What is the best seasonal brew for winter?

Internet. Top Ten Winter Brews

[lower_middle-class_dad]

Seems like I just posted my top ten beer recommendations for autumn but it's time for winter beers. This season produces a lot of really good small production seasonals in the forms of Christmas beers and winter warmers. Christmas beers are often malty and complex. Some are made with fruit or spice and some rely on artful malt or hops combinations for wonderful complexity. The winter warmers are similar though they are rarely made with any adjuncts. Both contain higher than usual amounts of alcohol.

And so, in no particular order, here are my wintertime beer recommendations for 2006.

Although this top ten list includes a couple of my favorites, it also neglects some of them as well. I would like to know what the opinions of fellow FReepers are regarding this wonderful and festive beer season.

[lower_middle-class_dad]

I like the Samuel Adams Winter Classics Mix Pack but I feel as though the Cranberry Lambic falls way short of an exceptional winter brew. It is to fruity and the hops and malt are barely detectable aside from the heavy, cranberry juice flavor. If I had a choice in the matter, I would add a few more Old Fezziwig and Holiday Porter to the pack. Samuel Adam's also had a Honey Porter that I would replace the Boston Lager with in this holiday pack.

Another beer not found on Mr. Eddings' list is Jubelale 2006, courtesy of Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Oregon, USA. This seasonal ale has won several accolades in the past and continues to be one of my holiday favorites. Dark crystal malt creates that “luscious” holiday note while the roasty flavor and bountiful hops excite your tastebuds, reminding you why Jubelale is the perfect holiday beer.

Another brew which I only discovered this year is 2 degrees Below, by the New Belgium Brewing Company, the folks that brought us such fine beers as Fat Tire and Abbey. This is a great Winter brew with a crisp smoothness unmatched by their competitors. Dry-hopping during fermentation creates a rosy, floral nose with a hint of pepper spice and subtle, estery undertones.

Finally, I would like to put in a vote of confidence for Ebenezer Ale, made by the Bridgeport Brewing Company. Ebenezer is a smooth ale with a complex palate derived from four different roasted malts and a blend of local and imported hops. The malty, full body is balanced with a light hop aroma, leading to a caramel finish. It is a full-bodied ale with a great holiday spirit, not often appreciated by the beer drinking community as it is not available in all parts of the country.

What are some of your favorite Winter brews. Let me know so I can allow my taste buds to travel the many rare and discriminating tastes, seaonal brews have to offer the palate.

[bmwcyle]

The beer of my choice that I did not pay for.

[indcons]

I love the lambic. The assorted pack is a great idea. More power to Sam Adams.

[Mr. Mojo]

I'm not a fan of flavored (honey, cranberry, spiced, etc.) beers at all.

Belgian ales are always good in winter -- Orvall, Duvel, etc.

Same goes for Doppelbocks.

Ever had a Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale or Oatmeal Stout? Great stuff.

[Horatio Gates]

If it's commercial brew:

Otherwise anything I brew is best in the winter. Spring, summer and fall to for that matter...LOL

[lower_middle-class_dad]

Samuel Smith's Nut Brown, yes, oatmeal stout, no but I will give it a try, thanks

[pissant]

Maritime Jolly Rodger has few rivals...

http://www.ratebeer.com/beerimages/full_size/11327.jpg

[lower_middle-class_dad]

I will look for this. Is it available in Oregon?

[lower_middle-class_dad]

Is the Jolly Rodger Christmas Ale available in Oregon? At Cost Plus? Where can I find it?

[pissant]

It's a Seattle beer, that would be in some Oregon Markets. But due to the local demand, it will be hard to find. Call Maritime pacific Brewing and they can tell you where they send to. Probably more likely to find it on tap in a good pub.

[Horatio Gates]

I'll bet you can find it In Oregon. It's made in Redmond, WA but only available in draft as far as I know. That'll give you an excuse to get out...8>) It's not a seasonal specialty but my all time favorite

[Jaysun]

Shiner Winter Ale. And I like Aventinus Dunkel Weizenbock.

[lower_middle-class_dad]

Thanks, I will look for it. I cannot seem to find info on the brewery at this point though

[pissant]

You talk a good game. LOL. Merry Christmas, BTW.

[Verax]

[lower_middle-class_dad]

I also drink a good beer. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! If you are in the northwest, you should try some of the local fare in microbrews, btw. I can recommend a few more if you like the one's I have posted.

[pissant]

I've tried them all. Cheers.

[lower_middle-class_dad]

I am not a big fan of the Irish stouts. I like them, but I feel they are better received in a nice black and tan. I need to drink my Irish stouts at a temp just above freezing in order to appreciate them. Some of the brews I recommend are good very cold, or at about beer cellar temp (as served in Germany).

[lower_middle-class_dad]

ALL of the Oregon microbrews? Do you do that for a living or something? There are a lot of them around. Cheers!

[wordsofearnest]

Wild turkey & water