A Quick, Sublime Trio For February's End

Scaldis Strong Belgian Ale

You can’t escape the pepper on Scaldis, the beer known as Bush in its native Belgium and unable use it here for obvious reasons. The Debuisson family has brewed in the town of Pipaix since 1769, and the experience shows. This 12 percent monster comes in a 250 mL bottle, but overall it offers a smooth ride through strong territory. Assertive (but not overpowering) malts impart rich nutty flavors. Scaldis works perfectly as a nightcap, and aperitif or after-dinner drink; few ales from continental Europe drink so easily at such high alcohol content.

Sierra Nevada Glissade Golden Bock
Named for a quick descent on a steep, snowy slope, Sierra Nevada’s latest seasonal is this slightly sweet blonde lager. As winter angles downward into spring, Glissade fits either season. The German and Slovenian hops reveal spicy citrus tones, and a quartet of malts sculpt mingle well, giving it a backbone of tall grains. This ranks as one of the most balanced bocks to cross my palette and at 6.4 percent alcohol, it never overwhelms. As with everything else in their portfolio, when Sierra Nevada tests a new style, they take the time to brew it right.

Erie Brewing Company Drake's Crude Oatmeal Stout
has struck oil on its seasonal, a velvety oatmeal stout named in honor of the first American to drill for oil, Col. Edwin Drake. Fans of Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout will enjoy this stronger, domestic take on the style, with its delicate sweetness and array of chocolate malts. Dark as oil surging from a newly tapped well, Drake’s Crude is a delight for the senses, born from a rare instance when American craft brewing ingenuity can claim an oatmeal stout on par with the English greats.