The Swill: Snow Cap Seasonal Ale
The Still: Pyramid Breweries
Seattle, Washington/Berkeley, California
http://www.pyramidbrew.com
The Drill: Seasonal Winter Ale, 12oz bottle, 7.0% ABV, available October through January
The Spill: This winter beer, brewed in the tradition of English holiday ales, combines caramel and chocolate malts with a slightly higher alcohol content, producing a snuggly, fuzzy, warming beer, perfect for the colder holiday season. Dark fruit notes are prevalent in this brew as well, but are well-balanced by the breadiness inherent in the plentiful malts.
Says Bill: I like this beer, from its dark, oaky color to its full aroma, to its complex, nutbread body and warm finish. It's one of those beers that goes great with traditional holiday desserts, from gingerbread cookies to fruitcake. Except it's better than fruitcake.
Refill?: I think I just blew my punchline: 3.5 taps out of 5.