San Francisco, Calif. | November 23, 2016 – Magnolia Brewing will release their seasonal Winter Warmer Ale on Wednesday, November 23rd. An annual tradition, the Magnolia team, led by brewmaster/founder Dave McLean, has been brewing the ale every fall for 19 years, always releasing it on the day before Thanksgiving. This year, Magnolia will offer six iterations of the ale over the course of the holiday season: 2016’s cask and draft brews, 2015’s vintage ale, and three more batches aged in wooden barrels.
At its core, the Winter Warmer is an English strong ale with a broad range of tasting notes from start to finish: the malt’s nutty, caramel, toffee, raisin, and dark fruit (like dried apricot, prune, and raisin) notes take center stage, accompanied by a fairly subdued hop character. The English ale yeast used in this beer contributes additional fruit complexity. An excellent beer for pairing with food, Winter Warmer best complements winter braises, rich meats and game.
This year’s six variations on Winter Warmer will be released in installments, starting with 2016’s draft brew on Wednesday, November 23rd. Growlers may be filled at both Magnolia locations on this day only. The cask-conditioned version of 2016’s Winter Warmer will be served at both locations on Friday, 11/25, following the annual tradition of tapping the casks the day after Thanksgiving. Subsequent releases will be available solely by the glass while supplies last. Limited amounts of 2016 and vintage 2015 versions will also be available at bars and restaurants in Magnolia’s distribution network.
Also returning to the brewery is Tidewater 4-1009, a lightly smoked beer made with malt from Copper Fox distillery. Virginia-based Copper Fox is partnering with breweries and bars throughout the Bay Area to create a number of limited release brews/drinks using their malt and whiskey. The limited release will debut on December 14th at both Magnolia locations.
Starting Monday, December 12th, Smokestack at Magnolia Brewing will launch its second annual 12 Days of Holiday Cocktails. Inspired by the bar team’s favorite festive beverages, a different holiday-themed drink will appear on the menu each day. Stay up-to-date with each cocktail revelation by following Smokestack on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter at @sfsmokestack.
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