Redhook Winterhook

Brewed by Redhook Brewery
Style: English Strong Ale
Woodinville, Washington USA

Serve in English pint, Trappist glass

12 oz. bottled on 11/22/05. Poured into a weizen glass, cause I thought this’d be a spiced ale. Gah! But there’s a lovely grainy malt smell upon opening, such a break from the two skunky import lagers I had before this rating. Deep brown ale color when poured, nicely filtered, under a bit of a rocky, thick head. I can taste brown bread & honey malts upfront, but immediately following is our old friend the Pacific hop load. Citrus and pine in harmony with winter strength caramel malts. It’s a pleasing combination. No harsh alcohol burn adds the pleasure of this nice drink.

Poured into a pint glass from a 12 oz. bottle. Light orange with red-orange hues. Nice two finger head from a medium to hard pour. Smell is of pine, citrus, and biscuits and maybe a touch of scotch. Taste is pungent hops and smooth toasty malt...some spice. Good beer

12 oz bottle. A nice nutty & malty aroma. Poured a deep amber-brown with a large frothy off-white head that disipated quickly. The flavor was odd, and disappointing. A light sweet start, progressing quickly to bitter, with a strong metallic finish. The after-effect reminded me of soured milk. Thin body. I burped metallic Christmas tree the rest of the afternoon...

a nice amber-brown, simple lacy white head, a hoppy aroma, with some roasted malt and some almond and walnut in the background. The flavor is of almond extract, hops, a little yeast and some roasted malts. a good brew, but entirely too thin.

Dark, reddish-brown with a small head. Slight malty aroma coupled with some floral hops. Fruity and sweet, but a little too watery and thin. No real aftertaste, but a spicy hop finish.

Feb. 23, 2006; 12 oz. bottle.

I really like the Redhook signature flavor; and the spices here are pleasant. However, this strikes me as far too watery & weak for a true "Winter" brew, lacking both the body and malt undertones one would rightfully demand of this style.

12 oz bottle. Poured with minimal off white head leaving some lacing. Deep amber color with nice hop and malt in the nose. Citrusy hop and dark malt flavor with more of the citrusy hop aftertaste. A nice winter ale.

Bottle. Poured deep amber color with an average frothy off-white head that lasted. Good well balanced roasted malt and hop aroma. Medium body with soft carbonation. Same well balanced flavor with smooth soft finish of average duration.