Highland Cold Mountain Winter Ale

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 7

Had in Reno via the TN connection. Very nice mellow warmer, especially if u dig vanilla, the main player in aroma and flavor. A winter solstice in a different label. Chestnut color smooth medium feel, light on the hops. Thanks Lou.

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

From Stop n' Shop in Coral Gables, FL, in a bomber. Very attractive clear amber body with a nicely retained tan had. Nose was malt and not much else that I could distinguish. Flavour was pleasant enough, but again with malt and I canot find anything but malt in this one. Pretty good mouthfeel, robust and smooth. Sweet finish, at least not cloying. Finally a beer from NC!

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

Thanks, Lou. A rich and robust winter seasonal that warms the mind and soul. Deep mahagongy color with a faint head. Spice and pronounced vanilla from start to finish. Sweet with toffee notes as well in the nose / on the palette.

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 7

Seasonal surprise from Lou, big thanks for this 2011 Winter treat. Copper/brown body with a frothy tan head and good lacing. Mildly spiced with a big upfront vanilla presence that was very welcoming. Sweet caramel and chocolates with some minor roasted notes. Very good rendition of a Winter Warmer.

Aroma: 9 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

Poured, it has a lovely dark brown color with a nice thick head. Aroma is spicy with a strong hint of cinnamon. The pleasant, zingy taste is malty with spice hints and very little bitterness. It goes down smoothly and is very satisfying. This holiday beer is a delight any time of the year, good by itself or as an accompaniment to a light meal.

Aroma: 6 | Appearance: 5 | Mouthfeel: 6 | Flavor: 5 | Overall: 6

I’ve liked everything I’ve tried so far from this North Carolina brewery. This one is a bright amber colored beer. A small frothy textured, off white head rises above. Some hang time. Settles into a light lacing low lying splotches of film and thin ringlet. The nose is light spice and vanilla. That vanilla and spices are more dominate in the tasting. A well carbonated, light to light-medium bodied with a degree of smoothness. Interesting brew if you are okay with the chaulkiness of the vanilla.

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

Best winter beer so far this year! Pours a dark amber with a little frothy head. Aroma is amazing. Vanilla bean, cinnamon and butterscotch on the nose. Taste is sweet, smooth, creamy similar flavors to the nose. This beer made me find peace tonight. Everything about it was great. Thanks so much blue lou, can't get enough of these great beers you sent me. :)

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

Thanks MCrapps for another good Highland brew - pours a dark tea brown with a sustained creamy tan head leaving ample lacing. Big malts in the aromas with brown sugar, toffee, butterscotch - big on sweets this one is. Taste is richer than the abv would indicate - drinks like a high abv strong ale - with slightly toasted malts, lots of brown sugars, toffee, caramels, like candy cooking then just a touch of hops bitter in the end but still like a butterscotch pie. Big likes on this one.

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

A reddish chestnut pour with a thinnish tan coloured head. The aroma was a combination of roasted malt, and caramel malts with a hint of cinnamon. The flavour was sweet, but in a different way than a Belgian Christmas Ale.

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 9

Got my hands on two of these. The pour is a nice dark ruby tone with a decent off white to tan head. The spicy, friuty aroma is excellent. The fruits blend well with the spices.