Winter begins on December 21st. But, for most of the country, it’s already here. This means that it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy a warming, balanced winter beer. But, while many beer styles have specific parameters, what exactly is a winter beer?
What is a winter beer?
As the calendar turns toward December and beyond, I find myself turning away from hoppy, dank IPAs and refreshing lagers toward higher-ABV, bold winter beers. But what defines a winter beer?
“A winter beer is one I begin to crave as the temperature gets colder, the days shorter, and the winds kick up a more blustery chill, says Frederic Yarm, USBG bartender at Gato Exotico in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
As we mentioned earlier, there’s no set definition for a winter beer. But they are often more malt-driven and less hoppy, with dark notes from specialty roast grains.
“Richer mouthfeels and higher alcohol content to counter the weather outside are very common, as are complementary dried fruit notes from a combination of the yeast and the darker grains,’ adds Yarm.
“While I crave lighter Czech lagers and German pilsners in the summer months, those thirst-quenching beers are not as satisfying when the mercury is dipping below the freezing point. Imperial stouts, Belgian tripels and quads, porters, barrel-aged strong ales, and weizen doppelbocks begin luring me out more than hazy IPAs and witbiers. “
Winter beers are also often higher-gravity warming ales and even barleywines, served in smaller snifters.
“They are sometimes aged in used wood barrels for long, cool rests. Higher alcohol,” says Warren Bobrow, Owner/co-founder drinkklaus.com. “Sweeter flavor profiles. Warming feeling. Not usually a session beer- but one for reverent sipping and contemplating life.”
Why are winter beers great for cold weather?
There are a variety of reasons why winter beers are perfect for cold, frigid weather besides their names alone.
“Darker malts and dried fruits mirror the decreased sunlight and lack of freshly picked fruit grown locally,” says Yarm. “Moreover, the energy-packed maltier and higher alcohol content beers provide energy to either keep oneself warm or to pack on a little extra insulation.”
What ingredients make them good for winter?
There’s a reason they’re called “winter beers”. There are a variety of ingredients included to make them darker, bolder, more balanced, and stronger than their summer counterparts.
“Darker malts, richer and sweeter balance, hops being used to dry out the sweetness more than driving the flavor, and yeast phenolics to add a complexity to the mix all seem apropos to the colder weather,” says Yarm.
“And smoked beers also seem to match the mood, especially when they can conjure up memories of crackling logs in the fireplace.”
Bobrow adds, “Spiced, Xmas-style dark ales are good with heavier foods because with the higher gravity, the malts and toasted grains feel heavier against your tongue and lips. Hence the small snifters. These are potent.”
What are some of the best winter beers?
Yarm says that he’s a big fan of Belgian Quads such as St. Bernardus’ Abt. 12, Russian Imperial Stouts like Tributary’s Mott the Lesser, Baltic Porters such as Sinebrychoff Porter, and barley wines like Remnant’s Vision Quest during these colder months. But there are other great winter beers, and many are readily available wherever you live. Keep scrolling to see some of our favorites.
Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome
With a name like Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome, you should have a pretty good idea about what you’re in for when you crack open one of these beers. This 6% ABV seasonal favorite is made with simple ingredients like malted barley, yeast, and Fuggle and Golding hops. The result is a full-bodied, malty, warming, memorable winter beer that you’ll want to drink until the spring thaw. Make sure to welcome the beginning of winter by sipping this complex brew.
$12.99
Southern Tier Old Man Winter
When old man winter comes around, we love to crack open this aptly named beer. Southern Tier Old Man Winter is a 7.5% ABV winter ale brewed with ale yeast, two types of hops, and four different malts. The result is a sublimely balanced winter beer featuring notes of bready malts, toasted barley, toffee, dried fruits, wintry spices, and just the right hop presence at the very finish. This is a great beer to sip after a heavy holiday meal.
$11.99
Samuel Adams Winter White Ale
There’s a good chance that no matter where you live, you can find a six-pack of Samuel Adams Winter White Ale at your local grocery or beer store. This 5.7% ABV winter ale is brewed with Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, wheat, Spalt Spalter Noble hops, and Samuel Adams Ale Yeast. It gets added flavor from the addition of Cinnamon, nutmeg, orange peel, and clove. The result is a wintry, spiced beer loaded with flavors like wintry spices, candied orange peels, and gentle hops. This is a perfect winter gateway beer for fans of lagers and IPAs.
$15.99
