Cabin Fever Ale - Berkshire Brewing Company Inc.

Gatch

Massachusetts

4.28/5  rDev +10.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

A: Hazy orange-amber with a fizzy off-white head that fades into decent lacing and retention.

S: Heavy on the malt and spice, as it should be. Unique and inviting nose.

T: Great balance of sweetness, maltiness, spice, and a slight bitterness. Caramelized sugar, some dark, dried fruit, roasted malt, and do I detect a hint of hops in the finish?

M: Super smooth, huge flavor, and carbonation and body are spot-on.

O: This is, in my opinion, the epitome of the style. It's exactly what I expect and look for when I want to drink a beer like this. I don't want a spice bomb. This is perfect for the season and a great beer by itself. Well done Berkshire!

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2013 02:39:56 | More by Gatch

Etan

Illinois

3.89/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

22oz.

A: Pours a murky auburn with a nice off-white head.

S: Mild brown sugar, molasses, buttery and yeasty, wholegrain bread, light greenish hops. Smells like a ringwood beer.

T: Crisp bitterness and light citrus from the hops, brown bread, toffee, caramelized grain, a bit of malty spice, dryish finish.

M: Medium-bodied with zingy carbonation, creamy feel.

O: The yeastiness is a bit strong in the aroma, but besides that this is tasty and drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2013 04:13:04 | More by Etan

VelvetExtract

Massachusetts

3.95/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A-Burnt orange with reddish hints. Head is legit. About a half-inch high. It is frothy and bubbly and it leaves capes of lacing. Body of the beer is crystal clear. A good looker.

S-As the label states, the malt profile is "reminiscent of an English Pale Ale". Butterscotch and caramel and sweet breadiness. Has a mulch aspect to it too. Maybe even some Agave nectar too. Hops are lightly grassy with a twitch of pine. Its those Tettnang hops in action. Light on spice; which I find to be a breath of fresh air.

T-I must ironically start with the finish. This beer finishes with a beautiful honey-covered graham cracker flavor. It wowed me. At first I thought that the earlier aspects of the flavor profile were not as inspiring, but then Cabin Fever took hold of me. Hops are quite spicy; actually maybe its not the hops because I am experiencing some legitimate pepper flavors. Again, I get the mulch. The more I describe it and sip it, the more I enjoy it. Holiday spice is more prominent here. Definitely unique.

M-Buzzing carbonation. A bit sticky. Semi-dry, lighter bitterness. Pretty drinkable, especially once you get accustomed to the flavor.

O/D-At first I was a bit unimpressed, but when I started to understand the beer's curves and intricacies, I really started to enjoy it. A mix between an English Pale Ale and a Spiced Ale. I will definitely remember this one. It really grew on me. By the time I was halfway done with the bomber, my fondness for this beer increased twofold.

Serving type: bottle

12-01-2012 03:32:39 | More by VelvetExtract

SABERG

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from bottle with "best by date" of 4/17/13. Modified tulip glass.

A - Striking copper color, great luxurious head and long lacing.
S - Toffee, burnt sugar, earthy. Warm autumnal smells abound.
T - Deep, hops in the background, warm tones, malt and biscuit. Finish lingers, all in good time.
M - Silky and smooth, carbonation is mild, matches the warmth of the beer.
O - What a good winter brew, warm, not boozy, balanced and beautiful.

Cheers

Serving type: bottle

11-14-2012 01:17:21 | More by SABERG

WhiteOak

Connecticut

4.47/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A- Hazy dark copper color with mohogany red-brown hue in the light. Dark tan head leaves copious sticky lace.

S- Lovely, seductive aroma of carob, mocha, and a touch of fruit.

T- The perfect liquid candy bar: roasted hazelnuts rolled in nougat and dipped in carob/chocolate. A touch of creme broulee´ and cherry. Even a bit of Dunkel characteristics too. No bitterness.

M, D- Very creamy and drinkable, with the CO2 balancing the viscosity.

Thanks to BBC for restraining the hops!

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2012 15:26:25 | More by WhiteOak

sommersb

Tennessee

3.68/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Tasted On: 01-27-2012
Freshness: Best by 05-09-2012
Packaging: 22 oz. brown bottle
Glassware: Dogfish Head signature glass
Purchased: Received in a trade

Appearance: Clear beer with a dark copper color. The head is cream colored and a couple fingers high, with a nice sticky lace and good retention.

Smell: Malty and sweet aromas, coupled with woody notes and earthy hops.

Taste: Caramel malts and spicy hops make for a well balanced taste. Maybe a bit more hop forward than other winter warmers I've had. Other flavors are cinnamon and nuts. Warms up nicely.

Mouthfeel: Crisp and highly carbonated, with a full body. Aftertaste is moderately bitter.

Overall: A good beer for a cold winter night. Recommended.

Thanks to DrewShal9 for this one!

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2012 02:52:18 | More by sommersb

jb413

Massachusetts

3.98/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - Pours a clear, darkish amber with two fingers of thick khaki head. Retention is good and left a 1/4 inch ring on top through most of the brew. Fantastic lacing.

S - Nose consists of a welcome clash of pale and caramel malts, breadiness, fruity and slightly spicy hops.

T - Sweet in the front with a good malt profile. Caramel abounds, fruitiness accents. Hops kick in with some fruity and spicy balance, but retreat in the finish amidst the maltiness. Spicy attributes pick up as the beer warms.

MF - Syrupy, slighly thick. Carbonation was a tad high. Medium body and pretty drinkable. Refreshing, balanced finish.

O - Good! A nice combination of maltiness and fruity/spicy hops for a winter offering. Better than the average indeed.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2012 01:39:37 | More by jb413

greenengineer

Massachusetts

2.5/5  rDev -35.6%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

22 Oz Bottle into my Chimay Tumbler
A- not much head, almost flat - brown/bronze, a little hazy
S- spices, almost a meaty smell, hints of tomato juice?
T- spicy, pepper, cloves? a little musty
M- round, thick, a little chrunchy
O- not my cup of tea - I'm not a big fan of spiced beers, so I will not hold that against it, but the taste is kind of weird. I swear it smells like a bloody mary. Would like more maltiness perhaps.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2012 23:50:51 | More by greenengineer

BeerResearcher

Massachusetts

3.55/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

22oz dark brown bottle. Best before date stamped on bottle.
Served in a SA perfect pint glass.
It pours a murky amber color with an off-white head and substantial lacing.
The smells are very fruit forward with some citrus and doughy bread smells pulling through.
The flavors are fruit forward as well. Tastes of pears, ripe green grapes are balanced with caramel malt and a dose of warming alcohol, which rolls in late. I get a very slight taste of Bazooka Bubblegum in the aftertaste.
The mouthfeel is medium/full and very rounded.
Nice beer, but a bit odd for me to describe.

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2012 00:47:48 | More by BeerResearcher

iceburger97

Massachusetts

3.68/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

appearance- amber with lighter malt mixed in
smell- light and basic, scored average because there was not much of a smell to write about
taste- licorice with great balance of fruit flavors
m- holds well, solid carbonation
overall- a nicelly crafted beer with simple but satisfying flavor, drinkable not as heavy as some of the other bbc beers

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2011 22:24:38 | More by iceburger97

eclipse54

Idaho

3.58/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A 22 ounce bottle from rowingbrewer; thank you for this "Want!" Poured into a Deschutes tulip glass...

Pours a dark reddish brown color with ruby hues in the light. About an inch of off-white head develops and hangs around for some time, forming pillowy patches as it dissipates. Patches/strands of bubbles lace the glass. The aroma is of english malt, date, vague citrus (predominantly orange), caramel, cocoa nibs, and german lager yeast/spices. The taste begins with the english malt and lager flavors, moves into citrus and muddled spice, and finishes with a strong caramel malt, dark fruit, and faint chocolate presence. It is a bit underwhelming at first, but more impressive on the finish. Mouthfeel is of mild carbonation (a touch more wouldn't hurt), smooth texture, and a bit dry/syrupy on the finish (not overly so, but noticeable). Overall, a good winter warmer that I'll enjoy sipping on for the rest of the evening.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2011 03:02:42 | More by eclipse54

nickfl

Florida

3.53/5  rDev -9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - pours with one finger of white foam on a slightly hazy amber body. The head settles quickly but leaves good lace.

S - sweet malt with just a hint of coriander. Some toffee in the background.

T - toasted malt up front with little else. Some toffee and vague spicy notes in the middle. finishes with clove, coriander and bready malt.

M - medium body, moderate carbonation, and a slightly sweet finish.

D - pretty mediocre, the spice character is bland and other than that there really isn't much going on.

Serving type: on-tap

12-06-2011 00:58:13 | More by nickfl

SunDevilBeer

Massachusetts

4.22/5  rDev +8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Look forward to this one from BBC every year. My old matly friend! Buy it often to drink @ home and get it often on tap when I see it (becoming more visible - a good sign).

Pours a deep brown/copper with a nice head. Smells really malty/caramelly...yum.

Flavor hits the tongue right away - sweet malty buttery (in a good way) with some slight spices on the back end. Yes, there are some hops and this beer and they manage to clean up the malt circus at the end of the sip.

Like this beer alot. Glad it is reasonably priced and widely available around town for a long time each year.

Serving type: on-tap

12-03-2011 03:45:29 | More by SunDevilBeer

HattedClassic

Virginia

3.95/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: A clear brown color. Lasting head with a little lace but not much.

Smell: A wonderful mix of caramel malts and hops. The citrus smells wonderful in contrast with the sweeter caramel.

Taste: Caramel malts dominate the taste but has a nice hoppy undertone. There is a bit of a malty aftertaste.
I enjoy the citrus taste since it has a presence but does not dominate the palate. You really get a taste of the malt.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied but almost silky and lightly carbonated.

Overall: A very nice and very good winter warmer. It's certainly different from other ones that I've had and better since the citrus taste is absent.

Serving type: bottle

12-02-2011 04:07:11 | More by HattedClassic

kingstonma

Massachusetts

4.1/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

This is my first "Cabin Fever" from BBC and I'm hooked! I did not know what the expect when I ordered it, but I'm happy I did. The smell is very mild, but the taste is aburst of carmel greatness!
I think I'll be picking up a growler of this on my way home.

Serving type: on-tap

11-23-2011 17:37:31 | More by kingstonma

KELPAK

Massachusetts

4.35/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

IT'S BACK!

We love Cabin Fever time, a great ale. Recieved in a 220z bottle, the perfect size beer to go home on a Berkshire fall day and enjoy a beer after work.

Rich flavor with a nice smooth finish. pours light brown in color with about a finger of head. Another excellent craft beer from Berkshire Brewing and at a very reasonable price.

Serving type: bottle

11-17-2011 15:16:09 | More by KELPAK

rudzud

Massachusetts

3.95/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Enjoyed on tap at the Armsby Abbey.

A - Poured into a pint glass a dark amber with a one finger head that leaves a very nice halo and super light clouding with nice side lacing.

S - Rather nice winter spices on this. Crisp hops and sweet malts. Doesnt smell like the typical winter warmer, but that being said the smell is rather inviting.

T - Witner spices that envoke a fireplace is a nice way of putting this one. There is light maple and some nice sweet malts.

M - Crisp, but a bit too much carbonation for me on this one.

O - Overall I enjoyed this offering from BBC. Always good to support local and this one is that.

Serving type: on-tap

11-16-2011 21:20:31 | More by rudzud

rowingbrewer

Massachusetts

4.03/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The beer pours a light light reddish brown color with a nice off white head. The smell is slightly sweet with hints of spice but not overpowering. The flavor follows suit with the beer having the body and some what the flavor of a red ale with slightly sweet and light spicey notes. The body is medium with good carbonation. Overall a food winter warmer without being over powering like harpoon

Serving type: bottle

08-25-2011 12:15:13 | More by rowingbrewer

abgba121

Connecticut

3.5/5  rDev -9.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: pours a hazy copper/red color with thin head and very little lace

S: very sweet and fruity, a little yeasty, no hoppiness or bitterness present

T: sweet, expected some hops, but its all toasted hops. Pretty decent though nonetheless.

M: good carbonation, also a thick beer, but its a winter warmer so that's expected.

O: decent beer, not amazing, though I had it 3 months beyond the freshness date on the bottle. So next year I will have a fresh one and we will see what happens.

Serving type: bottle

07-09-2011 05:10:19 | More by abgba121

Thorpe429

Illinois

3.05/5  rDev -21.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

22-ounce bottle courtesy of HikerCT. Served in a Mikasa tulip.

Pours a bright light brown color with a single-finger off-white head that has some spotty lacing. The nose carries a bit of light caramel and some bread, not too much else. The flavor is equally bland. Some bread. Maybe bread crust, too. Yay! Not much in the way of spicing, so at least it's not overspiced. Medium body and quite chewy. Blah.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2011 00:21:41 | More by Thorpe429

mlazzaro

Massachusetts

3.78/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Looks nice, reddish in color. off-white head. Smells malty and yeasty. Taste like an Alt beer yeast, perhaps an English yeast. Caramel and toasty malt flavors. End of the sip is a little strange. Mouthfeel is full and smooth. Bitterness is very smooth as well. Alcohol is masked well. Warming without burning. Definitely malt dominant in flavors happening. I enjoy a winter beer that isn't over the top spiced out. tastes pretty good.

Serving type: bottle

04-14-2011 23:49:43 | More by mlazzaro

Fluke828

Massachusetts

3.53/5  rDev -9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

22oz Bomber with a Best By 06/07/11 on the shoulder. Poured into a Duvel Tulip.

A-> Pours a deep copper color with a solid 2 finger head that receeds slowly with great lace, beautiful nucleation as well.

S-> Immediately get bready malt aromas with the scent of a pale ale and almost a wheaty smell. Smell doesn't really give anything away...kind of faintly subtle if that makes any sense...

T-> Kind of expected some form of spice or whatnot seeing as this is a winter warmer but judging from the smell I'm not suprised there wasn't much of a spice presence. Taste is...well..hard to describe...definitely malt forward, crisp, and clean. There is a very faint hop bitterness and mayyyybe some citrus but it is VERY subdued. Toasted maltyness dominates throughout and finishes with a mellow bite of bitterness but not really getting any spicyness.

M-> At first this felt thin, but after half a tulip, it is more medium bodied with great carbonation. Really like this amount of carbo in my beers...

O-> I am enjoying this local brew...not sure how warming it would be on a cold winter night as isn't really big or full bodied...not neccesarily a bad thing...taste is just kind of bland...really tastes more like a pale or a wheat.

EDIT-> Upon examining the label, "Its rich malt profile is reminiscent of an English Pale Ale" Aha!

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2011 02:51:09 | More by Fluke828

Genuine

Connecticut

4.38/5  rDev +12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from the bomber into my 22oz Sam Adams Sensory glass.

Poured about 17 oz in at first, which left a beautiful creamy tan 2-3 finger head that sat upon a dark amber/red body that was clear. When I poured the rest in, it became cloudy and I"m assuming that's from the yeast sediment on the bottom of the bottle.

Smell - Crisp hops and some biscuity bready malts hit the nose first and foremost. Almost has the nose of a decent pale ale.

Taste - I didn't know what to expect, but other winter warmers have left me disappointed before so, here goes. WOW - this is exactly what I was hoping for when I think of a winter warmer. Clean hops hit the palate, followed by the malty biscuitness for a balance backbone, and the finish is this wonderful, spicy hop that resonates ever so much to make this beer pop.

Mouthfeel - medium and creamy, carbonation is there just enough so you don't forget about it.

Overall - I think this is a home run from Berkshire. I am a fan of their Pale ale and with the snow we're getting in CT, I figured this one would go well with today. I'm so glad I picked it up. This is an easy drinking, almost pale ale like beer, with some spicy hop notes that appear in the finish. Another Delicious beer from Berkshire. Well done! I only wish I purchased more of this, earlier in the winter season.

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2011 17:55:11 | More by Genuine

Sam21

Connecticut

4/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

2010 bottling. 22oz bomber into imperial pint glass.

Appearance - Careful long pour yields a tight creamy white head on top a deep amber body. Good sticky lace.

Smell - Ripe citrus fruits and sugary caramel malt. Great juicy oranges and also some strawberries. The fruity hops and malt balance nicely.

Taste - The flavor explodes with bready malt and light citrus hops. There is some light roasted malt sweetness in the middle, which make up the body of this winter warmer. It finishes with a flurry of fruity esters and citrus hops accompanied by a subtle bitterness.

Mouthfeel - Medium-bodied with some creamy carbonation.

Drinkability - An easy drinking winter warmer. Waves of smooth malty goodness to make the short days and long nights of winter more doable.

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2011 01:14:13 | More by Sam21

ToasterChef

Maine

3.75/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Reviewed from my notes. Served in a pint glass at the Portsmouth Brewery (this beer was the guest tap when I visited).

A: Clear red/orange liquid. A finger's worth of off-white foam, but not much carbonation rising within. Very good coating.

S: Pale malts and crystal sugars. A little bit of hop bitterness.

T: Caramel malts, some sugars (it tastes a tad syrupy). Something about the flavor reminds me of apple juice--it is slightly cidery. I don't necessarily find this beer warming, but it is enjoyable.

M: Full body, medium carbonation. Tiny bubbles. Not sticky, but does coat well. The coat has more fruit juice flavors and a cider kick.

D: This beer is enjoyable, but one is enough for me. I find it to be a filling beer (although I am enjoying it over a meal). On it's own, I can see myself drinking a full 22 oz bottle.

Serving type: on-tap

03-03-2011 17:23:48 | More by ToasterChef