Anderson Valley Winter Solstice (8/10)

Anderson Valley Brewing Company of Boonville, California, produces some really nice beers.  Their Brother David’s Double is especially nice.  Winter Solstice is their Winter Warmer style beer.  It’s available from September through February.

It pours a beautiful clear coppery brown with a thick beige head that dissipates within a short time.  It leaves behind spots of lacing.

The aroma is sweet, caramel, and dark fruits.

The flavor starts mildly sweet with some apricot or peach, a hint of spice, and caramel.  The finish has a kind of orange peel bitterness to it with a bit of peach pit.  That sounds kind of unpleasant, but it’s not, really.

Beer Advocate visitors rate it an 87 or “very good” while The Bros rate it a 94 or outstanding.  Rate Beer is in the same ballpark, giving it a 90.  I like it, but The Brew Kettle’s Winter Warmer is better to me, so I’m giving it an 8/10.

Flavor Profile:

Sweet, Malty, Dry, or Bitter:  Malty and Tangy
Spice Level:  Very Low
Hops Level: Extremely Low
Dominant Flavors:  Apricot, citrus peel

ABV: 6.9%
IBU:  6
My Rating: 8/10