on THE [WINTER] TAPHANDLE

2° Below Winter Ale, an ESB by New Belgium Brewing Company

On tap at Fritz European Fry House, Bremerton, Washington. An ale is brought to me. It is a brilliant copper-orange with a thick white head. The head mostly stays and leaves intricate lacing in its wake. The aroma is of freshly torn orange peel, graham cracker, spices, pepper, cloves, light caramel, and a faint floral background. The flavor follows suit—orange peel, graham cracker, and cloves most prominent—with the briskness of newly fallen snow on the pallet and a light hint of alcohol on the finish. Wonderful.

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If there is ever an excuse to have some Belgian fries with a good ale, then I will find it. The wife, the child, and I join the brother and the sister-in-law at Fritz European Fry House for deep fried foods—chicken fritters, beer battered cod, and handcut Belgian fries—and good beer. It really doesn't get much better.