Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro, Cabin Fever Winter Ale
Bellingham, Wash.
Cost: 12 oz. schooner: $3 (Cabin Fever on tap starting Nov. 6)

Ed Bennett, owner/brew-master of Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro, is beaming. After winning two medals last year at the competitive Great American Beer Festival, the brewers at Boundary Bay just brought home a 1999 silver. Their Cabin Fever won in the English Old/Strong Ale category.

If you like their renowned "Scotch ale," try the Cabin Fever, the next step in maltiness and strength (7% abv). A rich, dark beer with nice, ruddy tones, it's in between a "winter warmer" and a "porter."

Cabin Fever possesses a spiciness and a crisp finish from being dry-hopped with pungent Northwest hop varieties. Assistant brewer, Dave Morales, notes the floral bouquet from the hops, then adds "it's deceivingly strong because of its gentle smoothness, thanks to a dash of oats...and long cold conditioning."