Great Lakes Snowscape Winter Lager

Snowscape Winter Lager comes from Great Lakes in Ohio and is a seasonal winter lager. Winter lagers in this vein usually start from a malt-forward base, so expect a toasty, bready sweetness with notes of caramel or light toffee, and perhaps a faint spice or dark-fruit edge. Because it's a lager, the fermentation character should be clean and the finish crisp rather than fruity or yeasty. Hop bitterness in this style is typically restrained and works mainly to balance the malt. The brief gives no ABV or IBU figures, so check the label for the exact numbers. Winter lagers generally sit a little above everyday lager strength, which lends them a rounder, fuller body. Serve it cold but not ice-cold. A temperature around 40 to 45°F (4 to 7°C) lets the malt come through, while straight from the coldest part of the fridge can mute the toasted and caramel notes. Pour it into a nonic pint, a tulip, or a stange-style tall glass. A tulip is a good choice if you want to catch the aroma, and a pint suits easy drinking. Pour at an angle and finish straight to build a modest head, which releases the malt aromatics. The malt backbone pairs well with cold-weather food. Roast pork, bratwurst, smoked sausage, and roasted chicken all match its bready sweetness, and the carbonation cuts through richness. Root vegetables, such as roasted carrots or squash, echo the caramel notes, and pretzels with mustard or aged cheddar make a simple snack. Heartier dishes like pot roast or beef stew also hold up to its body without being overpowered. For dessert, try gingerbread or a baked apple, since the beer's sweetness suits baked and spiced flavors. Because it's a seasonal release, it's best enjoyed fresh. Keep it cold and out of the light until you're ready to serve.