Many breweries brew winter beers in the style of a barleywine or a spiced ale, but not the Widmer brothers: They brew Snowplow in the style of an oatmeal stout. A collaboration between Widmer and the Oregon Brew Crew homebrewing Club, the beer starts with aromas of chocolate and coffee, which are soon joined by the unmistakable smell of spicy floral hops. Soft bitterness comes from the hops in the mouth, but the primary flavors here will be cocoa and roasted grain. A soft mouthfeel is created by the addition of oatmeal to the mash tun, and helps make this substantial beer much easier to drink. Seek out this opaque ale on shelves now, as it won't be around come January.
