Winter brings to mind thoughts of kicking back on the sofa in our sweats while a pot of chili cooks on the stove, a fire roars in the fireplace and on TV our football team braves the treacherous elements for a win. Or, maybe you prefer everyone gathering at your local Saucer to keep warm with a few rounds and talk of plans for a beach vacation once spring arrives. That’s right, beer goes great with winter. Here are the top 10 brews for staying toasty (in no particular order).
- Sixpoint Global Warmer. While most winter warmers feature a heavy malt bill, this one features a hefty 70 IBUs. The best part of this 7% warmer is that you can still pick up some dark fruit notes after a few sips to acclimate the palate.
- Odell Isolation. This beer marks the end of the Colorado summer and its immediate launch into winter. Fair warning: It’s usually pretty hard to find toward the end of December, so don’t waste your chance to take advantage of it’s well-balanced, caramel-sweet body and clean hop finish!
- SKA Euphoria. Let’s just be clear, this one is this author’s favorite. So much caramel at the start only to be crushed by a massive hop load brought on by the dry hopping done at the end of fermentation. It’s just an awesome balance, with just the right ABV at 6.2%.
- Bells Winter White. A Belgian-style winter beer, this brew works well as a break from the more heavy-hitting warmers. A nice clove presence and a moderate ABV at 5% makes this one an all-day sipper.
- Smuttynose Winter Ale. Brewed with Belgian ale yeast and closely resembling an abbey in style, this one is for the coldest of days. Put it down with a nice homemade stew and you’ll really get the full effect.
- Heavy Seas Winter Storm. Brewed in a style more common to the English warmers, this beer is considered an Imperial ESB at 7.5%. It offers a great full malt body, yielding only slightly to the proper amount of hops. This one should be a staple in your icebox.
- Southern Tier Old Man Winter. A heavy bodied, slightly more sweet than bitter ale, this brew wraps you up in it’s ample 7.5% ABV even on the coldest of nights.
- Great Divide Hibernation. It’s a true warmer, a heavy hitter weighing in at 8.7% ABV. Great Divide’s winter offering has been available since 1995 and it’s obvious why. With notes of chocolate, coffee, even some earthy tones, this is what most will expect from their winter warmer. Try setting one back for a year or two. The dry hop finish may fade some, but more of those rich malt flavors will come through
- De Glazen Toren Canaster. This Belgian-brewed Scotch ale has the typical Belgian aroma of candy sugar and bountiful notes of plum and other stone fruit. Another true “warmer” at 8.7%, it’s a good one to share with friends. Already giftwrapped 750ml bottles make a wonderful housewarming present!
- Einbecker Winter Bock. We’ve showcased English styles and a true Belgian warmer, but make no mistake that the Germans know how to warm things up, too. This one’s a fantastic Bock brewed by a fantastic brewery and boasts flavors of caramel, raisin and cherry. This beer is meant to be paired with our best winter roast—pork shank would be best, without a doubt.
What’s your favorite beer to keep you warm in winter? Let us know in the comments!
