Perhaps it’s because the solstice is tomorrow, or the weather in the PNW has turned. Or maybe it’s because there’s no fresh fruit around that anyone wants in their beer…
So, I’ve mentioned how Kulshan screwed up their Kittens Mittens😮💨 , and I’ve yet to have my first Jolly Roger in 2024. But yesterday I had another solid winter/holiday beer, this one by Boundary Bay Brewing in Bellingham. It’s been a favorite of mine for years, so my heart leaps the first time I see it each year on a taplist: Cabin Fever strong ale.
8.5ABV , 45 IBU. Last year saw a version aged in bourbon barrels that made 11.5ABV without being too hot.
While I could not drink this (or anything like it) in summer or warm weather, it’s most welcome on the short, dark, cold days we’ve been having.
What winter warmers do you like, and who pours them for you?
North Coast’s Old Rasputin, particularly the “vintage” offerings, and any of their beers aged in whiskey/rye/bourbon barrels. Drake’s and Almanac, both Bay Area locals, also make excellent imperial stouts and barleywines.
I know we’re past the point of finding these right now, but maybe for this coming holiday season?
I enjoy Great Divide’s annual winter release of their Hibernation Ale. They’ve also been releasing tall cans of the bourbon barrel aged version, but I haven’t tried that since they stopped packaging it in 750ml bottles.
Along the lines of spiced beers, Lakefront has a decent Barrel Aged Spiced Lager. This year’s tasted a little off to me, like maybe they re-used the barrels a few too many times?
