You can feel it in the air—winter is coming. And so are the seasonal beer releases: those dark and roasted brews that grace frosty glasses for good cheer. Perfect to pair with the inevitable turkey, ham, roast and sides at seasonal gatherings, take along a winter brew with you as this season takes over your calendar with its festive activities. Our list is comprised of some of our favorite wintertime brews that join us in celebration.
Deschutes Brewery || Jubelale || Only available from October through December, the festive ale has notes of chicory, dried fruit, and toffee for a warm spicy sipper. This robust and bold beer comes from Bend, Oregon brewery patriarch that owns several medals for this beer in particular.
Rogue || Yellow Snow India Pale Ale || Unlike the snow you don’t want to eat, this beer is one you want to drink even with the pale golden color. The brew has a hoppy, fruity aroma and lingering bitterness, while the medium body pairs well with a good steak or spicy cuisine.
Double Mountain Brewery || FA LA LA LA LA || Double Mountain’s lighter-bodied winter ales is great to complement when singing Christmas carols or drinking next to an open fire. Pilsner and Crystal malts join the familiar wintry notes of pine and citrus during the season for a crisp and balanced seasonal beer from Hood River, Oregon.
Redhook || Winterhook || This winter will be the 31st year Redhook has brewed the Winterhook, and each year the recipe changes slightly (and last year we got an almost nude pic of innovation brewer Nick Crandall displaying the 2014 release). This year expect a rich caramel body, balanced with a strong malt backbone for a dry, hopped seasonal ale.
Alaskan Brewing Winter Ale || In true Alaskan fashion, water for these beers comes from a 1,500-square-mile ice field and this traditional, warming English Olde Ale is no different. The malty beer has spruce tips to create a warm heady aroma while noble hops guarantee a clean crisp finish.
Black Raven || Festivus Holiday Strong Pale || The Fesitvus from this Redmond, Washington, cult brewery is produced with cranberry, various citrus and peel fruit to reiterate those seasonal spices in the way of beer. The hefty beer also comes with plenty of “Seinfeld” references to snicker over.
Fremont Brewing || Bourbon Barrel Abominable || Also referred as the B-Bomb, this iconic Seattle brewery’s very limited winter ale is bourbon barrel-aged. The brew has a warm, spicy aroma, caramel bourbon tones, wood and vanilla. Although not overtly hoppy, the beer has a dark, roasted chocolate malt flavor.
Sound Brewing || Entendez Noel Belgian Quadrupel || Big, bold and bursting with Belgian winter goodness from this Poulsbo, Washington brewery. Brewed with Beligan pilsner malt, cane sugar, Motueka hops and Trappist yeast, this unctuous sipper is built to last, for this holiday and the next few.
