Nutcracker Ale - Boulevard Brewing, Kansas City

Boulevard's Nutcracker Ale has become my favorite Winter Warmer style beer. The Nutcracker is pretty unique as far as Winter Warmers go. This beer is sweet and malty like you'd expect from a winter seasonal, but in a candied fruit sort of way. Just like in the aroma, the Nutcracker has pretty high hop levels. The fresh hop flavor is a bit different than what you get in traditional Winter Warmer beers. Rather than being dark and creamy, this beer is sweet and a has a hoppy bite. Those hops are what really distinguish the Nutcracker from other beers. They give the beer a bit of pine flavor, which seems rather fitting given the season...

My only caveat regarding the Nutcracker is that isn't all that similar to other, more traditional, Winter Warmers. If you're planning a dinner geared around sweet and malty dark beers... the Nutcracker might throw a monkey wrench into the works. The hops in this beer aren't overwhelming but they are noticeable. Taking this into account and planning appropriately will really pay off. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this beer to anyone who is looking for a festive beer to enjoy over the holiday season.