Redhook Winterhook

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

Serve in English pint, Trappist glass

I actually found this to be really enjoyable with my lunch. This is becoming one of more favorite styles as I get away from being a hope head and more into appreciating maltier darker styles. Dark brown with amber hues and some really lively carbonation that is a real joy to watch as it reacts to being poured. Sweet fruitiness and rich malt character, some spiciness and herbal black tea notes. Very nicely done

UPDATED: JAN 23, 2006 On tap at Zao in Seattle.

Pouirs a dark copper with an small head. The aroma is crisp (not floral) hops and toasted grain; the flavor is a pleasant blend of rather grassy hops and a very modestly toasted barley. The palate and flavor itensity alike are rather laid back, compared to what one might expect from a PacNW winter seasonal. The well-balanced combination strikes at the essence of beer and makes for quite a nice - if subdued - ale.

This one is worth revisiting.

2005 bottle. Deep copper, cobwebs of beige foam leaves thin rings of lace. Interesting "green" leafy/earthy aroma- German origin hops?- with nutty boiled peanuts (it’s a southern thing) and dashes of copper, coffee, allspice, and... raspberry? Upfront minty/herbal hop taste again, almost juniper, nicely backed by toasty malt flavors, and a resiny citric PNW hop finish. A good bit of fruity and tealike qualities. Medium full, almost-oily body. Fresh parsley/mint and roasty bitter aftertaste. Good beer. PS- The Redhook website says it’s hopped with Northern brewer and Cascade. Bingo!

Nice, hoppy ale, thought this one was an IPA. Dark color with a good lacing head. Very hoppy aroma and flavor, with a caramel backbone of malt that blends nicely, although a bit too hoppy.

A 12 oz. bottle pours a clear, dark amber body with an average light tan head that left good lacing. The nose features a pleasant, by nondescript fruity aroma barely disguising the malt base. Initial palate is mildly sweet, but quickly yields to hop resins. The midpalate presents a rather plain flavor spectrum, which is reminiscent of orange pekoe tea. The finish is dry and fairly long lasting.

Has a nice fruity hoppy aroma, light resinous quality with orange peel. Caramel and toffee sweetness, a bit malty. Clear light root beer brown, with thin off-white foamy lacing head. Medium bodied beer with heavy carbonation and resultant carbonic burn. Starts with mild caramel toasty sweetness and medium carbonic acidity. Hops come in quite strong with good fruitiness and a big hit of bitter. Not overly harsh, but a bit rough around the edges. After is a bit dry and bitter.

pours a clear ruby brown with minimal head and lacing. fruity aromas when warmer; apricot, strawberry, and maybe banana. taste is very smooth, slightly sweet but lacking anything to give it greatness.

Clear dark amber colour with thin off white head. No distinguishable nose. Mild hop taste with slight dry bitter finish.