Anderson Valley Brewing Company Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale

Hello beer lovers and welcome to another edition of the NorCal Beer Blog's brew review.

Tonight’s featured beer is Anderson Valley Brewing Company Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale. I’ve stated many times before (read about it here) I’m a fan of Anderson Valley Brewing Company and enjoy the styles and types of beers they brew. AVBC Winter Solstice is one that I eagerly await each year and when I see it arrive I usually purchase a case of it since I can’t seem to get enough of it.

From the Anderson Valley Brewing Company website:” The holidays are a special time in Anderson Valley. The days are darker, weather colder, and foods richer. And Anderson Valley’s Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale is perfect for this time of year. Deep amber in color, with an inviting aroma of spice and nutmeg, it was made for the turkeys, cranberries, hams, and yams of the holidays. Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale evokes a crackling fire, drifting snow, and smells of home. A hint of spice and hop bite to balance out the creamy and smooth mouthfeel, and medium sweetness. As with all of our products, Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale is never sterile filtered nor heat pasteurized.”

Let’s get started!

Appearance: Pours an amber color with a fluffy off-white head and spotty lacing.

Aroma: Sweet caramel malts, vanilla, spices, butterscotch and fruit. Smells sweet, like liquid candy.

Taste: Caramel sweetness, vanilla and spices with a faint hop bitterness.

Overall: Perfect balance and flavor, Anderson Valley Brewing Company’s Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale is incredibly drinkable. At 6.9% ABV this beer packs a mild punch and since there are no hints of alcohol it can prove dangerous (for some).

Cheers!

Mark Harvey