Heat up with the right winter beer!

It's that time of the year where parts of our great country start to get chilly, frosty and down right cold.  

The good news is that it is also the time that hearty winter brews start hitting the shelves.  

Beer makers had made these types of beers for many centuries and they tend to be fuller, maltier and heavier in alcohol than traditional beers.  The payoff is more texture, richness and complexity.  Most should be served no colder than 55 degrees F as to not lose the deep flavors, notes and spices that have been methodically calculated during the brewing process.

My top four (readily available) winter beers   

Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale

A traditional winter Ale or at least what I think of when I think traditional.  Heavy on the maltiness front, but does a good job of balancing with caramel and apple flavors in the mix. 

Young's Winter Warmer

Another traditional winter style that can be appreciated by all, not just the snobs. Smooth start, not too complex and light finish.  A classic.

Samuel Adams Holiday Porter 

Deep black with a strong tan head that dissipates quickly.  Aroma is quite subtle with hints of dark roasted barley.  Smooth on the pallet with a smokey start that moves to a persuasive bitter finish 

Samichlaus

One of the greatest Christmas beers, It is a deeply aged doppelbock with complex notes and a strong smooth finish.

All of these can easily be found at any liquor store or local grocer.

Chin chin!
David Ruiz is a Sales & Marketing pro who is unnaturally obsessed with good beer.  Contact him at beersnobber@yahoo.com