A:Good looking, deep amber thats half'n'half clear/cloudy. Solid bodied, above normal foamy head, in a tan color.
S: Big and bold, but in a dark fruit with spice flavor notes. Then I get caramelized pink grapefruit.
T: Full mouth, then quickly crisp and dry. Dark malt, a touch of brown sugar, soft coffee, very nice grapefruit bitterness on the back of the tongue at the finish.
O: Loved this beer. Screw the name this a great beer anytime of year. It's a complex and perfectly balanced brew. Top notch brewery. Seek it out.
Pours clear with several inches of tan, thick, frothy foam. Retention is about average while the foam thickening continues. Lacing is thin but sticky while sporadic.
Aroma is roasted and nutty aroma. Citrus/grapefruit hops are there too. Clean yet soft aroma.
Taste is much more bold. Roast malts are accented by nut, chocolate, and even coffee malts with the latter two coming through and lingering towards the end into the finish. Bitterness is there but mild.
Light end of medium body with medium carbonation being a stretch. Lots of hops that dry the palate.
Much different then I expected for a winter release beer that bills itself as much besides. Instead of a bunch of crappy spices, there were nice malts blended with a pleasant helping of hops. A winner. Enjoy !