| Looking for something to warm you up in the winter, this is a good seasonal. The 6.0% ABV does not hurt either. Winter Hook is an exceptional beer and probably my favorite from Red Hook. The beer poured a clear ruby-amber with a dense tan head with good retention. Deep dark-fruits and floral hops dominate a very aromatic beer. In the background there was also some caramel sweetness from the roasted malts. This is a nice hoppy winter ale that derives its warmth not only from the alcohol but through the plum, raisin and cherry like notes mixed in for comfort. I also noted a certain earthiness (Evergreen) about the beer balanced with a bit of sweetness and with a spice back bone that holds it all together. The beer is well blended. The ale is a medium body beer that is well carbonated that brightens up the aroma. There is a lot going on in the beer and all for the best. I did not find this to be an over-done winter seasonal beer, with too much spice, alcohol and body. Though it is a bit heavier than their other offerings, Winter Hook is a nice well rounded drink.
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