Mt. Carmel Winter Ale

3.8/5

AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 15/20

12 ounce bottle into pint glass, no bottle dating, but it is from 2011. Pours hazy brick red color with a nice 2 finger dense khaki head with incredible retention that reduces to a thick cap that lasts. Spotty lacing clings to the glass. Aromas of big ginger, cinnamon, caramel, nutmeg, honey, citrus, biscuit, and molasses. Fairly nice aromas with decent strength. Taste of big caramel, cinnamon, brown sugar, allspice, ginger, honey, light fruitiness, and herbal spice. Good amount of spices linger on the finish; with caramel, light fruits, cinnamon, ginger, and honey for a bit. Nice balance of flavor and spices here; turns out to be very smooth and drinkable, without being cloying. Alcohol is very well hidden for 8%, with only a slight warming after the finish. Medium-high carbonation and medium bodied; with a slightly creamy and smooth mouthfeel. Overall this is a very nice winter warmer. Plenty of spice character, yet still has nice malt balance.

Another nice Mt. Carmel offering. A little spice heavy, but still has nice balance.