Harpoon Winter Warmer

The sights and smells of Christmas: cinnamon and holly, nutmeg, pine and gingerbread. The brewmasters of Harpoon Brewery clearly love this time of year and want their customers to experience a taste of pure Christmas bacchanalia in every single sip of Harpoon Winter Warmer.  Harpoon, it is totally obvious that this is not your mainstream winter ale. It could have easily been called Harpoon Christmas-in-a-Bottle Ale.

Where many brewers kick up the hops to the extreme and give you a mere hint of spice, Harpoon seemingly believes that every sip should be an intense taste of the season. When you open the beer, you will immediately experience a powerful smell of cinnamon, pine and ginger. There is no mistaking this beer for another. Harpoon clearly feels that it is important to represent the winter ale category with a unique entry that will strike the imbiber with an unmistakable overall experience.  Herein (also) lies the problem with the beer. People love this beer or they do not. There is no in between.

I sternly warn those of you who do not like spices, could use a visit from three spirits or have hearts that are three sizes too small not to sample this extraordinarily delicious brew. This beer is way off balance. Spices prevail, and I like it for a winter change of pace.  I typically drink a 12 pack myself during the season.  The underlying flavor is quite delicious. It is smooth and medium bodied. I give this brew extremely high marks, but would rate it much lower if I did not appreciate the kind of ingenuity, creativity and flat out balls it took Harpoon to market this beer.  Thanks Harpoon. This beer is one of my 2 favorite winter seasonals.