Anderson Valley Brewing 'Winter Solstice' Seasonal Ale. 6.9% abv. 6 IBU. Ruby-amber color, hazy. Finger of creamy tan head. Good retention and moderate lacing. Head falls to a reliable collar. Nose of tall malt. Rich caramel emerges as the temp rises. Front taste of sweet malt, caramel, back end of bright spice, nutmeg, mild cloves. Aftertaste of brown sugar, slightly roasty malt, bittersweet herbal, spice on the sustain. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, thick, sticky, sweet finish.

This is an outstanding winter beer, one that's heavy on malt yet moderate on the usual winter spices. It comes across like a dessert beer with its stick mouthfeel and warm brown sugar ribbons throughout, its base flavor spawning a summer spinoff, the excellent Summer Solstice. Both beers are unique in their respective categories, defying and complying with expectations.

I first had Winter Solstice back in 2004, around the time it first hit store shelves. It made a splash as one of the first winter warmers of the new craft beer movement. It was my first and certainly not last beer from Anderson Valley. Strongly recommended, particularly if you enjoy heavy malt taste with a pinch of spice.

From the brewery:

"Winter Solstice is our take on the classic style of 'winter warmer.' Boasting a deep amber hue and rich mouthfeel, its creamy finish will lift your spirits. Hints of toffee, spice, and caramel tease the senses making this the perfect ale to share with friends and family during the cold days and long nights of winter."

[source: avbc.com]

Anderson Valley Brewing 'Summer Solstice' Cream Ale. 5% abv. 6 IBU. Amber-orange color. Finger of creamy tan head. Good retention and moderate-low lacing. Nose of caramel, warm sugar. Front taste of sweet malt, caramel, faint herbal spice on the back. Aftertaste of brown sugar, biscuit, sweet citrus notes. Medium body. Mouthfeel is rich, creamy, round.

This is an excellent beer, and a departure from its supposed category. Summer beers tend to be crisp, light, with heavy citrus. This unique summer beer is malty, sweet, and rich, almost serving as a dessert brew. The malt profile combined with the background citrus and hint of spice is enough to give it a signature all its own.

Summer Solstice is based on Anderson Valley's amazing Winter Solstice, which is bolder in its use of spices, and is one of my favorite seasonal beers. I encourage you to try both. If you like their summer beer, you will adore their winter. Highly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Summer Solstice is a slightly sweet, malty session beer with a creamy mouth feel and clean finish.  With hints of caramel in the nose and a touch of spice, it’s become affectionately known as 'cream soda for adults'. The unique flavors and superior drinkability make for the ultimate refreshment on a hot summer day."

[source: avbc.com]