Beer Man: Pistachio-infused Snow Pilot taps into holidays
Beer Man is a weekly profile of beers from across the country and around the world.
This week: Snow Pilot Pistachio Nut Brown Ale
Stevens Point Brewery, Stevens Point, Wis.
I’m sure someone the past couple of decades has made a beer with pistachios, but Stevens Point’s entry is the first time I’ve come across it.
It’s a grand idea, taking a winter warmer-type brown ale and infusing it with a nut associated with the holiday season.
The pistachio was evident in the aroma, along with caramel malt. This continued into the flavor — I almost expected a green tint to the beer, but it is a crystal-clear amber color. Not all the nutty flavor is from pistachios — the use of Victory malt also adds to that profile.
The oils from the pistachios provided a slick, rich mouthfeel to the beer without leaving a film on the palate. At first, the ale seemed too sweet, but as it warmed a bit in the glass, more hop bitterness came out, just enough to temper the sugars.
The 6% ABV is a good middle ground for Snow Pilot, giving it the “winter warmer” feel without the alcohol becoming overwhelming.
The beer won a gold medal at the 2016 World Beer Championships in the Winter Ale category. Point beers are now available in 23 states and its Beer Finder link is here.
While Snow Pilot is available by itself, it also is available in a Long Nights variety 12-pack that includes Malted Milk Shake Lager, Gingerbread Ale and Salted Caramel Toffee Ale. All of these beers are intentionally on the sweet side.
I should mention, since it’s been a few years since I reviewed it, that Point’s St. Benedict’s Winter Ale also is out for the season. It’s somewhat a mild version of a Belgian duppel and its mix of chocolate and caramel malts makes for a splendid cold-weather sipper.
The Point brewery has been operating since 1857 and will celebrate its 160th anniversary next year. No details are available yet, but the brewery is planning special-edition beers to mark the occasion.
Many beers are available only regionally. Check the brewer's website, which often contains information on product availability by mail. Contact Todd Haefer at beerman@postcrescent.com. To read previous Beer Man columns, click here.