New Belgium Brewing offers this advisory: brace yourself for a bright, warming blast of Sterling and Liberty hops with tawny-roasted malts. Why? Because 2º Below Winter Ale is back on the shelves and on tap for the winter season.

2º Below goes through dry-hopping during fermentation, which creates a rosy, floral nose with a hint of pepper spice and estery undertones. Brewers and tasters alike boast about its bright, hoppy palate and cherry warm afterglow - much needed during the cold days ahead. During the brewing process, 2º Below is pushed into a nearly freezing state, while its ample structure develops a brilliant clarity. Its subtlety and character create a winter favorite that finds its place during holiday celebrations.

"2º Below is a fun development," says Assistant Brewmaster Grady Hull. "It started out as a Fat Tire Grand Cru. We use a hop that isn't typically used for dry-hopping which gives it a geranial, pine tree aroma that sets it apart from other big, hoppy beers."

2º Below Winter Ale is available on draft and in bottles in certain New Belgium markets now through the beginning of the New Year.

New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. New Belgium produces six year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsener, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, and Trippel. A special release program allows for creative experimentation resulting in beers like La Folie, a sour brown ale aged up to three years in French Oak.

In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model. Progressive programs like employee ownership, open book management and a trip to Belgium after five years employment are all part of the corporate culture. New Belgium became the nation's first fully wind-powered brewery back in 1998. The company has halved the industry average for water consumption and produces 15% of its energy via a methane-fired co-gen completely off the grid.