2006 Winter Beer Celebration

It really is the best time of the year, for so many reasons.  On Saturday (December 9th) the hosts of Pacific Brew News gathered with our closest beer loving friends to celebration all that is Winter Beer.  Our celebration saw 30 beers competing for top honors, a best of show round consisting of five outstanding beers and an entire day of good, wholesome fun.  Allow me to recap.

The Judging

With Mark running the cellar the judges were presented each beer blind, meaning they were poured a beer with no name - just a number.  The judges then examined the beers on appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel and overall impression.  There is not 'A' style for winter beers, so each judge was simply asked to base scores based on their expectations for a winter time special.  For many, it was expected that beers would include spices, bigger body and higher alcohol levels - for some it was simply a full flavored beer that was enjoyable to drink.

After each beer had been evaluated and after all the notes had been taken, the Cellar Master would tell the Judges what beer they had just scored.  This method fostered surprise, conversation and sometimes disappointment (by disappointment, I only mean that maybe sometimes a judges 'favorite' beer didn't live up to expectations).

The Best of Show

Once all the beers were tasted and scored, the Cellar Master tallied the numbers and pulled out the TOP FIVE beers of the night.  The beers were again presented blind, by number only.  However, this time the pencils were put away and scores didn't matter.  Instead the judges would engage in debate, choosing the order of these five beers.  Once the debating was complete the Cellar Master would again appear taking the order of beers from each Judge.  Hidden away the Cellar Master again tallied the scores and emerged with "The List" of winning beers.

The Winners

The results were added and added again, and following is the official order of the Best of Show beers.  It must be stated again that each of these beers was outstanding, and there was not consensus when it came to 'the best'.  However, when all the dust settled we were left with this list.

5. Lagunitas Brown Shugga - The beer showcases a surprising bitterness to balance a wonderful warm sweetness.  Deep copper in color, this is truly a winter warmer that is very approachable.

4. Sierra Nevada Celebration - A wonderfully hoppy, full bodied beer with a beautiful deep golden color.  If you like hops, you'll love this seasonal offering by one of America's best breweries.

3. Anderson Valley Winter Solstice - Truly a wintery treat, with a perfect spice addition and creamy vanilla overtones.  The beer is lighter in color, almost orange, and is a great reason to run to your favorite beer store.  Last year's runner up.

2. He'Brew Monumental Jewbelation 10 - Last year's winner came on strong!  Huge malt bill put on a terrific display of roasted and toasted character, accompanied with raisin overtones.  A truly fantastic beer that will only get better as you age it.

1. Alaskan Winter Ale - Silky smooth with a full body, this beer is special.  The spruce tips that come through in the aroma are a welcome surprise, and the gentle character makes this beer approachable for any palate.  If you haven't tried this beer yet, you have no idea what you're missing.  Props to the fine brewers of Alaskan Beer Co.

A very strong showing of beers this year, and each of these brewers deserves a virtual pat on the pack.  Oh, and two of these beers were on the list last year!  In 2005 we awarded top honors to He'Brew and the runner-up was Anderson Valley.  Both of those breweries are producing wonderful winter-time beers, He'Brew making big malty beers and A-V making wonderfully spiced and creamy offerings.

Congratulations to Alaskan Brewing Company, and to all of the Best of Show beers.

The Beers

There were 30 beers submitted for competition.  The list included:

• He'Brew Jewbelation ('06 and '05)
• Rogue's Santa's Private Reserve
• Sierra Nevada Celebration
• Widmer Snowplow
• Deschutes Jubelale
• Coors Winterfest
• Full Sail Wassail
• Lost North Coast Winterbraun
• Gorden Biersch Winterbock
• Sam Adam's Winter Lager
• Anheuser-Busch Bourbon Cask
• Lagunitas Brown Shugga
• Bridgeport Ebenezer
• Anchor Christmas ('06 and '05)
• Moylan's White Christmas
• Full Sail Wreck the Halls
• Unibrou Edition/Trader Joes Vintage ('06 and '05)
• Pyramid Snow Cap
• N'ice Chouffe
• Anderson Valley Winter Solstice ('06 and '05)
• Wychwood Bah Humbug
• New Belgium 2 Degrees Below
• Big Sky Powderhound
• Alaskan Winter Ale
• Cuvee (Belgian)
• Lodi Eisbock
• + A few more...

Your Job

Well, now you have the list.  We suggest you go out and find these beers, or whatever beers your regional brewers make for the cool winter months.  These beers are great with holiday meals and many are a great way to introduce your family and friends to hand crafted beers.

If you have any questions or feedback regarding this article or the event, email us at beer[at]pacificbrewnews[dot]com.

The Judges

Rick Sellers - PBN Host, BJCP Judge | Mark Zahn - PBN Host, BJCP Judge |
Jeff Barber - PBN Contributor, BJCP Judge | Mike Sober - PBN Host and SOBER Founder | Jeff S - PBN Contributor, Host of Wild West Radio

Additional Judges:
Charles | Cody | Jamie | Lothar | Jose | Tracy | Jay | Linda | Greg | Todd | Terri

Happy Holidays From Pacific Brew News!

Written by Rick Sellers
Pacific Brew News
Posted December 11, 2006