Desiree's Beer & Wine Blog

It’s cold outside so this week I’m want everyone to try a winter warmer!

Winter warmers and holiday beers are a popular seasonal style available during the winter months.  Traditionally winter warmer beers are higher in alcohol content and richness to celebrate the season with friends and family. Belgian and American interpretations can be be spiced adding an even more festive charm.  English and German versions don’t use spices in their winter beers.  Click here to read the Beer Judge Certification Programs definition of a winter warmer.
Here are a few commercial examples of winter warmers:

Sam Smith’s Winter Welcome is described as a Honey-amber-colored, creamy head of small bubbles, floral aroma and delicious malt flavor with great finesse.  This is the quintessential English winter warmer and is available in most states.

Anchor Brewing’s Christmas Beer is a big malty, spiced beer.  The interesting thing about Anchor’s Christmas beer is that the recipe changes every year with a different commemorative label. In homebrew circles it is somewhat of a collector’s item.  This beer always reminds me of the season with it selection of spices that entertain the taste buds.

Avery’s Old Jubilation is an English Old Ale that is great for this time of year.  This beer contains no additional spicing and it is amazing what they can do with malted barley, hops, water & yeast.  It is incredibly malty with hints of toffee and hazelnuts.  This is a smooth beer that is a pleasure to drink.

Sierra Nevada’s Celebration Ale is the winter beer for hop heads.  Not for the weak of heart, this beer is big on malt flavor and even bigger on hop bitterness, flavor and aroma.  If you haven’t developed a taste for hop bitterness this one will be like a slap in the face. Hop lovers, however, look forward to the release of this beer like it’s the coming of Santa Claus.

Big Sky Brewing has their Powder Hound,  another winter warmer that is in the English tradition with no spices but a great malt character and British hops.

Samuel Adams Winter Classic Mix Pack is a great way to experience 6 different beers from Sam Adams. The lineup can change from year to year but most years it includes a mix of Old Fezziwig Ale, Winter Lager, Holiday Porter and Cranberry Lambic.
Virtually every craft brewery now has its version of a winter seasonal so check your local liquor stores and what is available in your area.  Some are intense, some are smooth and malty, and some are rich and spicy, all are very tasty!

If you’re interested in brewing a winter warmer, check out my winter warmer article on examiner.com.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a Sam Smith’s in the fridge that is calling my name!

Cheers,

Desiree Knott
High Gravity Homebrewing & Winemaking Supplies
7164 S Memorial
Tulsa, OK 74133
(918) 461-2605
desiree@highgravitybrew.com
http://www.highgravitybrew.com

Tags:

This entry was posted by Desiree Knott on Friday, January 29th, 2010 at 6:46 pm and is filed under Beer Related Posts, Random Thoughts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.