Review: Winter Ale from pFriem
Editor’s Note: Today is day nine in our Twelve Days of Christmas series on Pints and Steins – where we’ll be letting you know about a winter beer every day between now and Christmas Eve.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Winter Ale from pFriem Brewing!
pFriem Brewing hails from Hood River, Oregon, a beer lover’s town that’s also known for Full Sail Brewing and Double Mountain Brewing. While pFriem might be slightly lesser known, the family-run brewery is known for producing high-quality ales that beer snobs all over the Pacific Northwest look forward to enjoying.
Winter Ale from pFriem pours an orangy-copper color that’s mostly see-through. There’s a very small head left at the top of the glass and moderate lacing. When you inhale Winter Ale, you pick up on some super aromatic hoppy notes with hints of spice, orange and even spruce.
pFriem Winter Ale is 7.5% ABV and comes in at 65 IBUs.
How does it taste?
Winter Ale tastes exactly how it smells – it’s a yummy, sweet, citrusy ale with a clear pine finish. There’s a caramel sweetness that balances out this ale. This is definitely more on the IPA-side of winter warmers and is a beautiful beer with a fantastic smell and taste profile. The beer finishes with a delightful dry pine-like finish.
So, even though pFriem calls this a winter ale, this beer bucks the malty dark trend and presents a super hoppy pale ale/IPA combination that is delightful and memorable. This is an easy drinking beer that makes you want to order another to extend the joy.
Should I buy it?
Absolutely – look for it in 22 oz bombers and on draft at your local taphouse. If it’s not on tap, ask your bartender to order it so you have it on hand.