Crouch Vale Crouch Winter Ale

Formerly brewed at Crouch Vale
Style: Old Ale
South Woodham Ferrers, England

Serve in English pint, Snifter

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Strictly speaking a Winter Warmer. Winter Warmers can sometimes be a Barley Wine or a Strong Bitter, but can also be an Old Ale. This had a soft (oh so soft!) malty base. This was all about the deep, deep, deeply delicious malt. There was a slight wine edge, and a restrained alcohol warmth that kept urging to burst through, but was held back by the smooth (oh so smooth) malt. Gone too soon!

Cask (Gallows Bird, Espoo, Real Ale Festival 2003)
Lovely rich colour, spongy head. Subtle, but interesting fruity and sweet aroma. Lovely smooth palate. Full taste - dark and roasty, but not going all the way to burntness. Like a winter warmer but without the alcohol - good winter quaffer.