Now that we are full into Winter I like to fortify my already robust anatomy with darker, heavier brews to keep me warm(or at least the illusion of warmth) through the frozen months.  I had a nice session at Brew City in Worcester, sitting at the bar, warming the cockles with a few spicy ales.

I’m not too crazy about Winter seasonal brews.  Sometimes they’re a little too over the top.  I rarely finish a brew that bombards my senses with Frankincense and Murr.  You know, like biting into a Grandma’s Mince Meat Pie.  The Affligem Noel is quite pleasant on tap and from the bottle.  Not too spicy, but festive enough to light up the palette. This strong Belgian Dark has a more earthy essence with hints of caramel and a alcohol taste that kicks in at the end.  It also has a slight anise aroma and a wonderful velvety copper brown color.  This is the Ale I picture the Elves throwing back the day Christmas as they put their little feet up and bitch about that hard-ass Clause.  I later enjoyed a bottle a few days later at a friends party with the similar sweet results.  More banana and apple flavors came through as it warmed.  One 22 oz bottle was enough for me.  Went well with Swedish Meatballs.

Avery’s Old Jubilation Ale has a Ruby Red color and a thick, creamy, light coffee colored head after pouring from the tap.  It has hints of toffee and roasted malt with a tart hop finish.  There is definitely chocolate and cherry elements here too.  Barely a hint of winter spice. At 8% ABV it has a little kick to it.

Troeg’s Mad Elf also lays off the Spice and is very drinkable.  It has a dark Ruby color and a taste of honey and fruit at first. Then as it went down I tasted cherry, orange and malt.  It has a Belgian feel to it.  It also 11% ABV and you can definitely taste it.  At this point I started to get shit- faced so I ordered up some fried pickles(highly recommended).  The contrast of salty/sour/fried and the complex sweetness was so overwhelming I started moaning with pleasure, which made the gentleman sitting next to me very uncomfortable and the bartender had to ask me to calm down.

By the way, Cockles are deepest emotions or feelings in one’s soul or heart.  It also refers to hidden folds or some kind of clam…..you’re welcome.