J.T. Whitneys Charlies Spiced Ale

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

This is one of the several beers I sampled when visiting the J.T. Whitneys in Middleton, WI on my "Boozin Across Wisconsin Tour 2008". It came as part of an 8 piece sampler set that I purchased. I was excited as I don't often see brewpubs creating spiced ales.

The beer is medium brown in color and is served with an off-white head that is thick and creamy. The minute it gets in front of you, instantly you smell malts, cinnamon and maybe even some nutmeg.

The beer is light on the carbonation and is very drinkable. The taste is that of sweet gingerbread cookies and very enjoyable. With a flavor like that, you wouldn't expect this to be out in the summer time. I personally think this would make a great Holiday ale and would suggest they hold off on making it until after Oktoberfest.

Bottom line, this is pretty good for a spiced ale and I think it's one of the better brews that this brewery has to offer.

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

Sampled from draught: Poured a clear red with a thin beige head. Aroma is a blend of many different smells: Apples, cinnamon, toffee, pears. Taste is decent, a little too spiced i think. Nutmeg is noticeable, cinnamon, wheat and slightly yeasty. Finish is long and sticks around for a while, might need to cleanse the palate after this one.