Snowplowed Winter Ale
Skip the Cocoa. Grab a Pint.
The First Snow
Sometimes winter comes early in the Great Lakes. As I write this in early November, we’re expecting our first real snow - somewhere between eight and twelve inches.
The first snow is always special, and it seemed the perfect occasion for a winter ale. Snowplowed, by Mad Anthony Brewing in Ft. Wayne, Indiana delivers.
In the Glass
Winter ales aren’t a rigid style; they range from spiced reds to robust browns. The common thread is warmth, a higher alcohol content to take the chill off a cold day. Snowplowed makes its intent clear.
It pours a translucent brown, reminiscent of a well-worn football, crowned with a rich foam head. The nose is bready malt, and the first sip hits the palate with malt sweetness and a hint of caramel.
Mild earthy hops follow, finishing long, slightly spicy, and gently sweet. At 6.2% ABV, it’s warming without overwhelming, offering comfort in every sip.
Pairings for a Snow Day
Food pairings are wide open. Almost any hearty, homey dish complements this ale: roast chicken or pork tenderloin with root vegetables, potato-onion pierogis with smoked sausage, beef stew, or a bacon-chorizo chili.
For something elevated, try pan-seared duck breast or herb-crusted lamb chops with sweet potato gratin.
Desserts should be simple and cozy: warm gingerbread, oatmeal cookies, bread pudding, or apple crisp with vanilla ice cream.
The Joy of First Snow
One of the joys of the first snow is how it awakens our inner child. The flakes falling outside invite even the most jaded of adults to pause, watch, and play.
I recall the last early-season snowfall when all our children - now in their twenties - came home. They bundled up, grabbed the dog, and raced outside to build a snow fort, carve a sled run, and harass one another with errant snowballs.
Shouts of “Hey Mom, watch me!” called up to the balcony where my wife and I watched, smiling and nostalgic as we realized how rare these moments would become, before joining the fun ourselves. The dog barked gleefully as we all became seven again, if only for a little while.
The Pour Decision
Winter’s first snow reminds us that we can grow older without having to grow up and lose our sense of play.
Snowplowed Winter Ale complements that magic. After the cold and laughter outside, a glass in hand brings warmth to fingers and heart alike.
A splendid companion to the season’s quiet moments, simple joys, and family gatherings.
Snowplowed Winter Ale: the first snow tastes even better with a sip.