United Nations of Beer

Lost Coast Brewing Winterbraun

by Bret
(Las Vegas, NV)

Winterbraun (6.5% ABV)
Lost Coast Brewing, Eureka, CA, USA
Visit the UNOB's California beer guide

This beer was a gift from a co-worker who spent Thanksgiving in Portland with his family. Everyone in my circle knows how I am oddly attracted to holiday beers, just like some people are drawn to watching It's a Wonderful Life 1000 times at this time of year.

Having never really noticing Lost Coast beers at the Lee's near my home, I was a little hesitant about this beer. Sometimes it is a good thing that curiosity killed the cat.

Winterbraun enticed me with its roasted nutty aroma and mild malt overtones. There was very little if no apparent hop or fruity esters present. I did however pick up a slight toffee or caramel scent as I consumed this beer.

It has a deep amber almost light brown appearance with a rusty gold colored foam and no cloudiness, very clear and transparent. Winterbraun has a light foamy head which dissipates quickly, and laces the glass while beer is consumed with a lot of carbonation.

The flavor of this beer is strong with malt, chocolate, roasted caramel and a toasted nut aftertaste that stays on the palate for a little while. There is almost no bitterness and a negligible hop taste which make this a very smooth and drinkable brown ale. The smooth texture coats the mouth and tongue with malt and toffee. It is extremely refreshing and drinkable.

Overall, this was an excellent beer, not just as a beer for the season. I am going to pay a little more attention to the beers that Lost Coast has to offer next time I go shopping for beers.