Mt. Begbie – Stoked Winter Ale
Overview
- Brewery: Mt Begbie Brewing Co.
- Beer Style: Winter Ale
- ABV: 6%
- IBU: 20
- Format Reviewed: Bottle 650 ml (Bomber)
- Brewery Web Page: More info
Mt. Begbie – Stoked Winter Ale Review
Veteran brewery Mt. Begbie brings you its cold-weather seasonal, Stoked Winter Ale. Now, given that the brewery is based in Revelstoke, you have to imagine that they know a thing or two about cold weather drinking. Let’s find out if this beer will keep us warm on a frosty Rocky Mountain night.
In some ways, Stoked is not your regular winter ale. Unlike most product packaging, this beer label actually lists the spices and additives used, which include nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and cocoa.
Reading the ingredients can create false expectations. When you see cocoa, you might expect a substantial chocolate flavour, but in this beer it’s more subtle than that.
By the same token, unlike some other winter ales, this one isn’t over-spiced like a dark pumpkin pie. Having said that, the mix of additives might not be optimal and takes a while to acclimate to.
If you’re a winter ale fan, Stoked is certainly worth trying.
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Appearance(3.5)
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Aroma(2.5)
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Palate(3.5)
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Flavour(3)
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Overall Enjoyment(2.5)
About This Beverage
- Colour: Dark Reddish Brown
- Head Size & Retention: Normal head + retention
- Carbonation: Mild Carbonation
- Clarity: Dark but transparent
- Balance: Very Malty
- Drinkability: Goes Down Slower
- Enjoyment: OK, but not our favourite winter ale
- Malt Characteristics: Juicy Malt, Caramel, Rich/Sweet, Coffee or Chocolate, Dark Fruit (raisins, prunes, figs, black currants)
- Other Flavours/Aroma: Added Chocolate, Pepper/Spice, Nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, plus cocoa
- Palate: Full Bodied, Creamy, Soft or Silky
Summary
Mt. Begbie’s Stoked is not your regular winter ale. If you’re a winter ale fan, Stoked is certainly worth trying.
Pros
Not as over-spiced as some winter ales
Cons
Mix of flavours takes a while to acclimate to
