Share this post
Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Nicole Simeone
Winter Hill Brewing
Winter Hill Brewing, established in 2016, is located on Broadway in Sommerville, Massachusetts. Adam and I popped in for a quick drink on a quiet Saturday afternoon. We had heard the name many times but never had the chance to snag one of their beverages. Since we were in the area, it seemed like the perfect time to take a pause and see what the buzz was all about.
The minute we stepped in the door, I realized we could have made this our one-stop-shop for food and drinks before a showing of The Princess Bride. But that would have meant we wouldn’t have gotten to grab a bite at Old Magoun’s Saloon. I couldn’t pass up Magoun’s menu, so I will have to give an update the next time we come back into Sommerville. The same is true for their coffee. We had tunnel vision going on when planning this little stop.
What I can talk about is their beer. Whenever we stop somewhere new, the first thing we look for is a flight option — the easiest way to sample the offerings on tap. Winter Hill’s flights worked a little differently than other breweries. Instead of the paddle and tasting glasses, they offer five ten-ounce pours for $20 and meant to be shared with a friend. Perfect.
I am going to run down the beers as they appear in the photo from the foreground to background. That’s not how we drank them, though.
Flood (8%) is a Molasses Strong Ale, named for The Great Molasses Flood of 1919.
I’m sorry, what did you say? Yes, you read that right. On January 15th, 1919, a huge molasses tank burst, sending over two million gallons onto the streets in the North End. While that stuff takes its sweet time coming out of jars, this sticky tsunami rolled down the streets as fast as thirty-five miles an hour. Twenty-one people were killed, and over a hundred were injured. I would not have wanted to have been on the cleanup crew.
Back to the beer. As you can see from the picture, it is a dark caramel brown, akin to molasses. The beer has a subtle malt nose to it. Rich caramel flavors hit the palate up front with the molasses hitting on the back end. Flood is a medium-bodied beer and not sticky on the tongue. At eight percent, there isn’t a hint of booze at all. Just like the real event, this beverage is delicious but dangerous.
Next up is Darlin’s IPA (6.5%). I don’t have a story for the name on this one. It is a West Coast IPA. Their tag line for this IPA is East meets West. Very apropos. A Copper colored beer with a subtle nose. I couldn’t draw much at all anyway. The taste started with a Fruity, almost mango heavy, taste that quickly dissolves into a Bitter floral finish. This, too, had a medium body, but here we get a sticky mouthfeel.
Suburban Home, their Seasonal Pale Ale (4.8%), is bright yellow in color. Spot on Pale Ale. Often when I get Pale Ales, they end up tasting like IPAs, which they aren’t supposed to. Suburban Home ticked every single box for the style. A light body and mouthfeel. Not overly hopped nor bitter or malty. Very balanced and crushable.
Johnny Juice Bomb (7%). With a name like that, drinkers should know what to expect. This IPA is a slightly hazy yellow color. Citrusy nose. I got a pineapple lemon mixture. The scent is fragrant but not overpowering for the drinker. It’s a delightful hint of what is to come. Orange and grapefruit with perhaps a touch of mango all the way through the taste. Johnny Juice has a bitter, sticky finish.
Finally, we come to Alternative Ulster (5.2%), which is an Altbier. German for “old beer,” altbiers are German-style brown ales. This one is golden brown with a bright malty nose. Fruity sweetness upfront with a pilsner malt finish. The bittering hops rising up at the finish to mellow the sweetness. Bready goodness.
This lineup is the best set of beers I have had in a while. Again, if only we had planned the day better. We left with a crowler of Flood in hand for later enjoyment. Deciding what to take home was definitely a tough choice. But how often do you see a molasses strong? But, this won’t be the last time we stop into Winter Hill.
So, till next time, Cheers Nerd Girls!
Disclaimer:
Thirsty Thursday Reviews & Articles are intended only for responsible adults of legal drinking age in the United States of America (21 years old or older). It is purely intended for entertainment purposes.
As always, please drink responsibly and with moderation. Nerd Girls Are Cool does not advocate or encourage the abuse of alcoholic beverages.
We do not, under any circumstances, accept responsibility for any damages that result to yourself or anyone else due to the consumption of alcoholic beverages or the use of this site and any materials located on it. We cannot take any responsibility for the effect these drinks may have on people.