This falls into the category of winter warmers, technically not a recognized category of beers, but a popular style nonetheless. Most are based on an English Strong Ale, and have added spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, although these vary from brewer to brewer. And with this particular beer, from year to year, according to Flying Dog's website (http://www.flyingdogales.com).
The beer is 7.4% ABV, with a moderate 30 IBU's. It is Flying Dog's winter seasonal.
Poured into a pint glass (well, technically 2, as I wouldn't be allowed to consume a Flying Dog brew by myself), the beer is a lovely amber color, very transparent, with a medium cream-colored head and some moderate alcohol legs. The aroma gives a lovely malty base with cinnamon and nutmeg jumping out at me, yet not overwhelming the palate. The beer yields almost a fruity flavor on the front of the palate, without being a fruit beer. It's well-balanced, the malts come through without being overpowering, and on the back side, a little bite of ginger nips in to warm the taste buds.
The spices do not overwhelm, as they do in many winter warmers. It's a very rounded flavor, and indeed, a well-rounded beer. Not an explosion of Christmas spices in your mouth, and yet still tasting of holiday cheer in a bottle, this is a solid offering from Flying Dog.
Rating: 4/5 caps
-Jennie
Although I have to agree with Jennie on the review, I will state this- Flying Dog makes amazing beer. To add to their awesomeness, they have Ralph Steadman for their artwork. Sheer Gonzo-style in a winter warmer. Good People Drink Good Beer. Cheers
4.5/5
-Nathan-
Gonzo is another beer from Flying Dog, Nathan. Silly Nathan. Trix are for kids.
-Jennie
....WOMAN! YOU DO NOT CORRECT ME ON MY H.S.T. OR FLYING DOG OBSESSION! I WILL END YOU!
sleep well.....
-Nathan
...And he wonders why I stay up way later than he does.... Furthermore, the full HST quote is Good People Drink Good Beer. No Shit.
-Jennie
I know what the quote is. I also know that it's originally off of Road Dog (another fantastic brew from Flying Dog). I also know that a bunch of states felt it was too..... 'edgy' because it said shit. SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT... Censor that! And the reason you stay up late is because you're no longer attracted to me, which is why I have to slam beer heavily to forget this, so I can actually get a couple hours of sleep before you come staggering in, trying to wake me from a comfortable slumber to tell me about how your Angry Birds addiction is going..... Check and mate....
-Nathan
Sleep well, yourself, Nathan... you have to sleep sometime.
And with that, censorship is something that has plagued Flying Dog throughout its history. See the upcoming Raging Bitch entry.
-Jennie
So, you have nothing, ergo I win
-Nathan
No, but I like to let you think you win.
-Jennie
....How's that paying for your own beer working out, Ms. Stay At Home Mom And My Kid Isn't Paying Me Shit For Cleaning Up After His Multiple Daily Messes While Claiming That I'm Not Doing My Job Because He Just Made Another Mess While I'm Trying To Feed The Family...... Damn... That's a long ass last name.... I forget where I was going with this other than, I win
-Nathan
Thanks for the Two Hearted tonight, Nathan.
-Jennie
You're welcome.... I think....
-Nathan
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