Hale's Ales is a Seattle brewery (and brew pub) right on the border between Fremont and Ballard. Hale's Ale has been making their seasonal Wee Heavy Winter Ale since 1985. Their winter ale is a "wee heavy," in traditional Scottish Brewing Speak, because it's ABV of 6.8% is a wee bit on the "heavy" side. This is a lovely dark, deep brown, though not Porter deep, with reddish highlights. It's a good choice for Winter since it's definitely a hearty, hoppy, malty brew that can stand up to rich stews and roasts, and still not be overwhelmed. In fact, this is one of those food-enhancing sorts of beers.

Hale's Wee Heavy Winter Ale is very much a local brew, made with Pale, Crystal, & Black malts, and locally grown Cascade, Cluster, & Mount Hood hops. It's also very seasonal; you can find it locally in the Northwest and in specialty stores in bottles and on tap, but only from November through January. The brew pub is popular with beer fans, and I can tell you that it goes well with hand-made dark chocolate pomegranate truffles. That said, thus far this year, my favorite winter seasonal is still BridgePort's Ebenezar Ale.