Jan 27, 2015

Lost Coast Winterbraun

You don’t see too many Lost Coast products on Virginia shelves all that often. In fact, I believe the last time I came across any of the California brewery’s work, it was back in 2011 with their 8 Ball Stout. Over three years later, I came across a bottle of their cold weather seasonal, Winterbraun.

This 8% ABV winter warmer is rich and malty and suits the style just fine. An amplified bit of sweetness gives it more of a doppelbock-ish trait that wasn’t completely out of left field, but still interesting nonetheless. All in all, Winterbraun did it’s job nicely, keeping me toasty and warm on a cold December evening.

Appearance

The beer pours a dark chestnut in color (even though it looks black in the photo below) with a fleeting cap of beige foam that fell to a full ring around the surface.

Lost Coast Winterbraun photo

Aroma

Bread, caramel, soft coffee notes, a twinge of cocoa and a touch of earthiness combine for a decent smelling brew.

Taste

As stated, the beer is a bit reminiscent of a doppelbock. Distant spices, bread, caramel, light coffee and a moderate sweetness combine for a well-balanced flavor. The brew is medium bodied with a lightly warming finish and a tingle of hops late as everything fades.

Overall

I can’t say much more about this beer. It’s pretty straightforward and rather unassuming, but I guess that’s what makes it go down easy — perhaps a bit too easy. Winterbraun is your standard winter warmer and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Rating: 3.5/5

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