Summit Winter Ale

Brewed by Summit Brewing Company
Style: English Strong Ale
St. Paul, Minnesota USA

hmm. difficult to rate a beer. everyone seems to rate the belgian strongs as the highest. does that mean that belgian stong ales are the best beer, or the best kind of beer? then imperial stouts? summit winter, when fresh, is a wonderful winter ale. incredibly good fresh off a good tap, this has big head, a lovely warm brown taste, balanced hop and malty flavor, and not too strong of an abv. i had this one night in duluth at a theatre bar on tap, obviously fresh, and i’d take that over any bitter i’ve had in london. is it the best beer? well, in many ways... yes. for everyday drinking, though, give me summit extra pale ale, best fresh out of a keg with a good clean line.

Oooh, what a nice aroma! Toasty, roasty, warming! Very inviting!Color is deep brown and carbonation is moderate with a thick tan head that clings to the sides of the glass. Smooth malt taste profile. Hops are well balanced. This is a rich, but highly drinkable winter beer! This is probably Summit's finest Winter Ale in several years!

Hey, its good! Its got hops but doesn’t bite too much. Its got legs, but doesn’t knock you on your ass. Its got richness, but doesnt taste like sorghum syrup. Its even got a little bit of class, but not terribly distinctive. This is a reasonably pleasant beer with a decent kick to it.

Best enjoyed on tap, the open hops seem to approach the polecat in the bottle. Dark consistent color with a touch of burgundy. Medium pace across the palate, and a mid-decibel finish create a brew fit for IPA fans and porters alike. Not a rock star, but a pleasant performer nonetheless: the ticket price is rather fair for the show.

A gift from those who know winter to those of us that have to bear the cold. Thank you, Summit. I actually look forward to winter, in part because of this fantastic beer. Malty, slightly sweet malt aroma, wonderfully robust, yet crisp. The sweetness is nicely balanced by a slight bitterness. Better on tap, but still great at home.

Dark in color, full body flavor, a long lasting head. Simply put... the best Winter Ale I’ve had.

very good beer, has a hint of spices and candy apple flavor in it. sat very good on the palate with a hint of bitterness. a very good winter warmer

2004 Update - Holy crap, this used to be good, now its great! Better than last years. Now more balance in flavor and a better body. Thanks Horace! New 2003 vintage... Bottle pours a deep dark amber color really only seen through back light with a decent tan head and some lace. The aroma is quite grapefruit and malt. The flavor is quite hopped - a rather nice surprise. A sweet chocolate like finish and a bit of a lingering bitter. The palate is fine with a nice cleansing carbonation. Hey, I like this local brewer, but I now like it even more.