A taste of... Blue Point Winter Ale

Blue Point Brewing Co. ‎
161 River Avenue
Patchogue, NY 11772-3304
(631) 475-6944

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Blue Point Winter Ale was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was date number on the neck: 2939 R 12:07 4E.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of as creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: A deep amber brew with a fine carbonation with bubbles that form a rocky tan head of medium and large bubbles.

Aroma: First sensations are of lightly roasted grains (a newly opened package of grape nuts cereal), and then comes a toasted grain follow up. A third aromatic recon reveals caramel notes. Between lip and sip the search for spices and flowers is fruitless (A first for a winter-ale to my recollection…)

Mouth feel: Pleasing not plump.

Flavor: First impressions are almost all sweetness and then the slightly singed accents wander in. Second impressions include a growing bitterness that is more bitter than metallic. A third visit finds the flavors easing off and settling down for a long winters nap.

Finish: There are no long goodbyes here and this brew leaves with a refreshing last impression.

Comments: Words cannot express my appreciation for the omission of the “usual” winter ale spices and such adjuncts.

Food & Beer: Soft, but not truly stinky cheeses would enjoy the company of this brew… stoned wheat crackers though… rye might fight with the sweetness in this brew.

The Brewery: http://www.bluepointbrewing.com/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/764/2819

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/blue-point-winter-ale/11226/