Anderson Valley Winter Solstice

       I totally doomed Brooklyn by saying how great their Octoberfest was.  Now I'll jinx Anderson Valley by mentioning that their Summer Solstice was the best of the Summer Beers this year.  Only the sublime beet beer, Wacko was even close.  Solstice pours out a dark amber with a creamy caramel and sweet tart nose.  The flavor is very sweet with lots of caramel, classic malted and mocha flavor. The hops are steady throughout adding a nice crisp mouth feel.  I think it's quite good, although it seems very similar to their Summer Beer.  Maybe just a different label.  This would be a first class Winter Beer if it just had a touch of spice and more alcohol, of course.  I still think it's pretty good though.