The Brew SiteAdvent Beer Calendar 2020: Day 21: Anderson Valley Brewing Winter Solstice Ale
Today is the winter solstice, the shortest day/longest night of the year, and to mark the occasion today’s Advent beer pick is Winter Solstice Ale from California’s Anderson Valley Brewing, a longstanding classic winter warmer from the craft beer pioneer. Amusingly, though still on the shelves now, this year the brewery released Winter Solstice in September “to get 2020 over with already.”
It’s a malt-forward take on the style with 6.9% ABV and 6 IBUs. And while I don’t know for sure, I believe there is vanilla, and possibly other spices, added for that seasonal touch. I reached out to Anderson Valley for any additional notes about the beer, and president Kevin McGee responded.
Winter Solstice is our take on the classic style of a “winter warmer.” It’s a really deep and soulful beer that I reach for instinctively when the weather starts turning and the days get shorter. If you’re anywhere where there’s a fireplace with a fire in it, this is your beer. We brew this beer with Northern Brewer and Chinook hops for a deep amber hue and rich mouthfeel. With hints of toffee, spice, and caramel Winter Solstice is a fantastic ale to share and pairs well with nearly ever food you can find in the winter months.
McGee assumed the role one year ago after purchasing AVBC. He provided a bio as well:
Kevin McGee is the President of Anderson Valley Brewing Company (AVBC) of Boonville, California. Kevin has spent the last 17 years working with beer and wine and is a graduate of the Executive Program at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. Kevin is also the Founder of Healdsburg Beer Company, which he started in 2007 when he turned his garage into a licensed and bonded commercial brewery, operating a 1bbl brewhouse selling award-winning limited releases primarily to local bars and restaurants.
A native of Buffalo, NY, Kevin now lives in Healdsburg, CA with his wife, daughter, puppy and cat.
Winter Solstice is a craft classic and one to look forward to each year, particularly on this longest night of the longest year in recent memory.
Find Anderson Valley Brewing Winter Solstice Ale on:
Image credits: Top image, Anderson Valley’s Facebook page; Kevin McGee; can image, website