Icelandic Winter Ale - Einstök
I always say, the best way to understand a hard winter is to experience it for yourself. But if you decide it’s better to just let the experienced tell you about it while you sit next to a fire on a fifty degree day, then look no further than the experts on winter at Einstök brewery from Iceland.
Having lived a large portion of my life in the northern regions of America, I can tell you that Einstök put a bit of pineland wonder in a can with their Icelandic Winter Ale. It is bold and warming at 8% ABV, and Einstök adds more warmth with smoked Icelandic barley and hand-cut spruce tips cured in whiskey.
If you’re ready to experience intense winter in a can with us, then let’s proceed to our first impressions.
First Impressions:
On the Eyes--It pours a beautiful deep red color that makes it look like a Christmas tree bulb in a tulip glass, and it is topped with an off-white-colored head.
On the Nose--I get the aroma of spruce right off the bat, showing me they didn’t hold back in that department, and the sweet aroma of whiskey follows right after. It smells malty and sweet enough to float a piece of lead. Good start for a winter warmer.
On the Palate--The smoked barley mixes with the punch of spruce to give the feeling of a delightful winter fire. It is malty sweet and quite smooth, even after the kick of whiskey strikes. It is full-bodied, and it leaves a sort of cherry cordial mouthfeel and flavor behind when it’s gone.
Verdict:
Einstök is one of Mrs. Brew’s favorite brewers and they really bring a winter storm with their Icelandic Winter Ale. The use of adjuncts (spruce and whiskey) make this beer almost a cocktail in a can. It has the necessary warming alcohol, the smoky spruce and whisky flavors, the sweet malt, and the attractive red color to go with it. What more could you ask for a winter ale? Try it while you can.
Cheers!
Mr. Brew