Brew52 » winter

how is this not in the Winter sampler?

Rett — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:03:59 +0000

I was over in the Midway yesterday, my old stomping grounds, so I went to Big Top to pick up the Summit Porter. I ended up getting a 12 pack only because it was a better value than the 6 pack ($10.99/12 vs. $7.99/6) and the Winter sampler pack only had Winter Ale, Extra Pale Ale, Extra Special Bitter, and India Pale Ale. Maybe it’s just me but I totally think the Porter should be in there instead of the EPA.

Well, not a big deal that I got a 12-pack since the Porter kicks ass. I’m on number 2 right now, and I’m really enjoying the chocolatey coffee flavors and the sweet finish. Seems like the perfect way to start off what’s gonna be a long winter.

Warms Me Up

Matt N — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:43:43 +0000

One of my favorite Summit beers. I’m not sure if it is just the coffee flavor, but it really warms me up. Great after hunting for the winter carnival medallion, or after shoveling, or after breakfast.

Winter Good

brendan — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 21:42:53 +0000

This beer is frequently a solid performer. I enjoy it every year. But I have to say that it does not light my fire as much as a more high flying beer. It’s solid and good and enjoyable, I buy a twelve pack or more every year. It inspires loyalty rather than slavish devotion.

Wait, did I grab the EPA?

Rett — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:52:16 +0000

Not because of the taste, this definitely tastes different, and I really liked it. But when I was at the liquor store I had to double check to make sure it was the Winter and not the EPA. They just look so similar. From a brand perspective it’s important to have consistency across beers, but I’d like to see a bit more uniqueness.

Schell Snowstorm was a great example of a seasonal beer that you look at and instantly know it’s Schell’s and know it’s their winter beer. Summit Winter has that same yellow label that I instantly associate with their EPA. I was seriously confused.

Also, I’ve really appreciated that most beers we’ve sampled have a description on the bottle/can that tells you a bit about the beer, what flavors to expect, and maybe some food pairing ideas. I guess for Summit Winter we’ll just have to wait until Erik does his review.

solid performer

vonklebs — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 03:59:35 +0000

You can smell the higher alcohol content, followed by a sweet aroma. Has a smooth start and crisp finish; good body, nice head (oh crap this sounds like the wrong kind of posting now), good balance of sweat and slight bitter. Not a personal favorite style, but always look forward to having a few during the cold months.

I’m Having Trouble With Winter

DeRushaJ — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 02:41:49 +0000

I really enjoyed this beer. It’s very drinkable, it’s very tasty. It went down quickly and smoothly last night, as I enjoyed some delicious hot and sour soup. But I’m having a hard time reviewing it, because I can’t think of much to say about it. I guess I should just say, I like it. I don’t love it. But I’d drink it again.

Not a favorite

Mac — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 02:32:04 +0000

Not really a big fan of this one…I think it is just the style I really don’t like. There are a lot of good flavors, but the whole mix together…just really not that crazy about it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a horrible beer by any measure. Reading some of the other comments on this beer I guess I have to agree with CJ Camp, this beer is nothing to get up about. The good thing is that the Great Summit Brewing Co has plenty of other quality beers for me to enjoy!

Winter at it’s best

Josh — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:14:37 +0000

Summit Winter has a strong look (a very dark brew), a strong smell (heavy malts, caramel and hops) and a strong taste (thick and a little flat). As I write this review it’s 3 below outside and somehow that make this beer more enjoyable. As a newcomer to the “winter” genre of beers I feel like this Summit must be a good example to judge other “winters” by, but I invite the more experienced members to suggest other worthy contenders.

Disappointed

Matt N — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 22:35:30 +0000

I was really excited to try Snowstorm, and to kick of this weekly project, but then I tasted it. I admit it was lighter tasting than I expected, but that is about all I liked about it. If you blink you’ll miss the hint of fruit and just be left with the bitter aftertaste. I’m glad I got the Schell’s sampler pack at Haskells instead of six of these.

Tasty

Kassie — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:06:20 +0000

After a long day of sitting around my house doing nothing, this beer hit the spot.

I generally like Schell’s beers, but I don’t buy them often. This is the best of their beers I have ever tasted.

It was sweet and smooth. I was happily surprised by how much body it has. I wasn’t expecting any, so the amount it had made me happy. More would have been better. In a glass, it is gorgeous, just really pretty. The alcohol content must have been more than a normal beer because my husband got a buzz off of just one, or so he said.

Overall, much better than expected. I would absolutely pick up another six pack.