Baxter Ice Storm!

ICE STORM! is a seasonal beer from Baxter in Maine. The listing doesn't give a style, ABV or IBU, so the notes below describe what seasonal releases from a craft brewery typically offer, not a measured profile. The name and the seasonal label point to a cold-weather release, and in that case expect a fuller malt backbone than a summer lager or session ale. Bready or toasted malt, a little caramel sweetness and a hop presence that supports the malt are the usual ingredients. Check the label for the exact style and strength before you plan around it. Serve it cool, not ice-cold. About 45 to 50°F suits most seasonal ales, because the malt and hop aromatics open up as the beer warms slightly in the glass. Straight from a home refrigerator, which usually runs near 38°F, it will taste muted and thin. Leave the bottle or can on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes first. A tulip glass or a nonic pint glass is a good choice. The tulip's flared lip holds the foam and funnels the aroma toward your nose. The nonic is sturdy, easy to drink from and works well for a beer meant to be sipped over a meal. If the beer turns out to be a stronger style, a stemmed tulip or snifter will show more of its aroma. For food, start with dishes that match a malt-forward seasonal beer. Roast chicken, pork loin, sausages, sharp cheddar and baked root vegetables all share the toasted, caramelized flavors these beers tend to have. A salty pretzel or a plate of aged cheese is the simplest pairing if you want something to sip alongside. If the beer proves lighter and crisper than expected, move toward goat cheese, grilled poultry or a salad with a citrus dressing.