"I can honestly say this is the BEST beer I have ever tasted, and I've tasted many! I'm a fiend for great beer, and Winter Solstice is exceptional. I can't wait for next winter to come around so I can enjoy it again.. and again.. and again!"
Sarah Prospero - Arcata, CA

"Am so glad to be back in the united states after 12 monthes in the middle east.Took my wife to be, to BOONVILLE for a ride this after noon and stopped in and had your winter beer and my eyes just lit up when I tasted this great beer.My lady is not a beer drinker and she loved it when I asked her to take a sip of mine,she bought one also!!!We brought home a sixpack "WOW" I love it as I am not far from you all. THanks"
Bruce Haven - Cloverdale, ca.

"This is my favorite beer this season! I'm into trying new beers right now. And i needed a 2nd on the winter solstice. Might even have to buy me a case. If i can find it!!!"
MaryBeth Weatherly - Pittsburgh, PA

"Gentlemen, just had my first sip of 2005s Winter Solstice and can it be true? It's even better than last years! Maybe the anticipation of the new brew has hightened the senses but I'm tasting, chocolate and a hint of cream soda. Without a doubt your finest creation yet. I move back to England next year. Can you ship it that far?"
Andy Hilton - Clarksville, MD

"As an Oregonian, I have a natural distaste for saying anything nice about California. Disneyland. Disneyland is nice. However I must make a second exception for Anderson Valley Brewing. I was mightly impressed by the Summer Soltice Cerveza I drank at the Oregon Brewer's Fest this year, easily the best beer I sampled in very good company."
Scott McLoud - Tigard, OR

"This is by far my favorite winter beer so far. It was so smooth and drinkable, I've even had non beer drinkers try it and they were totally impressed with the flavor. GREAT JOB!!!! I think I need to head to the store and stock up to make it through the holiday season. Keep up the good work guys/gals. Love your beer!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Tim Rohrenbach - Mountain Home, ID

"winter soulstice is the greatest stuff in a bottle. every time my wife drinks one she get extra excited. winter soulstice thanks for making my nights so much more enjoyable."
Casey Snow - Oakland, Ca

"Another fine beer from a killer brewery. I've had this little gem in my fridge for a few months, just cracked it open and poured myself some liquid happiness. Wonderfully warming, really nice smells, and superb taste. Well done, guys."
Jack TheRipper - Buena Vista, PA

"As a huge lover of Ales, I'm always on the search for the prefect one, and today I have found it! The Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale is THE BEST I have yet to find! I just wish I had found it sooner because I have been searching like crazy for more, and the wait for next winter is going to tough!! "
Marika Rice - Antioch, CA

"Rock on!!!, I can't get enough of this nectar of the gods. My local joint, Ths Sharp Edge, always gets it on tap and bottled. I enjoy as much as possible when ever I'm there. I've had several case in the fridge since the holidays and I'm down to my last 2 bottles. I hope to score another case this weekend. Keep up the great work and I look forward to next years batch."
Virgil Starkwell - Pittsburgh, PA

"I have just had your winter solstice for the first time and I am amazed at the multiple flavors rushing through my mouth. I am tasting a hint of vanilla, is that just me? I think that is an amazing addition...in most seasonal brews you taste lots of nutmeg and cinnamon...but your beer is THE BEST ROUNDED SEASONAL BEER I HAVE EVER HAD"
David Wisnoski - Quakertown, PA

"I have have tried many winter beers in my short history but this one has surpassed all that have crossed my palite. A tremendous beer with a spicy aroma and fantastic fruity taste. I'm already thinking of next years batch. Thank you Anderson Valley Brewery. "
Roger Donoghue Jr. - Melrose, MA

"Absolutely wonderful! Sitting here Christmas Night and even my sister, not a huge drinker, is floored. Is there a hint of chicory or cinnamon? I love this beer!"
Alexander Ross - redondo beach, ca

"Winter Solstice is the most delicious ale I've tasted in many years. Flavorful, mouthwateringly tasty, it is pure nectar of the gods. Please consider offering this one all the year around. I've been in Dave's Bar in San Francisco (3rd & Market) almost every day since it arrived. Nearly everyone who comes in orders it. Anyone who who is trying Solstice for the first time- you can literally see their eyes widen, first with disbelief, then with delight, as they realize the quality ale they have just chosen to drink. My friend Paul came into Dave's to meet me one day last week and I told him, as he was about to order a Boont Amber Ale (both of us love this one) to try a sample of my Winter Solstice. The effect was instantaneous, the smile infectious, and the order changed, of course. Keep suprising us- Anderson Valley has a loyal following- and Oscar Wilde was right- work is the curse of the drinking classes!! Regards, Sean McGeever (from Ireland)"
Sean McGeever - San Francisco, CA

"AMAZING! Utterly, fabulously, and uniquely delicious. I love winter beer, and when I saw yours in the store, I picked up a 6 pack. When I got it home and opened the first bottle I was so shocked at the flavor that I stood completely still and just closed my eyes and smiled. Toasty, toffee, chocolate, vanilla, spices, somehow so smooth and slightly sweet. This is absolutely the best beer I have ever tasted. My hat is off to you. Thank you for brewing something so special, so lovely, so delicious in the mouth and warming to the heart. Now I need to buy as many more 6 packs as I can afford!!!"
Michelle Tucker - Sacramento, CA

"Just wanted to say, this is my all-time favorite beer. Mmmm with a lemon slice... i look forward to this beer every season.
I have a house in mendocino, about 20 miles north of Ft. Bragg, and my friends and I are all very loyal to Anderson Valley brews. Thanks for giving us a reason to celebrate :) good beer goes hand in hand with good friends."
Dave Classick - San Francisco, ca

"I tried your Winter Solstice at the Calistoga Car Show the weekend of Sept. 25, 2004. What a fabulous brew!!! Its the smoothest I've ever had. I can't get over the multiple flavors that fill your senses. Look forward to visiting the brewery and enjoying another pint or two, three,.... "
Ron Max - Napa, Ca

"Ive tried nearly all the beers on the market today. And i would have to say that anderson valley WINTER SOLSTICE is by far the best seasonal beer ever created. "
Dan E - Colfax, CA

"If you haven't tried the Winter solstice, good! That means there will be more for me. It is one of the most delicious beers in the world. I tried to buy more but everyone in my area buy's up the years supply quickly. This beer and the Amber Ale are two of my favorite beers. Remember, don't buy any, leave it all for me. "
Brian McDonald - Lake Forest, CA

"Dedicated Brewers- I enjoyed my last 2003 Winter Solstice for the year a week ago. You all make a big deal about how it is nice to drink in cold weather. I am writing to say that the temperature here in Laveen while I was enjoying that final delicious 2003 winter Solstice ale was 113 degrees. Things went just fine. Your beer is just as good in Sonora desert heat as it is in cold foggy Anderson Valley winters. Thank you and I look forward to 2004 "
Paul Franckowiak - Laveen, AZ

"It's only February and I have already had the best beer I'll probably get all year. I added 493 to the list last year."
John O'Neill - Clarkdale, AZ

"Last night, I tried the Winter Solstice brew for the first time. Great stuff!!! Loved everything about it including the mountain bear/elk packaging, the flavor, and the lovely hue of the beer. I am a sucker for an amber/reddish colored beer. But, yes, the flavor was the kicker. I felt like I was standing inside a decorated holiday barn out in the wild west listening to the soothing tunes of John Denver as I was quaffing my third Winter Solstice of the night. Pure delight!! Dreamy. I'll buy more today. Count on it."
Ted Ackerman - Cincinnati, OH

"i tried the Winter brew two days ago, and i cant get it out of my mind! its so great! its so good! this winter beer is awsome! you should really have this beer NOT only on the winter time. good job, Anderson people!"
Karen Eshed - Arlington, VA

"I enjoy Seasonal Ale, from August on, and find the taste of your Winter Solstice Brew to be the best I have sampled. I had my wife taste it and now have to buy a case at a time. Thank you for a good drink."
Larry and Jeanne Klein - Orange, CA

"Winter Solstice is amazing! Excellent flavor with a hint of vanilla. Only a west coast beer could be this good. A toast to your Brewmaster!"
Steve LaPaugh - Newport News, VA

"WOW...I've just had the best beer of my life. I thought the Boont Amber was good, but your Winter Solstice Ale is even better - how do you do it?!?"
Hall of Foamer , Brandy Flower - Los Angeles, CA

"It's February 16th, 2003, and I'm currently sipping on a rather smooth, well-aged batch of 2002 Solstice I picked up at my local grocery store last week. This beer ages quite well, which is to be expected of a beer whose yeast is not autolyzed. The alcohol is definitely higher than 6.9%; I'd say a touch over 8% by now. The carbonation has settled down, releasing a deep, heavy caramel overtone. I daresay it bears a closer resemblance to some young Belgian abbey ales I've had than most California microbrews I buy. And this is a good thing. Well done, Anderson Valley. I wish this malty goodness was available all year."
Matt - Berkeley, CA

"I have had many winter seasonals, but none have matched the flavor, aroma and all out terrific taste of your Winter Solstice. Just make sure that you continue to brew this fine X-Mas ale. Many thanks! Sincerely, Jason"
Jason Cloutier - W. Hampton, MA

"I agree with all these other people that your Winter Solstice is the best seasonal brew around. There are many liquor stores around town that carry your boont amber and the oatmeal stout, but I only found one that had the Winter Solstice. I bought a total of 9 sixers in two weeks and the store ran out. the foolio there said he had more on order but i have yet to see it. Tears actully well up in my eyes when I think about how great your Winter Solstice is and the fact that i can't get any right now. Ah well....fortunately, the Trader joe's down the street carries Boont Amber so it's all good. At least for another week or two. Thank you guys for making a beer I can believe in. "
Charlie - Santa Barbara, caleo

"I went college in Chico, home of Sierra Nevada and Celebration Ale. I can add that there is no finer seasonal than your Winter Solstice. None! You could travel to Samuel Smith brewery and beyond, Anderson Valley is the best."
Aaron Lorenz - Amherst, MA

[Editorial Note: The comment below is a transcript of a phone message we received over the Thanksgiving weekend, 2002. Is it genuine? Only the caller knows for sure. Click on the mystery man's silhouette to hear a .WAV of the message, and judge for yourself.]

"Hello, my name is Pierce Brosnan, and I am calling from Malibu, California. I just wanted to thank you and your brewery for a wonderful beer that we're having here, which is the first time most of us have had any of the Anderson Valley beers, and we're having the Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale. Anyway, we wanted to thank you for that and we're anticipating a big first week at the box office for our newest James Bond film. But thank you for your fantastic beers. Thank you."
Mystery Caller - Malibu, CA ???

"I don't know about any of the other seasonal brews because I refuse to drink anything other than your Winter Solstice. You should make it year-round...it's always winter somewhere!"
Scot Lance - Fairfax, ca

"I am having my first taste of this wonderful beer and it is one of the best I have ever tasted! I love this time of year because these "winter beers" have a hearty flavor and aroma and remind me of and compliment all of the best foods of the season. This is a 2001 and I can't wait to get my hands on the 2002 batch and share it with friends and family! Happy Holidays!"
Carl Pedersen - Villa Park, IL

"What can I say...I don't generally write fan letters...but, I think the Winter Solstice may be my all-time favorite beer. It's just good! It tastes so good, nicely balanced, not too heavy, not too light, with a nice kick to boot. I like the Hop-Ottin' IPA too. But I look forward to checking with the local distributor every late fall to get a case or two of the Winter Solstice. Keep up the excellent work!"
Ben Opie - Pittsburgh, PA

"Thank you for another masterpiece! All of us @ McCormick Beverage Company tip our collective beer cap to Brit et al. Truly one of the best seasonal beers ever! Cheers, All of us @ McCormick Beverage"
Dave Morrow - Woodland, Ca

   "Summer was yesterday
      gone is the fruit

  Winter Solstice fills my nose
      fills my mouth
        fills my thoughts

  Kiss my lips
      sample the brew
        through me

  I'll give you my caramel promise
      you'll search no more"
Ann Magee - Santa Rosa, CA

"Your Winter Solstice Ale this year is so damn good. Thank you"
Spencer Flowers - San Francisco, CA

"We just bought a six pack of the winter brew and it is by far the best one we've ever had. And there's alot of damn good brews out there."
Sara and Brad Lauber - Bellingham, WA

"I picked up a six of your winter seasonal beer today. What a great beer. Perfect for winter. As a homebrewer you learn that there are companies out there that sell off name and there are companies that produce a quality product. I would put your beers up against any other in the world."
Brad Walden - Cincinnati, OH

"I am an experienced, although uncertified, beer judge, and it takes a lot for a beer to impress me. The first word that came to mind when I tasted this beer was "phenomenal". A complex, and interesting beer."
Rich Grzelak - Milwaukee, WI

"Just wanted to say that I tried your Winter Solstice for the first time It friggin rocked! I tried several winter brews this year and this was by far the best. Thanks!"
Jason Mahokey - Pittsburgh, PA