Winter Beers — Diamond Knot vs. Laurelwood

Laurelwood Vinter Varmer
ABV 6.4%

Color: Dark brown with touch of orange.
Aroma: Brown sugar, molasses, citrus.
Flavor: Roasted malts and orange rind.
Hops vs. Malts (Hoppy, Malty or Balanced): Hoppy
Finish: Strong and long orange rind bitterness.
Overall (Fantastic, Good, Mediocre or Bad): Good

Diamond Knot Ho!Ho!Ho! Winter Ale
ABV 8.5%

Color: Dark brown with touch of orange.
Aroma: Chocolate, coffee and molasses.
Flavor: Same as aroma with a rich, full body — almost chewy.
Hops vs. Malts (Hoppy, Malty or Balanced): Balanced
Finish: Mellow bittersweet chocolate.
Overall (Fantastic, Good, Mediocre or Bad): Fantastic

Winner by unanimous decision: Diamond Knot. Both are worthy of your consideration, but the Laurelwood was not as rich and complex as the Diamond Knot. Hopheads may prefer the bitterness of the Vinter Varmer, but we liked the balance of the Ho!Ho!Ho! Yes, that means that Santa slayed the squirrel (see labels).