Cold Weather Wheat is a dark wheat ale with 8% ABV from Crystal Ball Brewing Co. in West York, PA. Made with real cranberries this ale brings a little something extra to the traditional winter warmer beer.
Right away you’ll notice this is not your standard wheat ale with its rich brownish, mahogany color and thin, almost pink head. An aroma of roasted malt and dark chocolate lead into subtle dark fruit scents, like fig and cranberry.
The first sips of this ale are packed with a cranberry flavor that announces its authority with an assertive tartness that wakes your tastebuds. A malty, chocolate finish then does well to balance the initial tartness and provide a closing sweet note that compliments the beer’s warmth.
This is warmer, more substantial beer perfect for the winter months that allows you to have a departure from the more common imperial stouts and barrel aged porters. In addition, its cranberry and chocolate notes make this an excellent dessert beer to be sipped and enjoyed tucked under a blanket.