Winter Ale Standoff

Since winter ales feel so right, I'm making a small hierarchy of the winteriest of the ales--not necessarily the overall quality. These beers are ranked according to ability to rise to the holiday occassion: Great Divide hibernation, Deschutes Jubelale, Boulevard Nutcracker, Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome, and New Belgium's 2 below.

1. Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale, 6% abv

I included one review from beer advocate because it mirrored mine almost exactly. I gave it top billing because of its pleasing fruit finish, in addition to subtle malts and spice.

Aromas are of floral hops, honey/caramel malts, English tea and some lighter orange peel. Fruity esters reminiscent of apple or pear. Some zesty spice notes finish out.

The taste begins with medium-thick bready, biscuity and sweet malts. Honey and caramel add subtle complexities to the nutty malt. Flowery and earthy/herbal like hops provide ample bitterness. Crisp and refreshing in body with a surprisingly light mouth feel this it proves a very easy drinking brew.

Overall this is a very tasty brew, not one of Samuel Smith's best, but good none-the-less. Worth a try because of its quality and reasonable price.

2. Boulevard's Nutcracker Ale, 6.6%abv:

With nice complexity and balance, this is a fine brew at a great value. It pours dark amber and has a very festive malt and hops mix. The finish falls slightly flat, but otherwise this would be my number one of the batch.

3. Great Divide Hibernation, 8% abv

The quality of this beer is the best of the bunch, but as evocative of winter, it falls just behind. Though the spice is substantial, it is overwhelmed by the malts, indicative of an old english-style ale, of which it is an excellent example. The 8% abv is a bonus and since this ale stands out for complexity and flavor, I consider it essential to have on hand, but not sufficient to provide that cozy winter feeling.

4. Deschutes Jubelale, 6.7%

Pours darker than the more golden nutcracker and winter welcome beers, and has the corresponding roastiness of malt. It certainly is festive enough, but isn't complex enough to justify a place at the top of my list. Part of this is likely because I fail to capture the aroma, which is a plus for this beer, according to the reviews.

5. New Belgium 2 Below, 6.6%

Makes a good value for a 12-pack, this beer is no slouch, but still a B beer in my book, and obviously the bottom of my list. I think the sweetness is too much and it doesn't quite harmonize like the others, so I'll probably make it through the rest of the season without it.

To wrap up, these beers are close, too close, and there isn't a knockout winter ale, unless you want to include the Pumking. The standout of the list is the Great Divide Hibernation, but more for boldness of flavor rather than winteriness. (Rogue's Santa's Reserve didn't even place because I demand more flavor from my winter seasonal).

Any hot tips from my buddies?