Ottos Winter Warmer -2007

Not bad, strong cherry flavor with plenty of spice. Good amount of alcohol to warm you, but there was just something missing from this spice beer. Could use some more ABV and finish the flavor body to complete it.

Draft @ Otto’s. Pours a clear, dark mahogany color; off-white head with solid lacing. Lots of doughy esters and yeastiness and peppery spicing in the aroma; a solid, chewy malt core underneath. Medium-to-full mouthfeel: chewy, peppery character upfront; dried dark fruit and black pepper, mostly; a very dry, spicy character throughout; well-reserved alcohol but a touch too much spicing. Lengthy, dried dark fruit and peppery finish; doughy and a bit dry.

On tap at the brewpub. 2007 version. Aroma leaks a little light spice and a surprising spank of phenol. Some spice isle in the grocery store, mingled with soaps and candy. Pours a muddy deep amber, sanguineous. Soap of tan. Sharp, musky and overly spice. Trying to do too much. Heavily muddled middle. Not quite potpourri. But, not too far off. Clove oils and mixed pie spice. Generally soft and well attenuated. A little hot. Finishes with a gummy, rich hop smack. Not terrible, not fantastic, but just not doing a good job of being a spiced beer.

Growler, 2007 version. Poured amber-brown, topped with a moderate-sized brown head. Aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, with caramel malt in the background. Nice winter warmer flavor, with spice, malt, allspice, citrus, and some smoke. Long, spicy finish. Really nice winter seasonal.

Draft. 2006 version, 7.8%. Dark orange/brown body with thin head. Aroma is of cranberries and nutmeg. Very nice taste and smooth. Very drinkable. Taste is sweet and malty with a hint of nutmeg and a tart cranberry finished. I enjoyed this one.

The 2006 version of this beer says it’s cranberries and nutmeg, and only 7.8% ABV, so I might have to call them and confirm that they changed the recipe. I read nothing about cherries, honey or oatmeal, and didn’t taste or smell any of those. What I did notice, though, was a really nice and mellow tart cranberry and nut spice aroma and flavor, almost like a tart cranberry juice and tart white grape juice. Body was moderately thick, really fitting for the kind of roasted nut and dried fruit flavor that this beer had. Reminded me of a better version of Troegs Mad Elf. Another great beer from Otto’s. Color was dark burgundy red.

Not bad, the cherry flavor really seemed to come through strong, with loads of spice in there too. The ABV is nice, but overall this just didn’t blow me away. I still prefer the Duffinator for a good winter drink from Ottos.

Notes from last X-mas. Copper pour, with aroma of caramel malt, big spice, hops. Tastes caramelly, with hops and spice and a warming alcohol kick. Nice beer!