Rating: 4.85/5

Winter Slayer by Arcade Brewery is a 9.1% ABV Oat Wine Style Ale

Label:
An Oat Ale That’s Got Your Back.

==Introduction==

I found this one along with the Mega Milk at www.wineandcheeseplace.com . This one intrigued me as well as the Mega Milk as they relate to video games in the craft beer world. The knight is reminiscent of fantasy and futuristic NES games or even Atari games. It seems more like a label for a video game. It is damn awesome so in this case, I chose it more because of the exclusivity since we don’t get any of their brews in California but also since it was a limited release. Let’s check out this bad ass beer, cheers!

Aromas:
Peppercorns, Stone fruit peaches, apricots, white grapes, wheat bread, biscuit bread, coriander, honey, vanilla, minor tropical hints of pineapple, dragon fruit notes, apples, marshmallows, graham crackers, herbal and floral hops, brown sugar, cinnamon, orange and lemon peels, butterscotch hints and banana hints.

Flavors:
White grapes, wheat, coriander notes, honey, vanilla, biscuit bread, raspberries, cherries, white raisins, stone fruit peaches, apricots, orange peel, lemon peel, cinnamon hints, banana hints, butterscotch, pineapple, dragon fruit notes, apples, marshmallows, graham crackers, almonds, floral and herbal hop hints, brown sugar, peppercorn spices, chardonay, caramel, toffee, butterscotch and melons.

Aftertaste:
Honey, grapes, granola bar, berries, orange peel, stone fruits, earthy notes and flowers. Slight alcohol in the taste, Light to medium golden body, moderate mouthfeel and moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very good oat Wine reminiscent of the Blonde Barley wine or the Wheat wine ales I have had before. It interesting with quite the different complex flavors that you typically do not find in other beers but a special set of lighter Barleywines. Of the style, I like other ones, like oh I don’t know, The Bruery White Chocolate!! However, since it is a rare style, this one I enjoyed a lot and I highly recommend it.

Anime Corner:
Lucina from Fire Emblem was used in this pairing since I wanted a character that would pair well with the knight. The knight reminds me of several different things. Dragon Warrior for NES, the helmet reminds me of Vile from Megaman X but I get this feeling like Wizards and Warriors from NES too. Either way, the colors of the artwork fit this one perfectly. Lucina is the knight in this picture and she is a slayer. Also to go along with the left eye shining, she has a shining eye on her left eye that is in the game called the mark of Naga also known as the brand of Exalt.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/1315296
http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/283/7/9/ceroxide_s_commission_a_by_gashi_gashi-d6pknt8.png