Winter Ale (2005)
Brooklyn Brewery

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From:
Brooklyn Brewery
 
New York, United States
Style:
Winter Warmer
ABV:
6%
Score:
86
Avg:
3.81 | pDev: 7.87%
Reviews:
44
Ratings:
45
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Dec 24, 2013
Added:
Oct 22, 2005
Wants:
  2
Gots:
  0
Brooklyn's first "command performance" beer, wherein they brewed a beer for their European importers to match Christmas food in Denmark (aka - Brooklyn Christmas Ale). This beer recalls both the Danish and British holiday ale traditions, which included a range of spices in the days before hops became the only spice in beer. Maris Otter malts give the beer a smooth, round palate, and brisk hopping pulls the sweet malts into balance. The spices recall pies, bread, and time well spent with friends and family.

Recipe has completely changed with the 2006 release.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 3.75 by cwd from Kentucky

Dec 24, 2013
Photo of hopdog
Reviewed by hopdog from Pennsylvania

3.16/5  rDev -17.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle.

Poured a deeper reddish / brown color with a smaller sized off white head. Has a very strong initial spicy aroma. I'm trying to place it; ginger maybe, definitely pepper. Other aromas of caramel and light bread. Tastes of the same spices, toasted malts, lighter caramel, and lightly earthy. The spices definitely dominate both the aromas and tastes (quite overpowering and overbearing at times).

Notes from: 11/29/05
Jan 07, 2009
Photo of kinger
Reviewed by kinger from Ohio

3.47/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Generously sweet malty scent some light spices are there. Nice color but the off white head soon left and couldn't be brought back. Medium fullness and easily drinkable, nice clean finish. Good tasting ale, sweet malts. A touch of clove perhaps with some complimenting spices although this aspect is greatly downplayed in the overall taste.
Nov 11, 2008
Photo of orfeu
Reviewed by orfeu from New Mexico

3.58/5  rDev -6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
One of two bottles from a Brooklyn "Party Box" from last winter. Garnet brown with a creamy and lathered khaki head. Slightly sour aromas of red grapes, cherries, and tart apples with an extremely mellow clove and anise scent. Fairly uneventful flavor profile: dark cherries and stewed prunes with very mild cinnamon and clove notes. A bit of soured chocolatey malt business near the back. Surprisingly, the 6.9% alcohol content is somewhat noticeable as well at the finish. Soft and roundish, juicy-chewy mouthfeel. I get the sense that when fresh, this may have tasted like a liquid holiday fruitcake (and I'm someone who enjoys fruitcake -- so that's not a bad thing). It still tastes that way after a year, just heavily subdued. A pleasant enough beer, if winter warmers are your thing. They're hit-or-miss with me, and I'd say this one's "fair to middlin'."
Dec 17, 2006
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Reviewed by rarevos from New York

3.9/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Purchased as part of Brooklyn's "Party in a Box" 12-pack. With 2 Winter Warmers, two Chocoalte Stouts, and two Monster Barleywines as part of the offerings, that'll make for one hell of a party.

A: Pours a deep chocolate amber with a small amount of tan lacing that disappeared quickly. Ring of foam around the perimeter of the glass is all that remained.

S: Coffee, cinnamon, nutmeg, prunes.

T: Dried fruit up front--prunes, a little raisen-y--and some spices toward the middle: cinnamon, cardamon, a little nutmeg. Mediciny and warming.

M: Syrupy.

D: Probably couldn't drink a sixer of these, but a glass of this was terrific. Really nice beer.
Sep 07, 2006
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Reviewed by cbl2 from New York

3.85/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
No best by date on this first time offering from Brooklyn.

Appearance:

Pours a crystal clear claret with a thin film of tan head that settles immediately.

Aroma:

Gingerbread, nutmeg with malty sweetness a touch of anise and ripe fig.

Taste/Mouthfeel:

This has the nose of an Anchor OSA, but none of the overpowering pine bitterness appears in the bottle. Relatively smooth with nutmeg dominating coupled with a dose of gingerbread that was hinted in the aroma.

A unique beer that is quite enjoyable. Purchased as part of the Brooklyn holiday pack ($13.99), which included 2 of these, 2 monsters, 2 choc stouts, 2 IPA, 2 brown and 2 lagers. Best 12 pack around IMHO.
Jul 30, 2006
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Reviewed by Kendo from New York

3.52/5  rDev -7.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
OK, so maybe it's a little odd to be kicking off Memorial Day Weekend -- the start of summer -- with a Winter Ale. But. . . it has been a cool Spring and before this beer gets too old, let's do it. . . .

Pours a coppery mahogany with ruby tints when held up to the light. A very small ivory head disappears almost immediately. Absolutely no lacing throughout.

Scent: the nose is all spice up front. I'm sensing allspice, cloves and nutmeg.

Taste: Sweet, malty, with those spices up front -- cloves and nutmeg and maybe the allspice I thought I smelled. Finishes with a metallic tang, with almost no hoppy bitterness. A slight alcohol warming sensation warms the back of the throat at the end of the sip.

As for mouthfeel: it is a tad too carbonated, I think, and slightly slick towards the end of the sip. Also slightly watery in body.

Drinkability: This is not intended to be a session ale, and it isn't. The spices make for an interesting flavor, and I think this would go well with certain holiday meals (roast chicken? duck? gingerbread cookies?), but these flavors do not enhance drinkability, in my opinion.

I do think this is a decent version of a traditional 'Winter Warmer'-style ale, and maybe I would've given it better marks in December. All in all it's a decent beer, but for my taste, I think there are better Winter Ales out there.
May 27, 2006
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Reviewed by sulldaddy from Connecticut

3.97/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I am sampling a room temp bottle poured into a pint glass. The beer exhibits a deep clear chestnut hue with minimal beige head that fades quickly to an edge layer. The aroma is evident spices right away with nutmeg and cinnamon mixing with coriander and some caramel. First sip reveals an avearge body and mild carbonation. Silky smooth texture.
Flavor is similar to nose with chocolate and caramel mixed with nutmeg, cinnamon and coriander as well. The nutmeg lingers after each swallow. The beer is smooth and easy to drink. Quite a nice winter brew that I rarely see around here.
May 07, 2006
Photo of jhammerly
Reviewed by jhammerly from Nebraska

3.9/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Thanks to Calico for sending this to me.

Poured from a bottle into an Imperial Pint glass. A deep brown with hints of amber around the edges when held up to the light. Not much of a head and it quickly descended after a few minutes.

A nice malty smell with tones of spice, which I think is cinnamon and nutmeg. The taste is akin to the aroma with a touch of chocolate and alcohol. Nicely balanced. Slightly robust, but has a medium body. This could be very drinkable despite it's richness and 6.9% ABV. One that I would definitely try again during the season.
May 04, 2006
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Reviewed by doppelmeup from North Carolina

3.85/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
*Note: I originally reviewed this as the Christmas Ale, but am copying my review over to this beer, as the picture matches what I drank!**

I got this in the Brooklyn Variety Pack, which proudly states that this is the only place you can get it. It's the 2005 brew.

Poured very similarly to a barley wine. Had to really pour it hard to encourage any sort of head. Pretty, auburnish tan color.

Smelled of cloves and malt, maybe some pumpkin pie spice.

Started off very cold (from a cooler covered in ice), and I think the taste will improve as it warms. Initial taste is reminiscent of a barley wine. Hints of dark cherry, cloves, malt, ...(letting it sit for a while to warm)... The flavor does improve as it warms. Same main tastes. Dark cherry seems most prevalent, but it doesn't taste like a lambic.

This has a very dry mouthfeel. It really puckers the tongue and roof of the mouth as if finishes. But it doesn't leave an aftertaste, just dryness. It is quite interesting, actually.

Interesting sums up this beer. I don't think I could drink a lot in a row, but I'm glad the Brooklyn Variety pack comes with two of these.
Apr 26, 2006
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Reviewed by JMH_ from New Jersey

4.1/5  rDev +7.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
I was glad to still see this one on tap (and a bit leery at the same time that it might be old...it wasn't as far as I could tell) so I ordered up a pint.

It pours a nice murky brown colour with a faint head that leaves some residue on the glass.

The aromas are definitely winter/holiday reminiscent, as spice (cinammon, nutmeg and more) dominates but doesn't overpower as it is paired up nicely with a rugged malt backbone.

The flavour hits on the aroma quite effectively, with the afformentioned cinnamon and nutmeg hitting the palate throughout, along with notes of gingerbread and some chocolate from the malt. Alcohol was not really noticeable to me with this one. The mouthfeel was crisp but creamy as well and fit nicely.

I enjoyed this one and will definitely be looking for bottles come next holiday season. If you can still find it this one's definitely worth a try.
Apr 26, 2006
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Reviewed by WesWes from New York

3.33/5  rDev -12.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
The beer pours a dark amber/brown color with a thick frothy tan head that slowly fades to lacing. The aroma is decent. It has a dry roasted malt scent with some caramel malt sweetness. It also boasts of nutmeg and cinnamon. The taste is decent also. It has a spicey flavor that is laid over crystal and roasted malts. It is more of a holiday beer than a winter warmer. It does boast an elevated abv. 7.2%, so I guess it warms you up. It's smooth and easy drinking, but relies too much on spice content. The mouthfeel is fine. It is a full bodied beer with adequate carbonation. This is decent beer, but far from great. I think I'd rather have a good barleywine instead.
Mar 21, 2006
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Reviewed by yelterdow from New Jersey

3.92/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Two of these were included in the "Brooklyn Beer Party" box... right now it's the only way to get it, unless you find it on tap somewhere. Purchased at Bottle King in Hillsdale, NJ.

Served in an oversize brandy snifter at cellar temperature. Alcohol by volume reads 6.9% on the bottle.

Appearance- Pours a medium bodied deep auburn, while a one finger head ascends and crests in a bone white color. Lacing is minimal, and the beer glows brilliantly and steadily.

Smell- Notes of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg intermingle along with a solid malt core... bracing and full. Spicy, and very aromatic.

Taste- Christmas whenever you want it to be... this beer sums it up completely. The dense malt backbone carries the spicy elements of gingerbready goodness with the nutmeg, vanilla, ginger, and holiday flavors very nicely. A dry, mellow finish feels right for the beer's context and showcases the hops briefly.

Mouthfeel/Drinkability- Slippery and viscous in the mouth, just enough for the complex array of malts and spices to fully accomplish their goals. After the flavors develop and unravel, the texture fades and quickly disappears. A relatively smooth sipper, best suited for by the fireplace on a chilly, late December night.
Mar 06, 2006
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Reviewed by Sammy from Canada (ON)

3.68/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Looks like an auburn brown old ale, droplets of lace, very thin head. Nutmeg, allspice, cinammon. Some chocolate malt, well balanced.Biere de gardish spice. Non-objectional aroma. Easy drink, thin body. Drying finish. A better than average beer. Thanks Dr. Jay.
Mar 03, 2006
Photo of kpantz
Reviewed by kpantz from Pennsylvania

3.28/5  rDev -13.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
Executive Summary: A good winter ale, but lacks the qualities necessary to rate a standout. Brooklyn has far better offerings.

Appearance: Deep ruby-red/burgundy with a cream colored head that quickly dissipates to a frothy film.

Smell: Malty, with a bit of cinnamon, and perhaps some nutmeg and vanilla.

Taste: Very spicy...no noticeable hop flavor, either. Malt backbone is clear, but I'm taken aback by the way the spices run out ahead of everything.

Mouthfeel: Very nice. Subtle carbonation and not too thin. Rests nicely on the tongue.

Drinkability: I'm not sure how many of these I'd be willing to knock back. The alcohol isn't overpowering, but the spice combination just doesn't hold my interest.
Feb 26, 2006
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Reviewed by NeroFiddled from Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev +12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Just a hint of spice appears in the nose and on the tongue in Brooklyn's Winter Ale, leaving it remarkably drinkable. It pours a clear deep-chestnut colored body with dark auburn highlights beneath a creamy hhead of beige. The head retention is fair and it leaves tiny spots and larger splashes of lace throughout the glass. The delicate holiday cookie spices blend marvelously with a note of cocoa, begging you to partake. In the mouth it's medium bodied and smooth with an appropriately restrained carbonation that lends to its "English" nature. The flavor delivers a more pronounced spice that the aroma does, and yet it's still remarkably muted as to not reveal itself completely. I'm guessing that it includes nutmeg and cinnamon, but it may also contain ginger, and even perhaps vanilla. The malt base is lightly cocoaish, and definitely toffee-like; backed with just enough bitterness to balance it. Impeccably rounded and well-balanced, this is a superb quaffer!!!
Feb 16, 2006
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Reviewed by evh883 from Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This is the one of the most flavorful winter warmer type beers that I have ever had. In the glass, it looks great. It has a medium-dark amber color with a small to moderate sized head that lingers for a little while. The aroma, which includes notes of honey, cloves, cinnamon, and burnt sugar is very nice. The flavor is complex with hints of vanilla, burnt sugar, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Great mouthfeel that allows it to be a very drinkable beer which is great on cold days. I hope they make this one an annual product from now on.
Feb 11, 2006
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Reviewed by Franchise from Oregon

3.91/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This offering pours a nice dark brown with red highlights throughout. The head starts thick and then disappears quickly although remaining with a thin lace on top of the brew. The nose of this brew is sugary, it has some carmalized sugar, brown sugar, toffee, and a dark fruit making the smell really complex. The taste is syrup smooth, with a sharp bitterness that is quickly dulled by the malty aspect of this brew leaving a sweet fruit coating on the throat. Love this offering from Brooklyn, to bad it is only in the Brooklyn 12 pack.
Feb 04, 2006
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Reviewed by MSchae1017 from Georgia

3.22/5  rDev -15.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
This beer was tasted in a pint glass from a bottle.

This beer pours a brownish amber with a thin head that does not hold or lace well. The beer smells mostly of cinamon and spices. THe beer also tastes this same way without the presence of hops or barley malts. The beer is fairly thick with a good carbonation. Overall I do not find this overly drinkable because there is just too much spice.
Jan 29, 2006
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Reviewed by mrasskicktastic from New Jersey

3.48/5  rDev -8.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5
A - Dark red with caramel tint. A half finger head that lasts over a minute and leaves little specks of lacing on the glass.

S - Faint caramel and diacetyl. A bit of nutmeg and allspice.

T - A slight sweetness, nutmeg, allspice, a little coffee and caramel apples. A lingering coffee bitterness on the back of the mouth. A warm cinnamon appears at higher temperature.

M - Smooth, thick and creamy, slightly refreshing too. Great mouthfeel.

D - The sweetness is light and the bitterness, although strong, isn't a deterent. A good winter ale that is easy to drink. Although, I have had it before and remember the taste and smell being more pleasant.
Jan 27, 2006
Winter Ale (2005) from Brooklyn Brewery
Beer rating: 86 out of 100 with 45 ratings