-2004 19:54:24 | More by Rastacouere

tapman

Illinois

3.18/5  rDev -15.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

An aggressive pour yielded a big, rich, tan head that sat suspended in the liquid for a while, like a nitro beer at the bar, before rising up. Color is very brown. Even when I hold it up to the light I don't find any big hints of ruby, orange, or amber. Just brown, which is actually pretty cool.

Big chocolate notes mix with some minerals and a light hop spiciness.

Bitter hop spice and a little bit of flat brown malt taste. A small hot alcohol tinge that warms a little as the beer does. A little bland with not enough maltose to support the chocolate, making it astringent opposed to bitter, dark chocolate.

Like in the flavor I could have used more dissolved sugars in this one, both for taste and consistency.

Meh.

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2010 22:48:51 | More by tapman

tychoseven

California

3.18/5  rDev -15.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Deep, red-brown w/ a slightly off-white lacing.
S: Chocolate malts, crispy clean sugars
M: Full, rich and syrupy. Feels heavier and thicker than it is.
T: Prominent chocolate malts, caramel/toffee sugars, and a slight hops bitterness. Lingering caramel finish. The alcohol is well hidden until the beer warms, adding a bit more character and a hint of almond. Overall, inoffensive and limited palate-wise; a good but not exceptional beer. I'd drink one again if somebody else were buying.

Serving type: bottle

11-08-2012 02:29:33 | More by tychoseven

woemad

Washington

3.2/5  rDev -14.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle purchased at Huckleberry's in Spokane for $1.49. No freshness date.

Pours a dark cola color with a inch an a half or so of tan foam on top. When held up to the light, the beer takes on a dark ruby shade. Medium amount of lace.

The smell of this is a bit too chocolaty sweet for me. It'd be alright if paired up with, say, a coffee-ish bitterness, but it's a bit much by itself.

The taste is like the smell - very one-dimensional sweetness. It's not an unpleasant tasting beer, but that's about it.

Mouthfeel is about right for a brown ale, no surprises here.

An easy to drink beer because it does nothing to offend. It's not horrible, but unless everything else in the bar or store is, I'll not be coming back for this.

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2007 09:04:16 | More by woemad

Minkybut

Virginia

3.2/5  rDev -14.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

I poured this beer into my tubler at 50 degrees. The beer was a nice mahoganny color. It poured a fair head that oozed coffee and hints of toffee mingling nicely. I was excited. However, the taste was extremely bitter and ruff. To me the beer was an odd mix that could use some refinning, a good begginning but a ruff finish. I will not buy again.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2007 18:44:27 | More by Minkybut

IronDjinn

Alberta (Canada)

3.2/5  rDev -14.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3

From a 22 oz. brown bomber. Pours out a deep transluscent mahogany, tall tight spongey off-white head that retains and leaves chunky wedges of lacing in its wake.

Pretty plain aroma, crisp yet nondescript, some soapy floral hops, warm toasted wood in the far background.

Flavour is also pretty darn mild, some loose sweet malts up front, picks up some toasted and woody notes near the finish, it's pretty much all malt on this one, some grassy floral hops well into the aftertaste already. Flavour is clean however, no complaints except it's pretty one-dimensional with a couple tasty tangents.

Fantastic mouthfeel on this one, medium-bodied yet velvety and silky smooth and rounded, gorgeous to experience, a magic carpet across the tongue.

A pleasant brown, no denying that, but not too much character to it either. I have nothing bad to say about it regardless, and it would make a great intro or session ale for the style, but not enough there to keep me coming back for more personally.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2008 07:18:41 | More by IronDjinn

BeerManDan

California

3.23/5  rDev -13.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

When poured, the color reminded me of root beer. The same brown, but not as thick. The smell of sweet roasted malts filled the nose with a pleasant aroma. But, that was the high side, the low is that, the flavor was of a hoppy nature, with no roasted malt taste. Not much anyway. The piney, hoppy flavor is not what I expected in a brown ale. The aroma was great, but the flavor of a hoppy brown ale was a turn off!

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2005 00:05:37 | More by BeerManDan

tbeckett

Ontario (Canada)

3.23/5  rDev -13.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Bottle from kjyost. Cheers.

A - Foamy rich tan head on an amber body with generous carbonation. Good chunks of lacing and a half finger of retention.

S - Rich malty caramel as soon as the bottle is popped. Rich malty goodness. A hefty yeasty aroma with biscuity notes. Overly yeasty.

T - Lot's of caramel. Yeasty. Nutty in the finish.

M - Mild carbonation, medium to full body. Yeasty, dusty finish.

O/D - Odd. Seems like it missed the mark with the malt bill. Yeasty and odd IMO. Too bland to be interesting. Nothing special and not something I would look for again.

Serving type: bottle

10-07-2011 01:29:22 | More by tbeckett