Going way back, Winter Ales were served heated. Nothing like a nice hot mug of spiced ale on a bitterly cold day. A great way to fortify the body and soul against the Snow Miser’s wrath. It would sometimes be served with bread, milk and sugar or brandy and eggs! That sounds like a good post-workout recovery drink! But I don’t work out.

Worcester’s own Redemption Rock Brewery has made a lovely Winter Ale that doesn’t need any of that stuff! It is one of the most drinkable smoked porters I’ve had. Made with malt from Valley Malt in Hadley, Ma.( Hadley is also “The Asaparagus capital of the world“) The smokiness in this case is mild and well balanced with the other delightful flavors. The pour is a dark hickory with a coffee colored head. While I was pouring I got a whiff of dark cherries and plumbs and a hint of smoke. More toffee and dark chocolate on closer inspection. Slight tartness on the sip with dark fruit up front and a smokey cocoa finish with a hint of alcohol. This is 8.5% but you’ll need that extra kick to keep you warm against the elements! This Porter has amazing drinkability that I would be lucky to have in a snow shelter while riding out a white-out blizzard.(I never experienced anything like that, so again, like the work out thing and this blog, I’m talking out of my posterior)

The Sonic Pairing: Janis Joplin’s “Pearl” is much like this ale: Dark ,sweet, smokey and boozy. Janis sang the sweet sweet blues but her voice had a grittiness from smoke, Southern Comfort, and a heart that’s been smashed to pieces and put back together too many times. I say “Get It While You Can” and don’t be a “Cry Baby” if you miss out. “Trust Me”, it will help you ride out the heartbreaking cold of a New England Winter.

All Beers featured in the Sonic Beer Blog can be found at Wachusett Wine And Spirits in West Boylston and Worcester.