Harpoon Brewery- Winter Warmer: Someone Gut This Whale Please!

Another day, another “Winter Warmer” beer to review. This is about the fifth beer I have tried that has latched onto the oh-so-clever winter warmer moniker. It’s getting old fast. This beer has been aroud for twenty years and it tastes outdated. Other seasonals have come along in the last few years to make his offering from Harpoon seem downright antiquated.

This dark red spiced ale poured pretty flat, with only a trace amount of foam and a few bubbles dancing around. It smells of spice, and the label confirms hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. I believe most folks know my stance on nutmeg by now. Fortunately the spice taste is no where near as strong as it smells. The light cinnamon flavor hits you first and is actually quite enjoyable, until you swallow it. I have never had something turn on me this badly since I tried to domesticate a pet raccoon. The aftertaste is pure rubbing alcohol. I’m not talking about a hint of alcohol. This beer leaves a lingering tingle on your tongue that makes me imagine what it must be like to suck on an oxy pad. A purely unpleasant sensation that really gave me trouble finishing a whole bottle. Leave this one to beer sadists only!

ABV: 5.9%

Consumed: Pint Glass

Verdict: Skip it!