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 I’m not sure what I was expecting when I opened this beer, but the hops are so strong that the taste hit me in the face like a shovel – I just wasn’t expecting it. Therefore I would say that if you like hops a lot, or if you like to be hit in the face with a shovel, then you’ll really like this beer.
Perhaps my surprise came from my assumption that most winter beers have a higher concentration on the malts and spices and other flavorings like cinnamon and nutmeg. These flavors are in the Never Summer Ale, but they are so overpowered by the hops that you might not notice it at first.
The beer is also a little weaker on malt than one would expect in a winter seasonal. For many people, this characteristic actually makes the Never Summer Ale more drinkable, but if you are looking for a maltier beer, then the 2 Below by New Belgium might be a better choice.
I have to say that I do like hops, and after the first few sips, I did enjoy this beer. My shovel comment above notwithstanding, I would definitely recommend the beer for poker night or any other occasion.
That said, I don’t think it is necessarily a “winter brew”. I think it would probably do just as well as a spring or year-round beer – perhaps changing the classification to Amber.
This beer earns a solid “Good” 3/5 rating. Definitely drink it if your other options are megabrews.
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