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.
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
