One cool cat.

Bright citrus shines down on pillowy berms of snow white foam as Snow Cat slaloms toward zesty refreshment. Fresh additions of grapefruit peel and ginger make this Winter White Ale the perfect aprés-ski cool down or pre-trek warm-up.

Reviews are done by our Sensory Specialist Travis Houston, a Certified Cicerone and FoBAB judge.

Malt: Ohio Pilsner, Wheat, Carafoam and Oats 

Hop: Lemondrop

This brew is a wit beer tailored specifically to the colder months. What makes Snow Cat such a great winter beer?

The addition of fresh ginger root in Snow Cat makes it the perfect beer for a cold winter night. It adds just enough spice to liven up the aroma and palate, while avoiding any heat or vegetal notes. Grapefruit peel plays well with the hints of citrus that wheat provides, and adds to the overall complexity.

What are the notable characteristics of this beer?

Fresh ginger hits your nose first, just enough to be easily identifiable without being herbaceous or hot. Grapefruit peel melds wonderfully with the ginger, enhancing the underlying lemony citrus notes. The finish is light and perfectly balanced, leaving just hints of sweet ginger and citrus. 

What makes you want to drink this beer?

Many of the beers that we associate with the colder months are dark, fairly heavy beers, often with high levels of alcohol. Most of these beers have pretty intense flavors so that they can stand up to and compliment the heartier dishes that are traditionally served in the winter. Snow Cat has more than enough flavor to stand in for these typical winter brews, but still manages to be fairly light-bodied and drinkable. The ABV is just low enough that you can have a few after your meal, too.

What are some other spiced wheat beers or winter wits that you really enjoy?

Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Christmas Ale is a perennial favorite. Southern Tier’s 2XMas Ale is fantastic, as is Xocoveza from Stone.

Appearance: Straw colored with some haze and thick, fluffy white foam.

Aroma: Fresh sweet ginger and citrus.

Taste: Slightly sweet and slightly bitter, with excellent balance.

Mouthfeel: Fairly light-bodied with a smooth, wheat driven finish.

Overall: Straw colored with some haze and fluffy white foam, the addition of fresh ginger perfectly compliments hints of citrus from grapefruit peel and wheat. The finish is light and refreshing, with lingering hints of fresh ginger and citrus.

What foods would pair well with Snow Cat?

Snow Cat would go great with gingerbread cookies, or any roasted meat, like Yankee Pot Roast.

Ideal glassware for Snow Cat? A standard shaker pint glass.