CBC Winter Warmer (4/10)

This Winter Warmer comes from Columbus Brewing Company here in Ohio.  It’s a winter ale brewed with malts imported from England, combined with some ginger and cinnamon.  It’s available from late October through December.

It pours a cloudy, slightly reddish brown with a finger-thick head that dissipates slowly. 

The aroma is mildly hoppy and yeasty. 

The flavor, unfortunately, is pretty much hop-forward with some malt.  Ginger and cinnamon take a back seat, or maybe they’re riding in an entirely different car, it’s hard to say.  Like most CBC beers, it tends to be over-hopped to me.

Beer Advocate definitely disagrees with me, giving Columbus Brewing Company Winter Warmer an 85 or “very good” rating.  Rate Beer gets closer to my opinion, rating it a 52.  For me, it gets a 4/10.  That places it just a notch below a Budweiser or Coors, to put the rating in perspective.

CBC Winter Warmer is available on tap at a number of local establishments.  I had this glass at The Winking Lizard on Bethel Road.  The bottled version can be found at a number of craft beer retailers, such as Kenny Road Market.

Flavor Profile:
Sweet, Malty, Dry, or Bitter:  Bitter and Dry
Spice Level:  Very Low
Hops Level: Moderate
Dominant Flavors:  Hops, Malt
ABV: 7.5%
IBU:  Unknown, but probably in the 28-35 range
My Rating: 4/10