We've created a list of some of our favorite seasonal, cold weather beers. Cheers!
New Belgium/Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough AleThis decadent collaboration between New Belgium and Ben & Jerry’s is a golden ale inspired by one of Ben & Jerry’s best-selling ice creams. Big doughy sweetness melds with milk chocolate flavors that fade into a nice clean finish. This brew is rich without becoming cloyingly sweet. Pair this beer with desserts such as tiramisu, raw chocolate mousse, and of course Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. ($8.99/6pk)
Founders Breakfast Stout Dark, heavy, roasted coffee notes are up front and personal in this beer. A lightly tan head grips the edges of the glass. This beer is a coffee lover’s dream. It is brewed with bitter and imported chocolates along with two types of coffee. This beer is made for chocolate desserts, as the coffee will come forward and really complement the dish. ($12.49/4pk)
Sierra Nevada Celebration This is a beautiful fresh hopped ale from California. One of the few IPAs that come out this time of year, The beer has a stunning red hue that reminds you of all the red of Christmas. But don’t wait too long on this beer because it is meant to be drunk fresh. Citrus and pine dominate the aroma and the taste. This beer will go great with turkey, dressing, and manchego cheese. ($9.49/6pk)
Einstok Doppelbock Based on the German doppelbock style nicknamed “liquid bread” for its heartiness, the Icelandic brewery Einstok releases this dark amber lager once a year to warm you up in the winter months. Sweet toasty malt dominates the aroma, with notes of toffee, molasses, and subtle chocolate in the flavor. Pairs well with short ribs, marinated duck, and creamy cheeses such as gruyere and brie. ($12.49/6pk)
Yellowhammer Frankenhammer Frankenhammer is a highly limited release from the Huntsville brewery, Yellowhammer. This brew is a riff on their Belgian strong dark ale, Dark Hammer, whereby they take the finished beer and additionally age it in charred cherry wood barrels. Huge notes of vanilla, dark fruit, and oak flow into a smooth boozy warm finish. This brew goes great with plum sauce pork chops, roasted rib, creme brulee, and bold cheeses such as smoked gouda, Limburger, and havarti. ($9.99/22oz)
Shiner Cheer One of the most popular beers of the winter, this is a holiday “no brainer.” This beer is brewed with Texas peaches and pecans. The style is a dunkelweizen, which is a dark German wheat beer, and is great for cold nights. This beer is an easy sipper, and pairs well with ginger salmon and pork tenderloin. ($8.99/6pk)
St. Bernardus Christmas Hailing from Belgium, this beer is perfect for the cold nights of winter. A quadrupel-style beer with a hint of a spicy, mint-like flavor. You will get notes of alcohol warmth, licorice, and almonds. This beer is complex, and weighs in at a hefty 10% ABV. Great for sipping by the fire. Pairs well with Trappist- style cheeses, or game hen with wild rice. ($23.49/4pk or $12.99/750ml)
Stone Xocoveza Stout This winter seasonal is another of the most popular beers of winter. Inspired by Mexican hot chocolate, it combines chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, peppers, coffee and cocoa. The beer has aromas of roasted coffee and a slight hint of the spices and peppers. The pepper is present but not too hot. The spices dance on your palate as the beer finishes. This beer will go well with bacon-wrapped figs, lamb chops, and ice cream (some in the ice cream and some to sip). ($16.99/6pk)
