Winter’s arrival signals the return of rich, dark, sometimes barrel-aged beers. But, if you’re anything like us, you’ve already had your fill of stouts, porters, barleywines, and other heavy seasonal brews. Just like many are tired of the heavy blanket of snow that covers part of the northern US, it’s time to add a little refreshment and lightness to the winter. That’s why we’re all about sipping craft light beer as a seasonal respite.
What is a craft light beer?
At its essence, a craft light beer is exactly as it seems. It’s a light, refreshing, crisp, summery beer that’s (you guess it) made by an independent or smaller brewery. And while we enjoy a nice Miller High Life as a break from wintery beers, it and other large-scale, mass-produced brands are off the table for our purposes today.
As a beer writer, I spend an uncomfortable amount of time sipping and sampling beer. I’m right there with you when it comes to lighter beers. I’ve been drinking darker, maltier brews since the late fall, and it’s time for a break. While a crisp lager, pilsner, Kolsch-style ale, or a hoppy, light IPA are perfectly suited for warm weather, there’s something special about cracking one open and sipping it while you watch snowflakes slowly cascade to the ground outside your window.
The best craft light beers
Now that you’ve learned a little bit about the appeal of lighter, more refreshing beers in the middle of the winter freeze, it’s time to find some to add to your refrigerator. Below, you’ll find some of our favorites. Keep scrolling to see them all.
Pfriem Pilsner
If you’re ready for a crisp, thirst-quenching, crushable beer, you should purchase some Pfriem Pilsner. This 4.9% ABV pilsner was brewed with Gambrinus & Weyermann German Pilsner, Cara Foam, and Acidulated malt as well as lager yeast. It gets its hop aroma and flavor from Perle, Saphir, Tettnang, and Spalt Select hops. The result is a balanced, refreshing beer loaded with flavors like lemon peels, honey, fresh-cut grass, gentle spices, caramel malt, and a dry, crisp finish. It’s just as appealing after an afternoon mowing your lawn in the sun as it is on a frozen winter night.
$13.99
El Segundo Spark Plug Light IPA
You might be surprised to learn that winter is a great time of year for hoppy, refreshing light IPAs. A great choice is El Segundo Spark Plug Light IPA. This 4% ABV
$11.99
Half Acre Far Star
If you only drink one light lager this winter, make it Half Acre Far Star. This beer was literally crafted to be imbibed during the winter months. This 5.2% ABV cold-weather lager is brewed with Bohemian Dark and Crystal malts. It was crafted to be clean, crisp, balanced, and refreshing without the weight of many rival winter beers. This created a nuanced, complex winter lager loaded with flavors like bready malts, honey, and citrus peels. Toasted grains, and floral, earthy, lightly bitter hops. The finish is crisp, dry, and perfect for a snowy night with friends and family.
$14.49
Coronado Weekend Vibes
You don’t have to wait until Saturday to enjoy Weekend Vibes thanks to the folks at Coronado Brewing. This summery IPA is the perfect break from winter any day of the week, with a recipe of 2-row malt, wheat, and Mosaic, Citra, and Simcoe Hops. It’s like a tropical, hoppy vacation in the middle of winter thanks to notes of ripe pineapple, mango, passionfruit, grapefruit, orange peel, caramel malt, and dank, resinous, floral hops. It’s a perfect mix of tropical sweetness and bitter hops. What could be better on a freezing winter day?
$13.99
Fair State KÖLD
This 4.7% ABV German Kolsch-style ale is brewed with Pilsner malts, Sterling hops, and specialty German ale yeast. This results in a memorable session ale with flavors of bready malts, cereal grains, honey, citrus peels, fruit esters, and floral Noble hops at the finish. It’s crisp, light, and effortlessly refreshing. This is another lawnmower beer that works as a tremendous break from the winter doldrums. Drink it now and well into the spring thaw. And then, honestly, drink it throughout the spring and summer as well.
$13.49
Bottom line
Now that you’ve read the above, we hope you give lighter beers a chance this winter. You may still enjoy a porter or stout occasionally, but don’t overlook light IPAs, lagers, and Kolsch-style beers for a refreshing break. Everyone needs a break from the norm every now and then.
