It’s time to sample one last winter beer, in the hopes of driving away the remainder of the season’s subzero cold for another few weeks.
I picked up my Big Muddy beers at the Murphysboro brewery, in the southern end of Illinois during the eclipse in August, but they are also available in the Chicago market.
Big Muddy’s Winter Ale is described as a “Winter Warmer,” implying, sometimes, a stronger alcohol concoction. This is a regular 6% alcohol though, a dark malty ale with cinnamon, vanilla and ginger added.
The smell is pleasant, at first like a strong dark malty beer, then lightening to show the cinnamon and ginger. Luckily this is not another pumpkin pie spice type mix. Still the taste carries a bit more spice than the nose does. The vanilla shows up after a few sips and get a pit perfumey. Nothing has gotten aged here yet, though this bottle is a couple of months old. I just think the malt needs to be a bit stronger to keep up with the spice.
Note: I purchased this beer for reviewing.
