Sebago Brewing Company - Slick Nick Winter Ale

Slick Nick is Sebago’s winter release and is their most popular seasonal. On the pour, expect a rich amber-auburn color capped by a moderate cream-colored head. The nose presents some sweet caramel malt notes with some woody undertones, and herbal, spicy hops atop some fruity hints. But it’s in the mouth that this beer shines brightest, with bold notes of holiday spices integrated throughout a complex tapestry of rich caramel malts, dark fruit, a touch of crushed citrus seeds, a woody, oak-like note, and a hint of vanilla. The fairly firm hop bitterness merges very well with the alcohol of this rather hefty brew, providing a great, and at times vinous, counterbalance to the sweet malts. The brewery recommends pairing with BBQ dishes and other grilled meats, and we agree. But, we also think Slick Nick is a perfect after dinner drink; pair with a comfortable chair by the fire and a good book or good company. Cheers!

Maine is one of those places that’s virtually synonymous with craft brewing, but, interestingly, the story of Sebago Brewing Company actually begins in another brewing mecca: Colorado. It was at the University of Colorado Boulder that Maine native Kai Adams went to school, and it was in this town that his career in brewing began after taking a job at a local brewpub. Quickly ascending from bottle-labeler to a full-fledged member of the brewing team, he learned the ropes and developed a passion for beer that would define the rest of his life. After a successful battle with Hodgkin’s Disease at just 21 years of age, he returned home to Maine, eventually taking a job at the Sea Dog Brewing Company where he served as Head Brewer and learned traditional English brewing techniques as well as the business of operating a brewery. It was during this time that Kai began to pursue the dream of starting a brewpub named after the local Sebago Lake on which he grew up. To learn the restaurant side of the business, he went to work for Chili’s, where he met his future business partners Brad Monarch and Tim Haines. The three opened their first Sebago location in 1998, and now there are four locations in southern Maine (three around the greater Portland area, and one in Kennebunk) as well as their state-of-the-art production facility in Gorham where top-quality Briess malts meet pure Sebago Lake water to produce their array of fine year-round and seasonal brews. To learn more about the brewery or free tours and tastings, call (207) 856-2537 or visit www.sebagobrewing.com.