Pfriem Family Brewers of Hood River, Oregon has only been brewing commercially for 3 years, yet they are producing excellent beers. The Pfriem Winter Ale is an unmistakable Northwest ale.
Winter Ale pours amber with a bubbly head of tan foam. The aroma is fruity hops, orange zest and loads of pine. Smells more like an IPA than a winter ale. It tastes like a double IPA, with the hops leading with grapefruit, citrus and plenty of pine and resin from the 65 IBUs. The label mentions spruce tree, and from the aroma and taste I wouldn’t be surprised if the brewers tossed some in.
It’s a really good IPA with a bit more sweetness and malts than, say, a double IPA. I like that style, so this beer sits well with me. However, if you’re looking for a darker, richer but no less hoppy beer, try Pfriem’s CDA.
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