Best Features: winter in a bottle

Howe Sound Brewery, located in Squamish, B.C. on the Sea-to-Sky highway is gearing up for a big winter and it will be an extremely popular destination during the 2010 Winter Olympics. The Brewpub features a great menu with a excellent atmosphere. The prices inside the pub are moderate and the walls are adorn with photos and artwork supporting the local activities.

Father John's Winter Ale is available in a re-sealable bottle known as a "pop-stopper". This type of bottle is reusable and often sought out be homebrewers. Named after John Mitchell, Howe Sound's original brewer, this winter ale is fairly high in alcohol content coming in at 7%. The pour reveals an illuminating amber ale. Immediately the nose is hit with a blend of rich malts, light hops and winter spices. The head retention is fairly loose but the lace sticks to the glass for an extended period of time. On the tongue the beer starts sweet with hints of dark brown sugar and vanilla. The finish definitely tingles the tongue with cinnamon and nutmeg. The mouthfeel is fairly light but the finish is extended by the medley of spices.

Cinnamon and nutmeg are two spices that definitely remind most people of wintertime. Personally I often find the taste of cinnamon a little overwhelming, especially in beer. However, Father John's Winter Ale will leave some palates very satisfied. The combination and use of spices does not take away from the quality of this winter ale which can be consumed "warm" at 8-12 degrees Celsius while you curl up in front of a nice fire.

Food Pairings: Sweet ales like Father John's Winter Ale will often work well with salty foods and sauces. A good beer with dark chocolate and other desserts made with seasonal spices. (Check out: www.eatingwithbeer.com for more information).

Beer Fact:  Howe Sound Brewing Company recently launch a new website that features great information about the brewery and about their beer.