Winter Wisdom: Hazelnut Brown Ale

Evaluated as a Spice/Herb/Vegetable Beer (BJCP2015 30A) with the underlying style of British Brown Ale (BJCP2015 13B). Pours an almost clear deep brown with a moussy light tan head of tiny bubbles that is persistent and leaves light Belgian lace on the glass. Hazelnut comes across nicely in the aroma, but well balanced with medium bread crusts, bready, and light caramel notes, and the hops presenting with medium black pepper with floral and a very low earthy character. The flavor shows a nice bread doughy note and light bread crusts, low caramel and toffee flavors, with white pepper and a bit less of the hazelnut character than in the aroma, but still with the nutty off-dry finish that balances the hop bittering and malt notes about evenly with just a hint of alcohol warmth and medium carbonation. Crisp, yet with a creamy mouthfeel, the beer is very tasty and refreshing. Try this beer with a chili made with beef brisket or bison that has crushed peanuts in it – and moderately spiced with red chili peppers.