Weasel Boy Snow Ermine Holiday Ale (8/10)

Zanesville’s Weasel Boy Brewing Company makes this holiday ale.  It starts with their Blackfooted Porter, but with added gravity, Ohio honey, imported vanilla, and organic cocoa nibs.

It pours a clear-ish dark brown with a beige head that lasts a while.

The aroma on this beer is amazing.  It would make a nice air freshener.  It’s something like a smore and a cup of dark coffee at the same time.  There is a definite marshmallow aroma, probably from the honey and vanilla.  There is dark chocolate from the cocoa nibs.  The malt adds a coffee note to it.  

The flavor follows the aroma. It starts malty and somewhat mocha-like, then becomes more like a very dark chocolate with some marshmallow, finishing with a coffee-like bitterness.  It’s a very satisfying experience.  It’s not unlike having a glass of dark hot chocolate with marshmallow in it.

This is a new enough beer that Beer Advocate currently has only a few ratings, too few to give it a score.  Most of the Beer Advocate reviews that exist as of this writing give it something in the 3.78 to 4.4 out of 5 range (something like 76-88 on a 100 scale).   Rate Beer is in the same boat, with reviews ranging from 3.5 to 4 out of 5.  I’m giving it a solid 8/10.  A little sweeter and a little less bitter and this could easily jump to a 9 or a 10 for me.  It definitely works as a holiday beer.  It’s like sitting down in front of the fire with a cup of hot cocoa and marshmallow.

Flavor Profile:
Sweet, Malty, Dry, or Bitter:  Malty, slightly sweet
Spice Level:  None
Hops Level:  Low
Dominant Flavors:  Malt, dark chocolate, and a hint of marshmallow
ABV: 7.2%
IBU:  37
My Rating: 8/10