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Winter Storm
Heavy Seas Beer
- From:
- Heavy Seas Beer
- Maryland, United States
- Style:
- Extra Special / Strong Bitter (ESB)
Ranked #34 - ABV:
- 7.5%
- Score:
- 86
Ranked #20,036 - Avg:
- 3.8 | pDev: 11.84%
- Reviews:
- 553
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Jan 13, 2024
- Added:
- Feb 17, 2004
- Wants:
- 41
- Gots:
- 113
Winter Storm might just be the best example of who we are here at Heavy Seas. Our winter ale draws on hops from the west coast and the UK for its pronounced bitterness. A mix of pale and darker malts give it its tawny color and robust body. True to the style, Winter Storm’s aroma is full of nutty malts and earthy hops. This is an exceptionally balanced beer for that time of year when the days get shorter, the nights grow longer and the air is crisp. Inspired by the classic English extra special bitter, but brewed in our Fearless, Bold and Independent style.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by chiefydawg:
Reviewed by chiefydawg from Ohio
4.26/5 rDev +12.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.26/5 rDev +12.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
These Clipper City guys make a fresh-looking beer, and it's all in that head. Just a small, fresh, creamy, lively head that emanates the scent. The body is like an old varnished cherry wood antique dresser. If you look closely, you can see bubbles rising steadily. Thick, webby Brussels Lace grip from the rim on down.
Smells fresh too, and the hops are apparent. Still doesn't overshadow that plum/raisin scent that tags along nicely.
I let it warm a bit since my fridge is cold - glad I did. Got a full dose of the caramel sweetness, herbal hoppiness and some faint ripe fruit right off the bat. Strong with great balance, like a well-forged blade. Has substance without being to syrupy. The alcohol, for 7.5%, is well-hidden without being concealed by too big a taste, and just adds to the complexity. It actually provides a tad bit of throat warmth during the final sips like a winter warmer/ESB hybrid should. And a well-done one at that.
Feb 19, 2008Smells fresh too, and the hops are apparent. Still doesn't overshadow that plum/raisin scent that tags along nicely.
I let it warm a bit since my fridge is cold - glad I did. Got a full dose of the caramel sweetness, herbal hoppiness and some faint ripe fruit right off the bat. Strong with great balance, like a well-forged blade. Has substance without being to syrupy. The alcohol, for 7.5%, is well-hidden without being concealed by too big a taste, and just adds to the complexity. It actually provides a tad bit of throat warmth during the final sips like a winter warmer/ESB hybrid should. And a well-done one at that.
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by bauersteven
1.66/5 rDev -56.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 1 | feel: 2 | overall: 2
1.66/5 rDev -56.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 1 | feel: 2 | overall: 2
English bitters are one of my favorite styles, but this one was a very big disappointment. Metallic-tasting and much too bitter. I did not like this beer at all.
Dec 22, 2023Reviewed by Griffin2 from Virginia
3.81/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.81/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a 12 ounce bottle with a best by date of March 3, 2024 into a shaker pint glass.
L - Pours a reddish brown color with a slight tan head.
S - Smells malty .
T - Tastes of caramel with some bitterness, and a slightly sweet finish.
F - Medium body and carbonation.
O - I haven't had an ESB in a while, this is a nice change of pace beer.
Dec 13, 2023L - Pours a reddish brown color with a slight tan head.
S - Smells malty .
T - Tastes of caramel with some bitterness, and a slightly sweet finish.
F - Medium body and carbonation.
O - I haven't had an ESB in a while, this is a nice change of pace beer.
Rated by 1BrewBacca from Georgia
3.79/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
3.79/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Amber red pour, white head. Somewhat dry but clean on the palate.
Nov 21, 2023Reviewed by puck1225 from Texas
3.94/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.94/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Bought a bottle of this beer with my son in PA. Poured into a shaker pint. Nice reddish brown color with good beige head and curtain lacing. Earthy caramel smell and taste. Strong bitter finish. Great with Christmas snacks!
Dec 24, 2022Reviewed by teromous from Virginia
3.49/5 rDev -8.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
3.49/5 rDev -8.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
From the back label: "22190 BEST BY MAR1323"
Appearance: The body is a reddish-brown color with very good clarity. It has a medium-sized head that is creamy textured with an off-white tobacco stained color. Good retention and lacing.
Aroma: Dry milk aroma with some dusty pine boughs. Overall aroma is mild.
Taste: Up front there is a touch of lemon mixed with some pine. Orange flavor comes through with some pine as it rolls over the tongue. A very light touch of caramel. Slightly burnt caramelized marmalade on the finish.
Mouthfeel: It is medium-bodied leaning a bit on the fuller side with good carbonation. A light slickness to the beer. A mild hop bitterness. Easy to drink.
Overall: The neckerchief states that this is an "Imperial ESB" and that this is "7.5% Alc./Vol." It tastes good with pleasant notes of orange marmalade and hints of pine and caramel. Although the hop character is nice, it seems to present a lot more hop flavor than the malt counterpart. It is good but I wouldn't recommend it to somebody looking for an ESB. It might be worth buying a single or tossing into a mix-a-six. The orange-like character is enjoyable in a beer when things are a bit cold outside, similar to the "Winter Storm" namesake, but it wouldn't be something I would probably buy again.
Nov 24, 2022Appearance: The body is a reddish-brown color with very good clarity. It has a medium-sized head that is creamy textured with an off-white tobacco stained color. Good retention and lacing.
Aroma: Dry milk aroma with some dusty pine boughs. Overall aroma is mild.
Taste: Up front there is a touch of lemon mixed with some pine. Orange flavor comes through with some pine as it rolls over the tongue. A very light touch of caramel. Slightly burnt caramelized marmalade on the finish.
Mouthfeel: It is medium-bodied leaning a bit on the fuller side with good carbonation. A light slickness to the beer. A mild hop bitterness. Easy to drink.
Overall: The neckerchief states that this is an "Imperial ESB" and that this is "7.5% Alc./Vol." It tastes good with pleasant notes of orange marmalade and hints of pine and caramel. Although the hop character is nice, it seems to present a lot more hop flavor than the malt counterpart. It is good but I wouldn't recommend it to somebody looking for an ESB. It might be worth buying a single or tossing into a mix-a-six. The orange-like character is enjoyable in a beer when things are a bit cold outside, similar to the "Winter Storm" namesake, but it wouldn't be something I would probably buy again.
Reviewed by milkshakebeersucks from Maryland
4.15/5 rDev +9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.15/5 rDev +9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Clear deep copper body with a large beige head and good lacing. Dank aroma, some caramel, a bit nutty,, herbal hops. Taste is hoppier than the aroma might suggest. Herbal and spicier with some pine lurking in the background. Malts provide a strong backbone. Bitter aftertaste. Well carbonated, full bodied mouthfeel. Drinks like an Imperial ESB (if there were such a style).
Oct 29, 2022Reviewed by chitoryu12 from Florida
4.27/5 rDev +12.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.25
4.27/5 rDev +12.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.25
Look: Clear amber with some minor carbonation bubbles rising. Slightly over half a finger of bubbly white head with decent retention.
Smell: Doughy malt, toffee, caramel.
Taste: Malty, with a slight metallic note, and generally sweet. Very mild hop flavor and limited bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Full, chewy body with good carbonation.
Overall: Not the most amazing ESB on the market, but very warming in the cold.
Apr 22, 2020Smell: Doughy malt, toffee, caramel.
Taste: Malty, with a slight metallic note, and generally sweet. Very mild hop flavor and limited bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Full, chewy body with good carbonation.
Overall: Not the most amazing ESB on the market, but very warming in the cold.
Reviewed by gestyr from Pennsylvania
3.93/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
3.93/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Poured from a 12 oz bottle. Bought a discounted 6 pack as its best buy date was 17 Feb 2019.
Pours a nice deep reddish amber with a thick, long lasting off-white head that leaves lots of lacing.
Smells of malt, toffee, caramel and a hint of hops
Tastes strongly of malt and toffee with a hint of dark fruit. There is a distinct bitterness that balances the sweetness.
The body is on the heavy end of medium bodied.
I have no idea what this beer went through in the year since it expired but it did age well. :) It reminds me of a Barleywine.
Apr 04, 2020Pours a nice deep reddish amber with a thick, long lasting off-white head that leaves lots of lacing.
Smells of malt, toffee, caramel and a hint of hops
Tastes strongly of malt and toffee with a hint of dark fruit. There is a distinct bitterness that balances the sweetness.
The body is on the heavy end of medium bodied.
I have no idea what this beer went through in the year since it expired but it did age well. :) It reminds me of a Barleywine.
Winter Storm from Heavy Seas Beer
Beer rating:
86 out of
100 with
1101 ratings
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