Being snowed in for almost two weeks does crazy things to a person. It gives you delusions of being Betty Crocker, and it makes you want to drink. Thank Christ-mas for the Samuel Adams Winter Classics,a 12 pack that is Winco bargain priced at $11.99 (plus bottle deposit).

Here’s what you get, and my opinion of these season brews:

Old Fezziwig Ale (5.9%)
Dark, translucent color with a slightly bitter finish; an intriguing light hint of orange and spice. Well-rounded with a hearty complexity; at it’s best when very cold (unlike the dreadful Widmer Brrrr, where the sharp flavors have to warm up and blend for it to become drinkable).

Cream Stout
Nearly opaque with notes of bitter chocolate; nutty and decadently rich.
This makes the highly complementary duo of Cream Stout and Old Fezziwig my two favorites.

Holiday Porter (5.8%)
A potent porter, but after the previous two it falls flat. The single note flavor lacks richness, but it pairs nicely with chipotle cheddar or a nutty swiss cheese.

Cranberry Lambic (5.9%)
A cloudy, amber wheat, very light and not pasty like some wheat beers. Lots of fruitiness; crisp yet not too sweet or tart.

Winter Lager
A dark, clear amber wheat perked up with cinnamon. Deep, warm spice and a lack of bitter hoppiness.

Boston Lager
The classic medium amber; seems similar to the Winter, but with more hops.

Overall, this is nice selection if you are looking to sample multiple offerings befitting the season.

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