If I was a beer season, my season would be winter. There’s something especially wonderful about the spices and flavors of winter beers. From the sharp, bitey ones to the heavy porters that are perfect enjoying in front of a fire to everything in between, I love winter beer.
I’ve been in a very serious relationship with Highland Cold Mountain for as long as I can remember. My brother, who was in college at the time, introduced me to it over 10 years ago. Since then, we’ve had a serious love affair. I gave everything I had to the relationship… spending hundreds of dollars on it over the years, but getting plenty in return…. A few hangovers, but mostly, the warm, full tummy from what is one of the best beers I’ve ever had.
When my brother got married five years ago, Highland’s owner, Oscar Wong, helped me secure a keg of the liquid gold to share at his reception. I’ve taken bottles to friends in far away places, sharing the best of North Carolina with those I care about. I’ve saved and hoarded bottles so that I could have a special treat during the summer or other celebrations, such as finishing my Master’s thesis, or a special birthday.
But in the past few years, my relationship with Highland Cold Mountain has become strained. I had to put too much into it, and wasn’t getting enough in return. Prices skyrocketed. It became harder to find at small neighborhood pubs, and finally, this year, I’ve decided to call it quits.
I support small, local businesses. But Cold Mountain has become this holy grail of beer, and small, local businesses can’t get their hands on kegs. Only the big macro-pubs and chains can get the beer. And when they have it, they are gouging the prices. I saw it for $8 a pint at one bar, and that’s not okay. Sure, it’s a good beer. It’s one I was in a relationship with for a long time, but it’s hurting the local businesses I want to support.
My home pub in Charlotte used to get a 1/6th barrel or even a ½ barrel of the magical brew every winter. I looked forward to it, and to sharing a pint (or three) with friends at the place I spend so many evenings at. This year, the owner told me he wouldn’t be getting it, and was worried I’d be disappointed and upset. The thing is, it was too expensive for him to carry, and to get it, he’d have to sacrifice other popular beers. It wasn’t worth it from a business standpoint, and I supported his decision.
This year, I’ve tasted the other options out there, and I’ve had some really tasty beers. Some are just as good as Highland Cold Mountain. Some are better. Here are a few of my favorite winter beers, in no particular order:
Triple C White Blaze (current favorite! So much delicious coconut and vanilla!)
Great Lakes Christmas Ale
Smuttynose Winter Ale
Bell’s Christmas Ale
Bell’s Winter White (It’s Oberon in disquise!)
Natty Greene Red Nose
Asheville Brewing Co. Ninjabread Porter
So we’re breaking up, Cold Mountain. I’ve never had a beer boyfriend for as long as Cold Mountain and I were together. And I’m not saying I’ll never taste it’s bounty again, but I’m not going to go out of my way to buy a (really expensive) case at the grocery store if I happen upon it, or drink a pint if it’s available (it likely won’t be… I don’t go to chain pubs!). We might have a quickie or a one night stand, but it’s not going to be a relationship.
Don’t be sad for me. I’ve moved on, and the other winter beers taste better than ever.
Teardrops & Ales 