We all remember the holidays and wintertime when grandma would bake some of the best cookies you ever had! Stone Hollow Brewing Company in Beatrice, Nebraska, helps to take you back in time by bringing the taste of grandma’s cookies to some of their winter brews.
The head brewer, Bryon Belding, told me back in December 2020 that he has a fondness for desserts during the holiday season, which is a significant influence on the beers he creates during that time. He explained that certain flavors from cakes, cookies, and candy can be challenging but extremely fulfilling to craft into beer. Some of the previous holiday beers he has brewed include:
Cherry Cheesecake Ale with cherries, vanilla, and graham cracker notes.
S’mores Porter with chocolate, vanilla, and marshmallow notes.
Rolo Imperial Stout with caramel and chocolate notes on a nitrogen tap for that smooth, creamy body.
Cookie Cutter came out this holiday season, and my friend Matt Pinkerton brought a crowler for me to try. He and George Pinkerton homebrew together and collaborated with Stone Hollow Brewing on this beer. The wheat beer base is the same one used for Really Vanilli, one of the fun beers at the brewery!
My first taste reminded me of a Snicker Doodle cookie. The vanilla notes (from real vanilla beans) appear first to me, then the cinnamon notes come in, and last through the finish. The light, smooth body of this 5.6% ABV ale lets all those cookie flavors come through!
Stone Hollow Brewing has so many creative beers, making it a fun destination! Check out my original blog from back in 2020 and make plans to visit the brewery soon.
Cheers!
