Coors Winterfest - A Seasonal Delight

I'm kind of a dick.  I started this blog with two cheap non-beers that are more suited in a sorority fridge than the claw of a hardened beer snob.  I followed it up with a super low volume local beer that you'll probably never even see, let alone drink.  Then I moved to Bud Light, the non-beer-drinkers beer.  Finally, I closed out the decade with an exclusive brew that's are already extinct.  I've not yet been a man of the people.  I've avoided the Sam Adams, the Sierra Nevadas, the widely available stuff and gone with things that you just can't find unless they're already gracing the shelves in your fridge.  So to start the new year, I'll do the exact same thing.  I'll tell you what I thought of Coors' Winterfest.

From the get go this beer kind of screams exclusivity.  I didn't even know it existed until about 20 minutes ago, and I've lived here for at least 2 winters as a beer drinker of legal age.  The second line on the box and bottle reads "Sold Only In Colorado."  The bottles are individually numbered (I'm drinking number 694 of 85248 for the record) and they made a tad over 14000 six packs.  More than Frambozen, but far less than many of the other winter brews on store shelves.  A beer of the people this is not, at least in availability.  But that's where it ends.

For starters, I admire Coors for advising the consumer to drink this in a glass with 2 inches of head, but I really don't think it matters much.  Yes, the fairly dark amber color might scare away the timid sippers, but it's apparent after the first tip of the glass that this is a mild beer that can be consumed straight from the bottle.  As far as Coors beers go, it's exactly what I'd expect for a winter beer.  I'd liken it to Budweiser's American Ale, a timid attempt at what could be a very robust beer.  Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying it, but it's a bit light for a cold winter night.

The use of different hops and malt is apparent, Moravian Two-Row Barley Malt and German Hops from the "Hallertau Region" to be specific.  Closer inspection reveals that this Hallertau region is actually the first and the biggest hop producing region in the world, so much like the "Triple Hops Brewing" of Miller, the ad guys at Miller Coors are once again trying to swindle gullible American consumers.  Or something like that.  This inspection did, however, reveal that this beer is likely a German Lager style, which I would tend to agree with (the bottle only calls it a lager).  It is by no means a malty or hoppy beer, but relative to Coors Light, it's a step in the right direction.  The range of flavors is good, and I'd imagine it'd go great with a wide range of foods or by itself.  As I near the bottom of the glass, the flavors are becoming more apparent.  It seems like it should be consumed a bit warmer than any other Coors product, though that isn't noted anywhere.  The last sip went down smooth and easy, not much differently than the first.

Final Grade: B-.  They had the opportunity for something great and only fell short by a bit.  I don't regret buying the 6 pack (even at a relatively steep $8.50), but if I'm looking for a winter beer in the near future, I'll likely go for something heavier to warm my belly.  Give it a try if you're feeling festive, I can damn near guarantee you won't hate it.

Girly Grade: B.  I'd say this is arguably one of the most drinkable winter beers for those with "lighter tongues."  Tasty, not too heavy, and just enough flavor to keep most drinkers happy.  I can't say it'll compete with the warm mixed drinks that this season brings, but when those run out, reach for a Winterfest and act like a beer snob.

A final note for anyone reading this in Utah.  I spent New Years Eve and morning in Salt Lake, and after seeing your liquor stores, I'm feeling a bit sorry for you.  For those of you not in the know, if you want full strength beer or liquor in Utah, expect to pay 1.5 to 2 times what you'd pay in the neighboring states and don't expect the same selection.  Tough city for a beer snob.  That's all for this New Years night, expect more in the coming weeks.  Until then, bottoms up.

-The Drunken Dane