Winter-themed variety pack provides drinks for the whole weekend

Welcome back to our magnum opus. This week, we decided to get topical and review Castle Danger Brewing’s Wintry Mix variety pack. It didn’t matter how much wool underwear Jack put on under his perfectly curated vintage jeans, he still froze his butt off (in style). Chuck found that a nice cable knit sweater provided a nice balance between style and functionality (Harry Burns would be proud). We hope you all fared a bit better, stayed warm and experienced no wipeouts to and from class (Jack did). Both of us must admit our complete lunacy to wear rolled beanies purely for aesthetic purposes as the temps dipped below zero (beauty is pain). As always, please Stop @ Buzzed.

**Solstice Saison (Thursday)**

Smells like a nice hefeweizen, drinks like a spicy hefeweizen. Definitely an acquired taste, and we’re not sure if we’ve acquired it yet. Chuck thought this brew was deceivingly packaged with its dark blue and green exterior. We still have to give a shoutout for recycling their old cans and putting new stickers on their products. Other breweries should follow suit. If you want to try this one, make sure it’s at least 32 degrees outside and sunny. It’s too crisp for a cold winter’s night. Overall, Chuck kind of likes it. The jury is still out for Jack. For anyone looking to expand their palates, definitely worth checking out.

**White Pine Project IPA (Friday)**

This one’s gonna be contentious. Chuck is unimpressed, and Jack is smitten. As our favorite podcasters on Pardon My Take would say: “Embrace Debate.” Jack’s take: while it’s not doing anything inventive, it’s done damn well. Like a margherita pizza, a ballpark hotdog or milk and cookies, sometimes the best things in life have no frills. This beer is a classic, clean, slightly fruity IPA that begins and ends with a crisp winter embrace. Also, Chuck must hate trees because this beer is brewed with a purpose. Per the label, proceeds from White Pine IPA sales will go to planting target areas on Minnesota’s North Shore. For shame, Chuck. Chuck’s take: If you want a light IPA that’s not a watery session style, this is the beer for you. But, if you want any IPA variety, look elsewhere. If the goal was to create the UGG boots (yes, I’m talking about you, Jack), white Air Force 1’s or vanilla ice cream of IPAs congrats, you did good. Chuck’s had too many plain IPAs in his days, and since we live in a world of variety, it’s the latter which he chooses. (To clarify, I don’t hate the environment; I cut buckthorn in the local forest to help mitigate the spread of invasive species and protect our beautiful landscape for future generations; stop trying to cancel me, Jack).

**Turn up the Good Double IPA (Saturday)**

If “the Good” is us berating each other for our thoughts on how a beer tastes, by golly, did we turn this up to max volume. Jack was blown away by its almost milkshakey flavor. Notes of fruit finish out this beer, with very little bitter, hoppy notes. This tastes like how it feels to listen to the Jackson 5’s “Who’s Lovin’ You” (check it out please, it’ll change you). Smells like a basic double IPA in its truest sense. It has some great fruity notes that Chuck appreciates, but the citrus and hops aren’t fully incorporated. Chuck recommends this mid brew if you want the taste of a lighter Double IPA but the kick of 7.8% ABV. Regarding the “Who’s Lovin’ You” take: Chuck is throwing a challenge flag; he’s calling on VAR and looking for a second opinion. After further review: bad take, Jack…bad take.

**Dark Chocolate George Hunter Stout (Sunday)**

After lobbing numerous pot shots at each other for over an hour, we put our differences aside and agreed on one beer. Though neither of us are big stout guys, we found this to have a paradoxically light but full-bodied flavor. A great chocolatey coffee smell makes this a perfect winter beer. With a light taste and high ABV this libation is sure to get you through the winter. You’re not drinking 12 of these puppies, but 2 can suffice. As for life updates, Jack got cooked in his living room for having a thigh tattoo and wearing a crop top after he started dating an alt girl. Fair. We also want to say that like all great bands, teams, companies or couples, they have to have some conflict to get where they want to be. We are no different, and our love for one another is immense, even more than Chuck’s love for his future wife from last week’s column. Long season, and the team is closer than ever.