Winter Ales Guide

On a bitter cold winter day, many people find warmth by sitting in front of a roaring fire, wrapped in a fleece blanket with a steaming cup of hot chocolate in hand.  We find warmth in old ales, strong lagers and winter warmers.  Thanks to a lot of mass advertising, beer is usually characterized as a way to cool off as bikini-clad women and guys with ripped abs reach into a bucket full of ice and pull out a cold one.  We know better.

We know the instant warmth you feel when you consume an alcoholic beverage, warmth that’s even more satisfying during the winter months.  Winter ales are rich, robust and full of complex flavors, and we’d like to recommend a few of our American favorites.  You won’t find these made-for-winter beers at the supermarket.  You probably won’t find them at your local liquor store either, but fear not.  Consider us your winter heating company.

View our entire winter beer selection

Top Winter Ale Choices:

Winter warmers are traditionally dark beers brewed during the winter months with a big malt presence, and this offering from Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub of Clear Creak County, CO is no exception.  Cocoa Porter Winter Warmer Ale has been specially brewed in celebration of the old world tradition of porters and European winter warmers.  The addition of pure cocoa powder and honey to each barrel of this unique ale enhances a winter season filled with warm friendships and good times.  Like any winter warmer, we recommend serving this brew at no colder than 50° F to banish the chill of winter and showcase its magnificent flavors.

Anderson Valley Winter Solstice Ale
The days of winter are darker, the weather colder and the foods richer, making Anderson Valley’s Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale perfect for this time of year.  Deep amber in color, with an inviting aroma of spice and nutmeg, it evokes a crackling fire, drifting snow, and smells of home.  A hint of spice and hop bite to balance out the creamy and smooth texture and medium sweetness of this fantastic winter warmer, brewed by Anderson Valley Brewing Company in Boonville, CA.

Anchor Steam Christmas Ale 2011
Each year since 1975, Anchor Brewing of San Francisco, CA has been creating a distinctive rich, dark spiced Christmas Ale, each with a new top secret recipe, new label and new tree.  Since ancient times, trees have symbolized the winter solstice, and the tree for 2011 is the bristlecone pine.  Found high atop California's White Mountains, bristlecones are among the oldest living things on the planet.  Properly refrigerated, Anchor Steam Christmas Ales remain intriguing and drinkable for years, so save a few bottles each year and enjoy the nuances that emerge as the flavors mellow slightly.