YuleSmith (Winter)
From my notes of March 1, 2008 moved from the Yulesmith beer before it was split between Summer and Winter. Another Alesmith brew to try. :^) This is the Winter 2007 version. It pours a clear copper with a 2 finger head of billowy foam that grows in my glass but, happily, no over flow. Hey, it looks like a mini version of Devil's Tower. Fact is, the head retention has to be seen to be believed and there's no shortage of lacing. The smell has notes of caramel malt, pine, fruit,...smells very holiday-ish. The taste is yummy. Beautiful caramel malt hits my palate the same time as a very nicely done (not overly done)batch of piney hoppy goodness. Talk about a smooth but very tasty brew, this one epitamizes that and the alcohol is no where to be seen err...tasted. Further sips in and I'm getting some citrus flavour that adds just a bit more bitterness but the overall flavours are still working in perfect harmony. It has a pretty fullish mouthfeel because of the perfect amount of carbonation and it finishes both sweet and bitter with the edge going to the malty sweetness. Man, the malt is working some magic here and *really* makes this brew stand out and the end result is a really outstanding DIPA that deserves nothing but praise. I love it!! Bottom line: An exceptional DIPA that I hope every BA gets to try. Get it any way you can!!