Wachusett Winter Ale

THE POUR: Wachusett Winter Ale pours a lightly clouded, red-amber.

THE AROMA: A mild sweet malt smell, with light spiced hops. This beer is labeled as a “Classic Scotch Ale” with little spices. As you would expect, the aroma is that of a classic ale.  Nothing out of the norm here.

THE TASTE: Smooth, and malty mouthfeel, with light spice and mild hops.  This is a classic ale – not too spiced up as in other Christmas/Holiday seasonals.

THE DECISION: Maybe a little too ordinary – yet highly enjoyable. This is a great holiday go-to, when you are in the mood for a mellow, yet full-bodied Winter Ale.

THE GRADE: B+

Harpoon Chocolate Stout

THE POUR: Harpoon Chocolate Stout poured dark and opaque topped with a thin brown head with almost a twinge of purple

THE AROMA: The beer smelled strongly of roasted malts and an occasional sniff of chocolate.

THE TASTE: Good bitter flavor, likely from the roasted malt. Hop flavor is not very present, not should it be in this style. The chocolate gives the taste an added element of sweetness.

THE DECISION: Very good beer, would go great with a piping hot bowl of chili or beef stew. I’ve seen it suggested to top  a bowl of vanilla ice cream, I’d prefer Hershey’s Syrup.

THE GRADE: A-

Beer Stats:

16 degrees Plato, 190 EBC, 5.9% ABV, 40IBU

From Harpoon Brewery – Chocolate Stout

THE POUR:
Light copper color with a spicy nutty pumpkin aroma, not much head.

THE TASTE:
Spicy full bodied and fairly hoppy, a good pale ale. Alcoholic content is there but didn’t destroy the taste.

THE DECISION:
All in all this is a very different beer than pumpkinhead. Not as sweet and mild, much more hops are used here. A little bit of that bitter bite. Warning; at 9% abv it is a strong brew only available in 1pint 6 oz bombers. I was left with a great taste and a buzz. Pairs well with pumpkin pie.

THE GRADE: A-