Follow Sean Inman to the best in craft beer
Let’s have another Winter IPA because, well, everybody’s doing it. Literally, Everybody’s Brewing has Imaginary Friends.
“A true winter warmer. There is just enough body and hops in this beer to take the chill offf. Crystal and Chocolate Malta give this beer a wonderful Ruby color and a medium to full mouth feel. Generous amounts of Simcoe, citra, cascade hops really bring this beer to life!”
One week till the big day, time to say, get elated? With a winter IPA from Hi-Wire Brewing in Asheville.
“A balanced and hoppy ale perfect for snuggling up in front of the fire or getting outside on a snowy day. Celebrate the season with an India Pale Ale that doesn’t lack for pine and citrus peel notes from Michigan Chinook & Idaho 7 hops balanced by sticky caramel and toasted bread flavors from a carefully crafted malt bill.”
Off to the snows of Utah and the Wasatch Brewery for their take on the holiday ale which is not the norm, an imperial amber…
“Bundle up and get ready for an Imperial Amber Ale that you’ll reach for when the temps go down. Jump on the lift and crack open this deep red ale with a rich caramel malt backbone and an elevated fruity hop profile.”
Winter Warmer, to me, is synonymous with England and a pastoral pub, so let’s get a little British and say Happy Christmas with Wye Valley Brewery.
“An army of five malts bring forth this brew’s rich, smooth and nutty character. Local hops add balance and help make it a real Christmas cracker!”
You kinda expect New Realm Brewing to have a winter IPA since brewmaster Mitch Steele wrote the book on IPA while at Stone Brewing.
“ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN, NOTABLE HOP-LOVER & FIEND FOR COLD DOUBLE IPAS! A UNIQUE MASHUP OF STYLES, COLD IPAS DELIVER THE CLEAN, CRISP FINISH OF AN AMERICAN LAGER WITH THE FULL HOP CHARACTER OF A DIPA. WE PACKED A CHILLING AMOUNT OF CASHMERE AND AMARILLO HOPS INTO THIS FRIGID BEAST TO PROVIDE NOTES OF MELON & CITRUS WITH HINTS OF COCONUT & PEACH.”
We all got a dose of what Jack Torrance got in the Shining in the last few years but time to turn the tables on sheltering in place with the traditional winter ale Cabin Fever from Boundary Bay Brewery.
“Rich and malty with a balanced hop character, our Winter Warmer is, by nature, deceptively strong. And with an extended conditioning period, Cabin Fever is blissfully smooth.”
Beer can’t have all the winter seasonal fun, so let’s crack open a fruited cider from Two Towns Cider House…
“Tart & complex, Crimson Bliss is full of berry charm. Bright cranberries and black currants make this the perfect compliment for gathering around the fire this season, so take some time to kick back and enjoy a moment of bliss.”
We head out to McMinnville, my college town, for one of the best named Christmas beers out there, Tannen Bomb from Golden Valley Brewery.
“Massie complex beer brewed especially to bring warmth and cheer to the cold wet winter months of the great Northwest.”
Do we need to consider where a holiday ale is from? Does a city without snow build a snowman or does the snow country do it better? Ponder that while you read the description for New Holland’s Holiday Ale.
“This winter warmer is inspired by the festive taste of eggnog and is brewed with milk sugar and enough nutmeg to fill Santa’s sleigh! Post-fermentation, the beer is aged in bourbon barrels for over 3 months for an added kick of bourbon, vanilla and oak. It is sure to warm your spirits and fill you with good cheer!”
Heading out of California to the east to heritage brewery Victory who have a discerning monkey on their Christmas beer…
“This Belgian-Style holiday ale combines the beloved flavor profile of golden monkey with notes of cranberry, orange peel, cinnamon and nutmeg to deliver a delightfully smooth finish, perfect for merry gatherings with family and friends.”