Thirsty Like a Wolf
Let me preface this by saying that while drinking this beer, I was slightly highly stressed due to day-before-Thanksgiving-plans (i.e. - busiest travel day of the year). Therefore, I did not just want a beer, I needed a beer. Usually, when one needs a beer, it makes said beer taste that much better. And let me tell you, it did.
I had one bottle left from weekly City Swigger's run (seriously, check out this place if you're ever in the Upper East Side. It's beer heaven). It was Winter Warmer Ale by Lancaster Brewing in PA. Main selling point: there was a wolf on the bottle. Not only that, but part of the proceeds go to saving wolves! Getting drunk while saving wolves? Win-win in my book.
The color is dark - near-black, actually - and it is a classic Old Ale, which according to beeradvocate.com is nearly 100 years old and feature a very malt-heavy flavor. This is the first Old Ale I've tasted and I would compare it to a stout. It was very smooth and very easy to drink, which is sometimes not the case with beers of this high ABV (8.9%). It has a very subtle fruit undertone and features a blend of American and British hops (according to the description on beeradvocate.com). Perfect for warming up on a chilly winter afternoon or evening.
If the beer was chilled, I would recommend leaving it out at room temperature for a few minutes. The first sips were a little lost because it was too cold. Then it warmed up and it was delicious (even in my pre-travel stress).
I envision myself drinking this on a super cold winter night wearing an oversized sweater, leather leggings and a Lenny Kravitz-style scarf (if you don't know what I'm talking about, please click that link - you will not regret it) with some very warm boots.
Any seriously, what's cooler than saving wolves?