http://beeradvocate.com/news/stories_read/690

We first poured a special draught version of this beer at last year's
Extreme Beer Fest. Brooklyn's first "command performance" beer was
brewed for their European importers to pair with Christmas food in
Denmark. They called it "Brooklyn Christmas Ale," and it sported
around 7 percent alcohol by volume. The concept behind the beer was to
recall both the Danish and British holiday ale traditions, which
included a range of spices in the days before hops became the primary
"spice" in beer. In England, these spiced ales were referred to as
"wassail"-a term that also has roots as a salutation to one's health
and denotes festive occasions where plenty of imbibing occurred.

Brooklyn Brewery's Winter Ale goes Scottish-styleBut that's all
changed.

Brooklyn completely overhauled the recipe. It's now a Scottish-style
ale. Brewmaster Garrett Oliver explains, "There are no spices at all.
Good British floor malts and hops, along with our yeast strain,
account for all the flavors. It has a Scottish-style cooler
fermentation, which pushes malt to the forefront rather than
fruitiness." It was brewed with Scottish floor-malted Maris Otter,
English crystal malts, Belgian aromatic malts, American roasted malts,
American oats and hopped with Willamette.

The Taste
A rich-looking, deep-copper-hued beer, leaning toward the dark side,
with an off-white foam head that drops to a fine ringed lace. Aroma is
unique. Uniquely British, with a suggestion of dryness, metallic
hints, prominent nutty malt character, interesting orchard-esque
notes, deep caramel beneath, toasty and soft powdery spices. Lively in
the mouth, with a slightly crisp carbonation that peaks and provides
some creaminess. Medium, even-bodied, with a round fullness about it.
Quite dry up front, with slightly abrasive raw, leafy and pithy
characters mixed with some tamed hop bitterness. Wood and earth? Yeah,
a bit. Some fruity and berry-like tartness, reminiscent of holiday pie
fillings and plump, juicy, almost over-ripe black cherries. Definite
apple flavors follow-fruit and skin-as well as juicy pear. Robust and
hearty-as far as beers go. Toasty malts, bready, crust-like. Watery
toffee, with hints of vanilla beneath. Dusting of cinnamon. Orange
zest flavors become more pronounced as the beer warms, pulling through
toward the finish. Man, this beer is all over the place. Quite dry in
the finish, with a lingering yeasty character, touch of toasty
sweetness and a bitey feel on the palate.

Final Thoughts
Still quite festive and very UK-notably in its malt profile, hops and
yeast. A deliciously complex beer that you could easily get lost in,
perfect for the upcoming holidays and one of our favorite seasonal
releases this year. Serve cool, in a nonic-style pint glass, and take
your time with it so you can witness its unfolding as it warms and
enjoy everything that this beer has to offer. Pair with roast poultry,
game stew and pie, or enjoy it on its own. It would also pair nicely
with a cigar after a big holiday meal. 6 percent alcohol by volume.
Available now.

More info: brooklynbrewery.com

Respect Beer.