Lancaster Winter Warmer

If you want to get a good price on cases, stop by a distributor when they're changing over their seasonal stock.  I wound up dropping $30 total on two cases of seasonal beers: Lancaster's Winter Warmer and Brooklyn's Black Chocolate Stout.  I was impressed with the Winter Warmer, which I tried last night:

It's described on their website as a "classic Olde Ale," and it certainly fits that bill nicely.  It poured from the bottle with about a one-inch tan head, which settled pretty quickly -- it was halfway settled by the time the camera on my phone was ready to go.  It has a rich, spicy, floral, resiny aroma, and a solid roasted malt and coffee flavor that complement the warmth it leaves in your mouth.  Notes of caramel, molasses, figs, dates, and even some plum also came through, and there's just a touch of dryness on the back end.  Overall, I thought the aroma and flavor profiles were well-blended and balanced.  While you can taste the floral spiciness of the hops, it isn't overly bitter (their website lists it at 30 IBUs).  It's definitely a sipping beer, which is nice for these freezing cold early spring days.  I'd give this beer a 7.5/10.  It's not quite an 8 in my book, but it's almost there.

I was also a little warmed to see "Benefitting the Wolf Sanctuary of PA" on the bottom of the label.  I feel better about buying from companies that do something to give back in some way, shape, or form, especially if it helps the environment or animals (or both).  And I've always thought wolves were just awesome...  If you'd like more information on the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, you can visit their website here.

I'm glad I stopped by the distributor -- this case cost me only $10, which is an excellent price, especially for a beer this good.  Even if I don't finish it before warmer weather sets in, I can always stash it in my basement through the summer and enjoy it when the fall chill creeps back into the air.  I'll have to keep my eye out for other end-of-season clearances.  Cheers!