Tasting Peticolas’ New Cold Weather Brew: Wintervention

It was bound to happen. After falling head over heals for Peticolas’ Velvet Hammer, and swilling more than my share of Royal Scandal and Golden Opportunity (both with which I’m smitten) I’ve finally found a beer brewed by the award winning brewery that’s not for me.

See also:
– The Magic Behind Peticolas Brewing Company’s Velvet Hammer

I recently ordered a glass of the Wintervention at the Libertine Bar and found the brew too sweet and heavy for my taste. Billed as a strong, spiced winter ale, Wintervention is loaded with flavors you might find in your grandmother’s Christmas cookies. Nutmeg and allspice were prevalent, and sweet caramel and malty tones gave the beer an almost toffee-like flavor. While wrestling with the beer I jokingly tweeted that downing a glass was like drinking a doughnut.

Some of my followers were quick to disagree.

The Common Table quickly jumped in to defend the brew, calling it a “kick-ass spicy doughnut,” and another tweeted that my description sounded awesome, making me sound like Scrooge of Christmas Beers. While Wintervention may not be for me, you might want to jump on this one quick if you’ve enjoyed Peticolas’ other flavor profiles and you’re looking for something sweet, rich and boozy.

What’s most interesting about the beer is the alcohol that lurks beneath that off-white head. Wintervention clocks in at 10 percent ABV — more than the Imperial Red Ale that left me Velvet Hammered on more than one occasion — but you won’t feel any alcohol burn. It’s completely hidden behind all that malt, making this a surprisingly drinkable, boozy beer for those with a sweet tooth.

Want to try it for yourself? It’s currently on tap at the following bars.

Libertine
Common Table
Goodfriend Beer Garden
Strangeways
The Old Monk
Bryan Street Tavern

and more…