I love beer. After now having visited over 345 different breweries, it’s fair to say I have sampled a lot of beer (follow me on Untappd). From post-race pints and run club meeting locations, to beer miles and relays, running and the kegged nectar seem to go hand-in-hand in Oregon. Our Kegs and Legs feature is where beer drinking runners like me can go to find some new favorite beverages.
Check out previous posts here!
Ninkasi Brewing in Eugene is one of the largest players in Oregon’s brew scene. They’ve been around since 2006 and gaining momentum ever since. They were the fastest growing craft brewery in 2011 and still remain independently-owned and employing hundreds of people.
Their Sleig’r Winter Ale has been on the seasonal (September – Decemeber) rotation since 2009 and really does a great job of keeping things dark while remaining overwhelmingly drinkable. It’s a little more bitter than I expected (60 IBU’s), and that’s generally a good thing in my book. Drinking this on cold winter evenings in front of a fireplace really set the mood, and I can’t wait to “cuddle” up with it more as the winter tredges on.
Here’s some of the tasting notes:
An Alt ferments with Ale yeast at colder lagering temperatures. This effect gives Alts a more refined, crisp lager-like flavor than traditional ales. The Alt has been “Ninkasified” raising the ABV and IBUs. Sleigh’r has a deep, toasted malt flavor that finishes dry and balanced.
These can be found in 12 ounce 6-packs, 22 ounce bottles, and on draft at many taphouses around the region their beer finder to locate Sleigh’r wherever you are.
If you are looking to bring a nice beer-inspired dessert to your Christmas party, check out Sleigh’r Balls – a nutty and toffee-tasting treat for the sweet tooth.
Beer:
- Sleig’r Winter Ale
- ABV: 7.2%
Brewery:
- Ninkasi Brewing (Instagram)
- 272 Van Buren St. Eugene, Oregon 97402
