About a half-hour from Missoula, Montana you'll find Snowbowl. I don't know if it's still there, because it's been a few years, but there used to be a warming-hut partway down from the top runs, where you could ski or snowboard right up to the deck, kick off your gear, wedge your skis or board in the banked snow, then tromp in and buy pre-made sandwiches and have a hot cocoa or a cold beer.

Powder Hound Winter Ale tastes exactly like sitting out on that deck in the Montana winter sunshine, sucking down icy cold beer, goggles perched on top of your head, and laughing with friends.

Powder Hound is one of Big Sky Brewery's seasonal offerings. The Beer Advocate reviews are a bit less enthusiastic about this beer than I am, but I suspect they're failing to consider the nostalgia factor. Reviewers tend to agree that the hops nicely balance the malts, without either flavor overpowering the hints of brown sugar and roasted fruit.

Big Sky Brewery says of this ale, "Powder Hound is our Winter Ale, and since it is our own creation we call it a Northern Rockies Strong Ale. Powder Hound satisfies, with the fine hand selected British hops fully complimenting the smooth malt notes. After a day on the ice or in the snow, enjoy a Powder Hound Winter Ale. Available November through March."

An English-style winter ale with hand-selected British hops and rich roasted malt accents, Powder Hound combines old-world winter-warmer Winter ale style with vigorous modern American West sensibilities. With an ABV of 6.2%, this is indeed an enjoyable and drinkable beer. Powder Hound Winter Ale was actually a bit lighter in flavor than I expected from the rich coppery color. This is definitely a brew to enjoy during or after an afternoon on your favorite ski runs. It goes down smoothly and easily, and finishes clean. If your local supplier is out, grab a sixer of Moose Drool, reviewed most favorably by my colleague here.