Sam Adams Old Fezziwig

Old Fezziwig is a spiced winter ale from Samuel Adams, brewed in Massachusetts and listed at 5.8% ABV. It is built on a malt-forward base and flavored with cinnamon, ginger, orange peel and nutmeg, which puts it closer to a mulled-cider-meets-brown-ale profile than to a hop-driven seasonal. No IBU figure is listed, but beers in this style usually keep bitterness low so the spices and malt stay in front. Expect toasty bread-crust and caramel sweetness, a warm cinnamon and nutmeg aroma, and a ginger snap on the finish. The orange peel typically adds a bright, citrusy lift that stops the sweetness from becoming heavy. The spice here comes through as seasoning rather than perfume, and that makes the beer easier to match with food than its holiday label suggests. Roast turkey, glazed ham and baked sweet potatoes pick up the caramel and cinnamon notes, while sharp aged cheddar and gouda give the malt something salty to push against. Gingerbread, pecan pie and spiced apple desserts echo the beer's own flavors, and a plate of roasted root vegetables or sausages with mustard works well if you'd rather keep the pairing savory. Very spicy or heavily smoked dishes will tend to overpower the subtle seasoning. Serve it cool rather than ice cold, ideally around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Straight from a cold fridge the spices and malt flatten out, and a ten-minute rest on the counter before pouring brings them back. A nonic pint glass or a tulip works best. Pour with a little vigor to raise a modest head, since the foam helps carry the cinnamon and orange aromas to the nose. A wide mug is also a reasonable choice for a seasonal beer like this, though a narrower glass concentrates the aroma better.