Winters Bourbon Cask Ale

Surprisingly good brew from AB. A tad on the sweet side but with a moderately complex palate of vanilla and smoke. The syrupy aftertaste reminds me more of a soda than a brew, but a hell of a lot better than most macrobrewed shlock.

Sampled at Broudy’s Holiday Beerfest 12/2/2006, Jacksonville FL. AB almost got it right with this one. Decent flavors but a bit artificial tasting, and a little cheap tasting. Still, its drinkable and OK, and a damn sight better than I expected from AB.

This was drinkable, very comfortable, and warming. It comes off rather cheaply--the net effect of the large-form carbonation and the flavors is to suggest a Cherry Vanilla soda. Not bad, certainly not bad. It’s just not very subtle.

Darkish amber color with a nice head that dissipated quickly. Aroma is very strong vanilla and a hint of bourbon. Vanilla is again very strong in the taste. A bit too sweet. Light and watery, with an acceptable finish. I am not a fan of AB products, but had to try this one. Not bad for a major brewer trying to emulate a hand crafted brew. The overall effect, however, screams MASS PRODUCED!

Brown 12 oz bottle, twist off cap. It says limited edition and at only 130 ratings, it must be. Born on 11/10/06. Everybody should at least try this once, AB is making a good effort at these craft beers. Pours like a darker brownish yellow clear lager. Smells like pine, lemons and perhaps a hint of whiskey in there too. The starting flavor is an odd & interesting personality of old time candy. Tastes like a higher alcohol rating than 6% and 6 is high for an AB product. Has a hoppy or malty bitter finish that lingers. I don’t remember AB ever making such a bitter & offensive brew. I think they have thrown out the idea that they should not offend their drinkers. Is an AB IPA or bitter stout far behind? I repeat, everybody should at least try this once, AB is really making a good effort to address the craft beer market. The only reason i rated this kind of low is I don’t like IPA or bitter stout, but I know many of you do. By far the best spice/herb/veggie beer I’ve tasted.

A seasonial beer that looked and sounded somewhat interesting. Aroma is all vamilla, color is a copper/orange in appearance. Head starts out thick but quickly dissapates and is thin, with a off white in color. Carbonation is moderate and bubbly throughout the tasting. Flavor is vanilla, not much more i can say. Goes down ok, but leaves a off taste in my mouth. I usually try most seasonals. This is definelty a different style, I personally won’t get this one again, but it is one to be tried if you are into seasonals.

Terrible terrible beer. This was almost a drain pour. I bought this not knowing it was made by AB- tastes like it tho. Terrible alcohol taste with a SLIGHTLY vanilla flavor. I would drink a Bud over this.

Had at a bar in Rockaway, NJ on tap. 11.18.06. Was wondering what the heck this was. Interesting that AB is behind it. Fairly interesting and drinkable. I’m not entirely against it, I drank the whole thing. But be wary of the big macros trying to siphon off microbrewery fans.