Coaster Critique: The Traveler Beer Co. Jolly Traveler

On the fifth day of Beermas:

Jolly Traveler Winter

Name: Jolly Traveler

Brewed By: The Traveler Beer Co.

Style: Winter Shandy

ABV: 4.4%

Pours a bright copper color with red highlights, crystal clear in the glass with a bone white head that faded slowly leaving lacing down the glass.

The nose is pleasant, fruit, spices and a hint of sweetness. The bottle notes pomegranate but I pick up more of the orange, cinnamon and clove, it’s reminiscent of a pomander ball.

The flavor of the beer itself lacks the wow factor, just a basic wheat beer. The real flare of this beer is the additives that make it a shandy. Initial flavor is pomegranate heavy then transitions into an orange zest finish, spices are noticeable but subtle, a nice addition that gives this shandy a festive flavor without becoming tiresome. Mouthfeel is thin with a dry finish and a touch of lingering fruity sweetness.

I liked this Shandy, more than I expected to be honest, In my mind a shandy is a good option for an unbearably hot summer day, to quench your thirst. Winter Shandy is foreign to me but this is something I could see myself bringing to a Christmas party, it’s light and refreshing, flavorful but not overwhelming and at 4.4% ABV it lends itself to drinking a few without losing your head. Bring this one along and share with that friend at the party who’s not a fan of beer, this might just change their mind.

Cheers!

Chaddah

2014 Days of Beermas List

Day 1: Samuel Adams – Old Fezziwig Ale

Day 2: Goose Island – Festivity Ale

Day 3: Magic Hat Brewing – Snow Roller

Day 4: Shipyard Brewing Company – Gingerbreadhead

Day 5: Traveler Beer Co. – Jolly Traveler

Day 6: SoMe Brewing – Cinnamon Toast

Day 7: Ridgeway Brewing – Reindeer’s Revolt

Day 8: Rising Tide – d’Hiver

Day 9: 21st Amendment – Fireside Chat

Day 10: Southern Tier – 2XMAS

Day 11: Castle Brewery Eggenberg – Samichlaus Classic

Day 12: Anchor Brewing – Our Special Ale 2014

Chad Lothian

About Chad Lothian

Chad Lothian lives in Old Town, Maine. He is a craft beer enthusiast and homebrewer. Chad has travelled to brewpubs, breweries and brewfests all over New England.