10 Winter Beers to Drink Now
Editor's note: Guest contributor THF chimes in with 10 winter beers you should be drinking now.
The days are shorter and the nights are colder — it’s time to break out the wool sweaters, firewood and winter beer. It’s going to be a long few months until spring. So this year, try the full range of seasonal beer selections, from crisp white and scotch ales, to full bodied porters and thick, bitter stouts.
A few pours and a warm fire will take the chill out of the coldest winter nights. Here’s a short list of my favorites.
1. Schlafly’s Irish-Style Extra Stout, Saint Louis Brewery
Rich, toasty malts and chocolate undertones make it my favorite winter beer this year.
2. La Fin du Monde, Unibroue Brewery
A white ale brewed just outside of Montreal that is moderately similar to Hoegaarden, only much, much better. After all, who would know winter beer better than Canadians?
3. Old Chub Scottish Style Ale, Oskar Blues Brewery
While a fine scotch is grand, a scotch-influenced ale — from a can, no less — is just as enjoyable when fighting winter’s bitter cold.
4. Port City Porter, Port City Brewing
An even and substantial porter brewed right across the river in Alexandria, Virginia. Don’t miss this local treasure.
5. Foreign Extra Stout, Guinness Brewery
Guinness surely makes any list of winter beers, yet their Foreign Extra Stout — with its extra hoppy bitterness — has a bit more kick. If only it was on draught here in North America.
6. Winter White Ale, Bell’s Brewery
A lighter take on the traditional, yeasty white ale. Bell’s has a smooth, lasting, fruity finish, yet could still be easily confused with several Belgian varieties.
7. Oatmeal Stout, Samuel Smith’s Brewery
My absolute favorite stout, whose dark, molasses-like pour is betrayed by a wonderfully and surprisingly smooth finish. A fine complement to a thick soup or winter stew.
8. Black Chocolate Stout, Brooklyn Brewery
Bittersweet and thick, this stout is a delightfully balanced take on the most ferocious winter beer, Russian Imperial Stout.
9. Kriek Lambic, Lindemans Brewery
A non-traditional winter selection, this medium-bodied black cherry Belgian selection will have you licking your lips for more.
10. Storm King Stout, Victory Brewing
Bold, bitter and aromatic, this stout is deceptively thin in the glass, but don’t be fooled — it’s a dark, brooding beer that can warm even Jack Frost’s soul. Here’s hoping Victory’s Dark Intrigue is even better.
THF is a Penn Quarter resident who has enjoyed a wide variety of beverages on a number of continents. His blog, The Hip Flask, celebrates the culture of drinking in a thoughtful, deliberate manner.
Editor's note: Guest contributor THF chimes in with 10 winter beers you should be drinking now.
THF is a Penn Quarter resident who has enjoyed a wide variety of beverages on a number of continents. His blog, The Hip Flask, celebrates the culture of drinking in a thoughtful, deliberate manner.