Legend has it that when the Benedictine monk Dom Perignon tasted a bottle of wine that had accidentally gone fizzy, he exclaimed “I am drinking the stars.”
If he were talking in today’s lingo, he might very well be be shouting “Damn, that Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale is awesome!”
I recently discovered this prized brew of the Anderson Valley Brewing Company in Northern California. My son, a craft beer aficionado, was raving about AVBC’s Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema and I, ever-intent on being in the loop (especially if it involves something good to eat or drink), hustled out to buy some. I quickly learned that the strictly seasonal Summer brew is no longer in the marketplace, but I did find the Winter version at Whole Foods.
Now I know how ol’ Dom felt.
This is one truly delicious beer. The first whiff blew me away – caramel, butterscotch, Christmasy spices like ginger and cloves, warm hazelnuts. And things got even better with the first sip. Rich, creamy, smooth, with a beguiling sweetness and a hint of bitterness to balance it. This is not a beer to belt back while mowing the lawn or rooting for the home team. Rather, it’s a beer to sip, smell, think about, and celebrate your good fortune in finding it. It’s also a beer to run out this very minute to buy, because it’s only made and sold from early November ‘til the end of December each year.
If you believe the brewery’s Web site, this beer will also plunk you smack in the middle of a winter wonderland. The prose is borderline silly:
From the first sip of Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale, your senses will be aroused with the vision of a glowing fire, warming the hearth and home, as gently drifting snow flakes silently blanket the trees outside. Each lingering sip will gently warm your soul with thoughts of family and friends, gathering around the table for the feast.
But, the truth is, there IS something about the beer’s flavor and aroma that makes you think “warm,” “cozy,” “camaraderie.” And, yes, Christmas.
Even if you’re not a beer drinker, pick up a six-pack for cooking. It’s perfect for a braised pork casserole or beef stew. You can also sauté a few boneless chicken breasts with chopped onion, then splash in some Winter Solstice and sun-dried cranberries and simmer until the meat is tender.
Comments