Clipper City Heavy Seas Winter Storm

From Clipper City Brewing – Our ‘winter warmer’ ale, brewed with copious helpings of English malts plus US and English hops making it a ruddy hued “Imperial ESB” in style. Full malty flavors dancing with powerful hop aromas and a lingering, firm hop bitterness. Seasonally available from mid October to February.

Clipper City Brewing – Heavy Seas Winter Storm – 12 oz. bottle – 7.3% abv.

Appearance: Dark reddish amber with just a thin strip of ecru head. Very little lacing.

Aroma: The very first whiff gave me a hint of toasted sesame bagel, but I couldn’t find it on subsequent sniffs. Toasted malts similar to an Oktoberfest but the English hops are unmistakable.

Taste: A mixture of sweet and bitter on the tongue but the bready sweetness is fleeting. The US hops give it a longer finish than a typical ESB.

Mouthfeel: Moderately thick but not quite syrupy. Carbonation is nice and low.

Overall: Like all of the Heavy Seas beers, this is a great beer. If Scotch Ale is a bit too heavy and sweet for you, this would be a perfect alternative.