Having been to San Tan brewing company many times I have never been too impressed with their beers. The food is good (not great) and I always leave thinking they are on the cusp of greatness. This isn't to say they produce poor quality beer and food. On the contrary, their beer and food are above average in the local brew pub market. On my most recent visit I was there to try the Winter Warmer. Hoping once again that I wouldn't be disappointed.
The Winter Warmer at San Tan is an English Strong Ale brewed with honey and fresh ginger with a strong caramel and roasted malt character. It has a very high alcohol content at almost 10%. This immediately brings to mind an unbalanced strong flavored beer that just kicks your ass. I'm here to tell you to get this out of your head! San Tan has produced an excellent Winter beer that doesn't over power you or make you think your dinking something with 10% alcohol. Even the nose is not very overpowering. You can get a hint of chocolate and caramel and a bit of citrus, which is the orange honey zest, but no hint of the fresh ginger that they have in the beer. It is surprisingly balanced and smooth. Although it is sweet, it isn't overly sweet. The ginger snaps they serve you with the beer bring out the sweetness and take your palate on a ride that they would otherwise not get. They bring out the subtle sweetness beautifully. In other words it's not too bitter and not too sweet, it has an almost perfect combination. This beer makes you want to go back to San Tan for more! Kudos to San Tan for spicing up the Holidays!
I will also be doing my full local brew pub reviews soon and you're sure to see San Tan at the top of this list when it comes to quality local beer with good food.
I rate this beer accordingly 6/10 Aroma, 8/10 taste, 8/10 complexity, 10/10 balance. Overall 8.0
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