Iced Mugs

Last week SWMBO and I stopped for a post Christmas shopping meal at a Ninety-Nine restaurant (a regional chain.... think Applebee's or TGI Fridays).   As there is a Harpoon brewery in the area, they usually feature a couple of Harpoon brews on tap.  On this night it was Winter Warmer.  I wasn't interested in a spiced beer as my first beer, so I went with a Bass Ale draft.  It was served in a frosted mug.... more accurately it was a mug with a chunk of ice in the bottom, which floated up and watered down the brew.  You would think bartenders would know that English ales are more complex and flavorful when served at 45 - 50 F.... not to mention the effect of diluting a brew.  

So for my second beer, I ordered a Harpoon Winter Warmer in an unfrosted mug, but what I got was a Sam Adams Winter something.  Was quite tasty, with a taste of honey.  Once I figure out what it was, I might add it as a potential beer to replicate for Christmas '08.  

So bartenders.... skip the frosted mugs for craft beers.  Save them for the Bud / Coors / Miller drinkers.