Feeling cold at night? Longing for something rich and thick to warm the body after relentless assaults of frigid air and snow-strewn skies? If so, look no further than your local brewer. Many breweries across the state release fermented concoctions so dense with spices and malts, they're practically guaranteed to enrich your spirits. Hence the classification “winter warmer”, or much more generically, “winter beer”. Dense, spiced, chewy beers that help ease the dark months of winter. You may not be able to walk from your car to your house without cursing the weather for freezing your bone marrow, but at least you know that shortly thereafter you can sit next to a fire, or space-heater, with a frothy brew that will defrost your skeleton and your mind.
Winter warmers are ancient. These malty libations were toasted and consumed at festivals celebrating the winter solstice. Monks would brew dark, seasonal beers to commemorate Christmas. In more modern times, winter warmers derived from English Strong Ales. Those brewed in the United States tend to experiment more freely with spices and other additives than those produced across the Atlantic. A “spiced beer” classification has been created by some beer judging organizations to differentiate the ever-blossoming, ever-expanding brews.
Below, we've provided a short list of winter warmers available from Colorado breweries. While in no way expansive, it should provide glimpse into what's available around the state. Be certain to inquire at your favorite brewery for any seasonal brews that might make the cold a bit more tolerable!
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Odell Isolation Ale
Great Divide Hibernation Ale
New Belgium 2 Below
Avery Old Jubilation
Twisted Pine Northstar
Durango Winter Ale
Trinity Nocturnum & Cherry Awaken
Rocky Mtn. Pumpkin Chipotle, Spiced Cider & Chai Porter
Winter warmers are ancient. These malty libations were toasted and consumed at festivals celebrating the winter solstice. Monks would brew dark, seasonal beers to commemorate Christmas. In more modern times, winter warmers derived from English Strong Ales. Those brewed in the United States tend to experiment more freely with spices and other additives than those produced across the Atlantic. A “spiced beer” classification has been created by some beer judging organizations to differentiate the ever-blossoming, ever-expanding brews.
Below, we've provided a short list of winter warmers available from Colorado breweries. While in no way expansive, it should provide glimpse into what's available around the state. Be certain to inquire at your favorite brewery for any seasonal brews that might make the cold a bit more tolerable!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Odell Isolation Ale
Great Divide Hibernation Ale
New Belgium 2 Below
Avery Old Jubilation
Twisted Pine Northstar
Durango Winter Ale
Trinity Nocturnum & Cherry Awaken
Rocky Mtn. Pumpkin Chipotle, Spiced Cider & Chai Porter
