Pints And Steins

Editor’s note: This is the third in the Beer Advent Calendar 2015 series. Likewise, I’m going to be posting a beer review each day. Some will be Christmas or Winter ales and other selections will be beers I’ve been wanting to try for some time.

Today let’s travel back to Bend, Oregon and visit 10Barrel. This brewery generated waves in the Central Oregon brewing community when, in January, it was bought by Anheuser-Busch.

Despite being owned by a large corporation, 10Barrel is still doing routinely pumping out fantastic beers and Pray For Snow is one of them.

Pray for Snow is 10Barrel’s fall beer that comes out every November. It’s a strong beer, coming in at 7.6% ABV and it’s moderately hoppy at 75 IBUs. Pray for Snow is available in 22 oz bombers and in a 6-pack of 12 oz bottles.

How does it taste?

Pray For Snow pours a deep, dark brown. It leaves a ton of lacing on the glass after the head dissipates.

When you sip Pray For Snow, the smooth malty tones overwhelm your senses followed by a sweet hoppy finish that can only be described as earthy.

The aromas are quite strong with this beer, making you think it’ll be overly complex, but its taste is simple and smooth. If you’re a fan of

This strong ale has a few different flavors going on, but it’s not overly complex and Deschutes is careful to make this beer to seem like it’s trying too hard. Each component of the flavor profile compliments the other.

According to the 10Barrel web site, 10Barrel has used 5 different malts and used new hops this year. It’s profile this year is less fruity and more herbal and hoppy. I dig it.

Should you buy it?

I’d try this beer at a pub first before committing to a 6-pack. If you’re feeling experimental, buy the 22oz bomber.

Tags: 10Barrel, Pray For Snow