Mrs. Porch got a tip for me on one this one from one of her co-workers. Thanks again Alice, I always get excited when Mrs. Porch tells me she has another recommedation from you.
First of all, Mt. Carmel Brewery is fairly new on the scene, only a couple of years old and family owned. I love the family owned small businesses of our great land. I’m reminded of two quotes from Benjamin Franklin, #1: “The middling class is the backbone of America”, and #2: “The mouth of a perfectly happy man is filled with beer”. Anyway, I went to my favorite beer supplier and there were four different styles on the shelf. Because it was only 18 degrees outside, I chose the Winter Ale. I decided to drink this one on the Porch even though it was really cold.
Because of the outside temperature I also decided to drink the first one at room temp. (mainly because I couldn’t wait till it got cold) It poured a dark, almost cloudy reddish amber with a nice beige head. It had an aroma of nuts and malts and some spice. As I took the first drink, it had a smell that something really thick was about to hit my palate, but to my surprise it was a pretty smooth mouthful. A little sweet at first but a nice hoppy ale taste on the finish, and a bit lighter than it smelled. This beer goes down really smooth and is one you could sip on all night long, so be careful you don’t have to drive anywhere, because I predict that if you start drinking this Winter Ale you won’t want to stop. This is a very smooth brew with a good mix of hops and malts, it could be a little hoppier for my taste, but for the style I have to say “Good job guys”.
I usually like to give ideas on what foods go with each beer, but on this one I think it would be easier to name all the foods that wouldn’t go with it. Probably the most “taste-versatile” beer I’ve ever had. (”Taste-Versatile” Did I just invent a new beer phrase?) So watch out steaks, burgers, roasts, pork chops, pork roast and sauerkraut. Let’s not forget wings, quesadilla’s, nachos, pasta, ham etc. etc. on and on, You have met your liquid match. Also a good choice for special holiday meals, or a cigar after a holiday meal. This beer could very well top the charts on my favorite list. Too bad it’s not available all year long.
P-O-R-C-H Rating: H
I really don’t like to mention a beer from another brewer in a review, but for comparison purposes I’ve decided to breech that mindset. I think this one tastes very similar to Sam Adams Winter Lager, only smoother.
Posted by Mr. Porch