Even though it’s nestled up the side of a mountain, Snoqualmie Brewing has a steady stream of fans willing to brave avalanches and highway closures to get its most anticipated release of all: the Avalanche Winter Ale.

Avalanche is a vivid, fresh, and distinctly Northwestern styled Winter Ale with rare balance for its style.  With fully pronounced 48 IBUs of aromatic and flavorful West Coast hops, Avalanche recalls another famous beer of the season, Sierra Nevada’s Celebration, and then builds even greater complexity with a signature malt bill.

Powered up with Chinook and Cascade hops, the nose is a pine forest mowed down under a barrage of oranges and grapefruits.  As you sip, Special B and Aromatic malts bring real juice to the citrus aspects.  A firm bitterness wraps up the experience with cherries and tobacco-like nuance while brisk carbonation invites you to have another pint.

With each release, Snoqualmie makes Avalanche even better - this year’s edition has greater hop character than ever before with ¼ more aroma hops.  With an onslaught of hops to balance its complex malt bill, Avalanche is more than just a fine example of style, it’s a well made beer that brings flavors for everyone.

Rated 94 on RateBeer