Winter Beers Worth Trying

Winter Beers Worth Trying This Season

Winter Beers Worth Trying This Season

Once the snow starts falling, light lagers and crisp summer IPAs start to feel a little out of place. Winter is when beer gets darker, richer, and a lot more interesting. If you mostly stick to the same go-to beer year round, this is the perfect time to branch out.

Stouts are probably the first thing that comes to mind, and there’s a lot of range within that one style. A classic dry stout is lighter than people expect, with roasted coffee and dark chocolate flavors and a smooth, dry finish. Milk stouts are brewed with lactose, which gives them a creamier, slightly sweet taste. Oatmeal stouts have a silky texture that makes them really easy to drink. And then there are imperial stouts, which are big, bold, and usually much higher in alcohol. Those are best saved for sipping slowly at the end of the night.

Porters are close cousins to stouts. They tend to be a little lighter and a little less roasty, with more caramel and chocolate notes. If stouts feel like too much, a porter is a great place to start.

Winter warmers and holiday ales are made for this time of year. Most breweries have their own version, and they’re usually malty, slightly sweet, and sometimes brewed with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or orange peel. They’re kind of like a holiday dessert in a glass, and they come and go fast.

If you’re into Belgian beers, look for dubbels and quadrupels. These have flavors of dark fruit, raisins, figs, and brown sugar, and they can be surprisingly strong. They’re excellent with a cheese board or a hearty dinner.

Barleywine is another one to know. Despite the name, it’s a beer, just a very strong one. It’s rich, malty, and often aged, with flavors that can change a lot over time. Some people even buy a few bottles and save them to try a year or two later.

One thing that makes a big difference with winter beers is temperature. These beers taste better a little warmer than you might think. Pulling a stout or a quad out of the fridge 10 to 15 minutes before you drink it lets the flavors open up. Serve it too cold and you’ll miss most of what makes it good.

Glassware helps too. A tulip glass or a snifter holds in the aroma and makes stronger beers easier to sip slowly. And remember that a lot of winter beers are higher in alcohol, especially up here at altitude, so one or two can go a long way.

Winter beers also pair really well with food. Stouts are great with chili, burgers, and chocolate desserts. Belgian ales go well with roasted meats and aged cheeses. And a holiday ale is just about perfect next to a plate of cookies.

Stop by Boone’s Wine & Spirits and check out our seasonal beer selection while it’s here. A lot of these releases are limited, so grab your favorites before they’re gone.