The Year in Beer

Name: Powder Hound

Brewer: Big Sky Brewing Co., Missoula, Mont.

By the numbers: About 215 calories per 12 oz.; 7.2 percent alcohol by volume

Notes: It’s been a while since I had a Big Sky beer. I remember most of them I had in 2010 as being pretty respectable craft brews and this one was no exception. This is a pretty hoppy take on the winter warmer style of beer. It’s really more of a pale ale, but a lot boozier. It poured a golden brown with a frothy white head. The aroma was floral from the addition of Hallertau, Palisade and Amarillo hops (an interesting combination of bittering and aroma). The taste was smooth and hoppy, but also pretty well balanced. If it weren’t for the calorie count and the alcohol it would be pretty easy to down a few of these on a cold day next to the fire.

Try it with: Snow? Well, we haven’t had any yet here in Central Illinois and there isn’t a call for a White Christmas this year. In fact, it was in the 50s and rainy the past few days. But I’m not ready to shovel yet, so I guess I’ll take it.

    — Posted by Mike Freimann