MdV: Merchant du Vin beer e-newsletter – Fri. Nov. 19, 2004: Winter Warmers

Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock resonates with rich, deep, malt complexity. It is available year-round in bottles, but in the winter you can get it on draft! http://www.merchantduvin.com/pages/5_breweries/celebrator.html

When Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale first came to the United States, fifteen years ago, it was the first taste of a classic "winter warmer" for many Americans. Still the benchmark, it is at your local beer spot now. More:

http://www.merchantduvin.com/pages/1_about/Samuel_Smith_Winter_Welcome.gif

Click and have the perfect holiday gift for the beer lover in your life: our e-store features Bar Kits, a selection of accessories from some of our fine breweries. Check ‘em out at:

http://store.merchantduvin.com/e/mdv

Hoboken, NJ; Portland, OR; Havertown, PA . . . Holiday Tastings, festivals, a radio show, a great article in a Massachusetts newspaper, beer class in Seattle . . . it is a great time for fine beer! Full event listing at:

http://www.merchantduvin.com/pages/1_about/news.html

Beer Chat from the Beer Court Jester: Winter Warmers

During warm weather, a crisp salad appeals to many people. We’re warm, we’re on the go, doing things outdoors . . . the days are long and full.

But when the weather cools, we want a big bowl of hot soup. We want to settle down in front of the fireplace, visit indoors, maybe play a game. We may be thinking about holiday get-togethers or visiting family. And during this time we want our beer to warm us, allow us to contemplate, and to pair with that big bowl of hot soup and hearty winter foods.

The term “Winter Warmer” comes from the British brewing tradition. Some brewers would produce a winter beer that was stronger than their regular beer, with fuller flavor to match the strength, and because English ales are served at cellar temperature (not ice-cold) they actually did serve to warm up the chilled consumer. Winter warmers became a part of the holiday table as well: roasted & fried foods, hearty soups, and a festive table setting are all a fine match for a traditional winter warmer.

Samuel Smith Winter Welcome is the classic British version, and was the first introduction of the style to many Americans. The strength and flavor is wonderfully balanced by the elegant Samuel Smith signature, a result of slate Yorkshire Square fermenters and 250 years of brewing experience. Even the label and bottle are part of the tradition: the Victorian design elements pay tribute to the history of winter warmers, and the holiday scene in the center – which changes every year – is “a vicarious trip to visit different holiday traditions,” in the words of original label designer Charles Finkel.

The current American winter beer landscape is evolving. Winter seasonal offerings come from almost every brewing nation, and of course American brewers love to make products that push or redefine styles: an American winter warmer can be a strong ale, possibly hopped to high levels; it may be a stout; the brew may have spices or fruit; it might be a strong rich lager in the style of a doppelbock. There are really no hard and fast rules about winter beers in America, although they do usually tend to be strong, with other flavors boosted to match.

In some commodities, “winter seasonal” can be a marketing term designed to lean on the shopping pandemonium of the season. (Think of candies or candles) Folks who appreciate fine beer are fortunate: just when we are ready, there are excellent options that really do compliment the season. Strength, complexity, flavor . . . winter warmers pack more into each drop. Let them warm up just a bit after taking them from the fridge. Sip them a bit more slowly. Serve them with Yorkshire pudding, or latkes, or a roasted turkey. Remember to sink a little deeper into your chair, and ponder the warm fire. Meanwhile, contemplate the fine winter warmer in your glass.

Merchant du Vin, America’s Premier Specialty Beer Importer Since 1978

www.merchantduvin.com