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The holiday season is going to end. The Christmas tree has been haphazardly tossed to the curb. Balled-up foil and unfinished Cherry Cordial leftovers can be found in the bowl of Hershey's Kisses. Still, it's bitterly cold. And now is the ideal time to stock up on the best winter beers because of the cooler temperatures and shorter days.
In the fall, our palates are assaulted with pumpkin spice madness, but as October fades into November, the days get shorter, and the thermostats are set higher, the time of year arrives that calls for a so-called "winter warmer"—a big-bodied beer, usually with a higher alcohol content, and often spices—that literally offers a warming effect. You're on the right track if you picture a beer with a slightly warm finish, like a Bourbon.
Those lighter beers you enjoyed during the warm weather months—goes, lagers, and session IPAs—might start to lose their appeal as fall turns into winter as your body and soul begin to crave warmth and comfort.
Stock Up on Perfect Wines
If it's a traditional American winter warmer, the beer you're looking at might contain holiday-themed spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. However, English strong ales also fit the bill due to their substantial malt bodies and high alcohol content.
That's not all; many also accept the fact that big, malty beers like imperial stouts or imperial reds are, in fact, winter warmers. Regardless of the style category, there are worse things to do on a chilly winter night than curling up in front of the fire with one of these beers.
To stock up on winter wines:
- Look for lighter, refreshing options that will warm you up but not weigh you down.
- Try a classic Pinot Noir, a bright Sauvignon Blanc, or a crisp Riesling.
- Try a Chenin Blanc, a Gewürztraminer, or a Viognier for something different. If you're looking for something special, choose a sparkling Italian Prosecco or a winter-ready Cabernet Franc.
Best Beers to Stock
As winter approaches, look at some of these items to put in your refrigerator. The best holiday-related products are winter warmers, which are ideal for the occasion. The term "seasonal winter beer" conjures up "cold weather and the Christmas holiday season, and may include holiday spices, specialty sugars, and other products reminiscent of mulling spices or Christmas holiday desserts," which can refer to such a beverage.
These beers usually have an alcohol content of over 6% by volume and are dark in color. Winter warmers, Christmas beers, and holiday ales are just a few distinctive seasonal categories we eagerly anticipate each year.
Now, Sip The Fine Beer
1. Great Lakes Christmas Ale
A winter ale with spices from Cleveland, Ohio. It has a malty, full-bodied finish and is brewed with honey and cinnamon. It is the ideal beer for chilly winter evenings by the fireplace.
2. 21st Amendment Fireside
The robust winter ale, 21st Amendment Fireside Chat (San Francisco, CA), is made with spices and marshmallows that have been toasted over an open flame. It's the ideal setting for reading a good book while curled up on the couch with a soft blanket.
3. Winter Orchard and Rothman Liquor
The berries used to make this liqueur are harvested in alpine valleys and meadows between 250 and 700 meters above sea level in Austria, from the southwest Steiermark to the Seewinkel region of Burgenland. Rowanberries, red currants, and Aronia berries add flavor to the base of rich elderberries.
The aromas of marzipan are infused into a flavorful base of rowanberry eau-de-vie. Stunning when combined with white rum, Blanco tequila, or gin. Delicious with club soda or sparkling wine.
4. Oskar Blues Hotbox Coffee Porter
Cold-brewed coffee and cocoa nibs are used to make this dark ale. You'll feel warm from its roasted, smooth flavor on chilly winter days.
5. New Accumulation Belgium White IPA
Orange peel and coriander are used in the brewing process of this winter IPA to give it a sweet, citrusy flavor. This beer is ideal for enjoying while admiring the winter landscape.
6. Avancé Allagash (Portland, ME)
This Belgian-style winter ale has a sweet, fruity taste because it is brewed with dried figs and dates. The ideal beer, I might add.
7. Akkeshi' Daikan
Japanese whiskey from 2022's The Peak of Winter The best whiskey that has been distilled and mixed with grain and malt is ideal for summer.
8. Heineken 0.0 (N/A Beer)
The non-alcoholic beer flavor is notoriously spotty, making it difficult to predict what you're going to get with some of these. Fortunately, Heineken was surprised with their 2017 entry into this market. Winter is a time when many of us add some non-alcoholic options to our fridges.
9. Stouts Of Winter
You probably already have some experience with Guinness, which is a smooth, light-bodied beer that will always be a go-to pint as winter softens into spring. However, let's dig a little deeper into three stouts that will fire up your winter.
10. Modelo Negra
Modelo Negra has great lager smoothness, but caramel malts and a combination of other unmalted grains lend touches of toast and subtle sweetness. It is exceptionally balanced and drinkable.
Winter beers are a great way to enjoy the colder months; they are usually full-bodied brews with robust flavors, such as caramel, chocolate, coffee, roasted malt, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove; some are even brewed with seasonal ingredients, such as oranges and cranberries; and they can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of accompaniments, such as cheese and crackers, nuts, dried fruits, or a hearty stew.
Tips for stocking winter beers
- Mix it up - Be sure to stock a variety of styles of winter beer, from porters, stouts, and bocks to winter ales, spiced ales, and barrel-aged beers.
- Focus on local - Carry winter beers from local breweries to draw in customers who are invested in their local craft beer scene.
- Keep an eye on trends - Pay attention to what's popular in the craft beer world and stock those beers.
- Introduce new flavors - Try to find unique and interesting winter beers with interesting flavor combinations to keep customers' taste buds excited.
- Keep it fresh - Make sure to rotate in new winter beers regularly to keep shoppers interested. 6. Offer seasonal samplers - Put together a selection of winter beers in a sampler pack, so customers can try different varieties and find their favorite.
- Promote specials - Offer discounts on certain winter beers to encourage customers to try them.
Conclusion
The holiday season is a great time to enjoy a beer. Whether celebrating with family and friends or relaxing solo, beer can spark your festivities. From light and refreshing lagers to robust and complex ales, there's a beer for everyone.
Enjoy a seasonal brew like a winter warmer or a festive ale to get into the holiday spirit. Or try a fruity beer like a lambic or a sour for something unique. Serve it in a festive glass or mug and make any holiday gathering a bit brighter.
Beer is the perfect accompaniment to holiday treats like cheese, nuts, and cookies. So whatever your holiday plans, remember to include a beer - it's the ideal way to sparkle up the festivities.