Back by popular demand and just in time for the festive holiday season, McNally’s Winter Spice will start making an appearance again on store shelves.

For those of you who know it, we likely don’t have to remind you, but for those of you who are first-timers, let me give you a sense of what you’re in for.

Winter Spice Strong Ale is a beautifully balanced strong amber ale. Brewed with both pale and caramel malts, it gives off a warm amber glow and upon first sip the depth of flavour is revealed: notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and a hint of ginger. This seasonal brew has an alcohol content of 6% and is sure to warm your heart – and cheeks!

Back in 2008 when we first introduced this brew, it sold out just one month after the initial launch. So be forewarned, this year it’s back and it will only be on the shelves for a limited time. By late September make sure you start keeping your eyes open for it in the stores, after that it’s first come first serve. 

So good luck, enjoy, and please drink responsibly!

McNally’s Winter Spice Strong Ale will be available in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and the Maritimes.

Winter Spice Ale Sauce (Baked Ham)

Raisins, beer, cinnamon, cloves, and brown sugar make a delicious sauce for seasonal favourites like a baked ham. The sauce is served hot.

 Ingredients:
* 1/4 cup firmly-packed brown sugar
* 1-1/2 tbsp. cornstarch
* 1/8 tsp. salt
* 1 c. beer
* 1/4 c. raisins
* 8 whole cloves
* 1 2” stick cinnamon
* 1 tbsp butter

Preparation: Combine brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Stir in beer and raisins. Place cloves and cinnamon in a cheesecloth bag and hang from the edge of the pan (submerged in liquid). Cook for 10 minutes. Stir in butter. Remove the spices.

Serve hot.

Yields: About 1 ½ cups