I’ve always been a big fan of Christmas/winter seasonal brews my friends, and way back in the nineties one of myfavorites was Pyramid Snow Cap Ale. Alas and alack, Pyramid beers were not distributed in Georgia when I moved here in 2001, and my Rhode Island supply of this tasty elixir therefore dried up.

That changed in 2012, though, as Pyramid beers started gracing the shelves of the burgeoning Atlanta beer market, including the legendary Snow Cap. This old ale/winter warmer was amongst the Pyramid treats to arrive here, much to my delight, and I enjoyed it all through the winter season of 2012.

One of the things I like to do with holiday beers, however, is lay down a bottle or two of assorted brands and save them for an annual Christmas in July tasting. Such was the fate of a few bottles of Snow Cap, and why not? At 7% alcohol by volume the beer is certainly capable of lasting at least that long. My bottle does have a best by date of April 15^th 2013 on the neck, but that’s not some magical date where the beer will suddenly turn sour. Aging beer can be fun and interesting, after all, if you choose the right ones.

From the neck label:

Deep mahogany in color, our full-bodied winter warmer is brewed in the spirit of British winter ales. Crafted with a flurry of roasted chocolate and caramel malts, and generously hopped, it delivers a smooth finish that makes this beer the perfect cold weather companion.

Specs:

Malts: 2-Row Barley, Caramel 80L, Chocolate Malt

Hops: Nugget, Willamette, East Kent Goldings

OG: 17.3

IBU:47

Pyramid Snow Cap pours to a dark russet color with a thick creamy head of foam and a sweet malty, yeasty spicy nose with hints of phenols. Taking a sip, the beer has a luscious thick chewy malt carpet that is the first thing to hit the tongue. It is definitely toasty, rich with caramel, nutty, and some subtle chocolate. Dark fruits of prune and raisin abound. Grassy hops poke through at the last, balancing nicely and leaving a gentle bitterness lingering on the tongue after you sip. There’s a quite agreeable alcohol warmth as well at the last.

And did I mention I bought a 6-pack of this wonderful winter seasonal for just $7.99 a six-pack? What a buy, what a bargain shoppers. Enjoyed in December or July, Pyramid Snow Cap is an amazing malty treat that, at the price, is hard to beat.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

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