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JosephsBrau Winterfest

Percentile
59
overall

bottled
available

on tap
unknown

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RatingsAverageScoreSeasonalABVStyle PctlServe in
1943.14/5.03.13/5.0Winter7.5%31.8Dimpled mug, Stein, Stem glass
Commercial Description:
JosephsBrau Brewing Company’s Winterfest is a rich, dark bock, inspired by the beers Bavarian monks brewed to lift their spirits during the long fasts of Lint. Dark roasted Munich and caramel malts worked wonders for hungry monks. Our Winterfest is sure to do the same for you. 7.5% alcohol by volume, 28 bitterness units.

Formerly known as Trader Joe's Winterfest.
 Most Recent Top Raters Highest Ratings Who's Rated This?  
 killjoy966 (219), Washington, USA
2.6 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/103/54/102/510/20
Dec 1, 2008  
Didn’t know this was a lager when I first tried it, but it explains some of the taste. Really strange taste and I’m not sure I like it. I suppose this is what a schwarzbier would taste like. I’m also surprised by the 7.5% ABV as it certainly doesn’t taste very alcoholic. I guess I just wasn’t ready for it, because it didn’t sit well on my palate.


 phishpond417 (1935), Madison, Wisconsin, USA
3.1 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
6/103/58/103/511/20
Jun 17, 2008  
This beer is actually from JosephsBrau But I figured it was easier this way. Pours a dark brown colour with a small vanilla head. Light and slightly hopped, a noticeable almond flavor with slight chocolate and a very full mouthfeel. well carbonated, little toffee. Nice winter warmer.


 Alldaydrinker (558), Norwood, Massachusetts, USA
2.5 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
5/103/55/102/510/20
May 9, 2008  
Pours a ruby brown color with a small light tan head. Nose is taint, medicinal, earthy and caramel, the mix just doesn’t formulate right. Initial taste of raisins, medicinal cough syrup, toffee and some roasted malt. Finish is short and dry. Light body. Average head retention. Understandable for the price.


 kwoeltje (1317), Manchester, Missouri, USA
3.5 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
6/104/57/104/514/20
May 8, 2008  
(bottle) medium brown with generous light tan head. Aroma of warm roast malt and hints of chocolate. Flavor is warm sweet malt. Would be a great winter beer (I had it on a chilly spring day - close enough. Got a bottle on clearance at Trader Joe’s for 67 cents - a steal!)


AlexPlatt (7), USA
does not count click to see why this rating of JosephsBrau Winterfest does not count
3.6 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/103/57/104/514/20
Apr 13, 2008  
Medium head (doesn’t last very long though), pours deep mahogany. Striking bouquet, intense malt and a pleasant fruitiness, prunes and raisins. Flavor matches the nose quite closely but doesn’t quite meet the intensity -- malty, fruity, sweet but not too sweet. (A friend of mine shared a six-pack with me, and noticing the purple label, observed, "It even TASTES purple!") It has a character that reminds me or a nice port wine -- with the same thickness on the palate as well. Definitely a holiday beer! I like it -- it’s nice to see Gordon Biersch make an attempt at this style, though it falls well short of classics like Weltenberger Asam. But it’s a damn decent beer, and as T.J.’s is trying to get rid of it at $2.99 a six-pack ... get it while it lasts.


 eyesandsmiles (179), Mission Viejo, California, USA
3.2 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
3/103/56/103/517/20
Apr 10, 2008  
I might just be praising trader joes too much in this review but, really, 2.99 for a six pack? Insane. Especially considering that this is one of the better beers joe’s holds. Buy it. In bulk.


 durhambeer (1203), Durham, USA
3.2 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/103/56/103/513/20
Apr 9, 2008  
Really not bad, especially considering the $3.99/six price point. Dark brown pour with tan head. Pleasant aromas of raisins, caramel, and earth. Taste doesn’t follow through as much. Malty, earthy, slightly fruity. A little too sweet, and a slightly thin metallic finish. Worth a try at the very least. I’ll drink another.


 chandler0201 (341), Durham, North Carolina, USA
3.8 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/58/104/515/20
Apr 7, 2008  
Is it a lager? Is it a porter? Its more like both, all in one beer. Carbonation is much lighter (thankfully) than the dunkleweizen. Perfect amount of bitterness makes it perfect with pizza.



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