Cold Weather Calls For These Top Winter Beers

Getting a frosty from Frosty.

BY: John Krochune
PUBLISHED: January 6, 2025

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Outside of bourbon, the editors of Brostrick love all things beer related. So it only made sense to debut our newest franchise “Bros & Brews” where we cover some of our favorite beers, beer pairings and everything in between. Got a beer recommendation or question for our editors? Ask us at feedback@brostrick.com

It’s time to embrace the chill and warm up with beers crafted for the season! Winter beers are all about hearty flavors—think tastefully spiced ales, dark stouts, and malty brews that bring comfort with every sip.

We’ve rounded up our favorite picks to help you enjoy this winter with the perfect pour. So grab a blanket, a crackling fire, and a glass of something rich and toasty.

1.

Sierra Nevada Celebration IPA

Why I Love It: Known as one of the first IPAs to celebrate fresh hops, Celebration IPA features bold citrus and pine notes that cut through the rich foods of winter. This annual release has a following thanks to its fresh, zesty flavors that also bring a touch of bitterness.

ABV: 6.8%
Perfect For: A fresh, zesty break from heavier winter brews

FUN FACTOIDS

First brewed in 1981, it’s one of the original American IPAs, and it hasn’t lost its swagger. What makes it stand out? It’s brewed fresh every year with whole-cone hops, so it’s like biting into a crisp, piney winter forest, but with a citrusy punch that reminds you summer beers will eventually come back.

Unlike most holiday beers that go heavy on the spices and sweetness, Celebration keeps it real with a perfectly balanced bitterness. It’s like the beer equivalent of your buddy who shows up to the ugly sweater party rocking a perfectly tailored blazer instead. And here’s the kicker: even though it tastes like a special occasion in a glass, it’s not overly heavy.

2.

Great Lakes Christmas Ale

Why I Love It: Great Lakes Christmas Ale is a beloved seasonal beer with flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and honey that make it a crowd-pleaser for any holiday gathering. It’s a warming ale with a touch of sweetness and is especially enjoyable paired with cookies or gingerbread.

ABV: 7.5%
Perfect For: Holiday gatherings with friends and family

FUN FACTOIDS

When this beer drops each year, people lose their minds. Bars in Cleveland host release parties like it’s a red carpet event, and the tap lines flow faster than Rudolph on Christmas Eve. So, if you’re lucky enough to snag a six-pack, you’re not just drinking a beer, you’re celebrating a Midwest tradition that’s been uniting beer lovers for over 30 years.

3.

Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome Ale

Why I Love It: Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome Ale has a balanced malt sweetness and a subtle bitterness, making it both refreshing and rich. Brewed with Fuggles and Golding hops, it’s a classic winter ale that pairs beautifully with hearty dishes.

ABV: 6.0%
Perfect For: A hearty dinner away from the cold

FUN FACTOIDS

Samuel Smith still uses stone Yorkshire squares for fermentation, a time-honored method that adds to the beer’s unique character.

And let’s talk about the label…it changes every year and always features some kind of cozy winter scene, making it a collectible for beer geeks and holiday enthusiasts alike. So whether you’re toasting with friends at the pub or kicking back at home with a plate of mince pies (or pizza, let’s be real), Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome is like the official beer of “treat yourself” season.

4.

Southern Tier Old Man Winter Ale

Why I Love It: Southern Tier’s Old Man Winter Ale brings flavors of toffee, piney hops, and dark, dried fruits. With a warming character, it’s an ideal choice for braving the cold or warming up after an afternoon in the snow.

ABV: 7.5%
Perfect For: Post-snow activity sips

FUN FACTOIDS

Old Man Winter Ale is designed to age well, so if you’re feeling fancy, grab an extra bottle and stash it away for next winter to see how the flavors mellow and deepen over time. But honestly, it’s hard to resist cracking it open now, especially when it pairs so perfectly with comfort food like beef stew, chili, or even a big ol’ slice of apple pie. So, toast to winter, and let Old Man Winter remind you that cold weather isn’t so bad when you’ve got the right beer in hand.

5.

Bell’s Christmas Ale

Why I Love It: This Scotch ale from Bell’s is rich and malty with notes of caramel. It’s brewed with 100% Michigan-grown barley, giving it a regional touch that’s both hearty and smooth. It’s simple, yet wonderfully satisfying.

ABV: 7.5%
Perfect For: Keeping cozy indoors

FUN FACTOIDS

Bell’s uses 100% Michigan-grown barley malt in this brew, which is their way of keeping it local and giving a nod to their Midwest roots. It’s like they wrapped the Great Lakes region in a bow and handed it to you in pint form. The absence of overpowering spices makes it a great beer for pairing with food; think roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even those cookies you’re totally “saving for Santa.”

6.

Troegs Mad Elf Ale

Why I Love It: Troegs Mad Elf is brewed with honey and cherries, giving it a distinct sweetness and fruity tartness that’s rare in winter ales. It’s got a high ABV but goes down smooth, making it a fun choice for holiday toasts.

ABV: 11.0%
Perfect For: Celebratory toasts with loved ones

FUN FACTOIDS

Troegs recommends letting a few bottles age for a year (if you can resist drinking them right away). Over time, the flavors mellow and develop, making it a whole new adventure when you crack it open next holiday season. Pro Tip: it pairs amazingly with strong cheeses, roasted meats, and, if you’re feeling indulgent, dark chocolate.

7.

New Belgium Accumulation White IPA

Why I Love It: For those who want a break from the long line of dark beers, this White IPA offers a light, wheat-based twist on tradition. It’s citrusy with a touch of spice and isn’t too heavy, making it refreshing for a holiday IPA option.

ABV: 6.2%
Perfect For: A refreshing IPA for winter

FUN FACTOIDS

Accumulation was originally brewed as a seasonal one-off but became so popular that New Belgium made it an annual winter tradition. It’s proof that not all winter beers have to feel like a meal in a glass; sometimes you just want something bright to cut through the chill.

8.

Deschutes Jubelale

Why I Love It: Deschutes’ Jubelale is a festive, strong ale with flavors of robust malt and a blend of multiple hop varieties. This beer is bold with a slight spiciness, making it the ultimate fireside companion after a long winter day.

ABV: 6.7%
Perfect For: Relaxing fireside

FUN FACTOIDS

Jubelale’s “big brother” is the limited-edition “Super Jubel” or “Jubel 2020” that Deschutes occasionally releases. It’s a barrel-aged version of Jubelale, taking the flavors to a whole new level of decadence.

Let's Call It a Day

Grab a few of these winter brews and discover the cozy, complex flavors that make winter beer so enjoyable. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or winding down after a day in the snow, these beers are sure to enhance your season. Cheers to winter, and happy sipping!

JOHN KROCHUNE

John is our resident beer expert and has been home-brewing his own beer and blogging about it for more than 14 years and counting. He’s the co-owner of Brew-Dudes, you can follow his Brew Dudes YouTube channel and Insta too.

Outside of being a husband, dad, and beer lover he’s an all-around great guy, funny dude, and will be contributing some of his favorite beer content to Brostrick from time to time and reviewing some of our beer content to make sure what we’re saying is accurate, up-to-date, and can be trusted. It’s basically like when our dad checked our homework. We’re nervous.

Feel free to send him and his buddies endless beers (and questions).

Tagged: Bros & Brews

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Cold Weather Calls For These Top Winter Beers

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