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Ultimate 6er – Winter Warmers

Ultimate 6er – Winter Warmers
Andy Manshel

The mercury isn’t just low in the chamber, it has actually frozen. It’s the middle of January, and it is bitter, bitter cold outside. So how in the world will you make it through the winter if you can’t hang out on your porch? By staying inside where there is heat and drinking some winter warmers, of course!

Isolation AleIsolation Ale
Odell Brewing Co, Fort Collins, CO

6.00% ABV, 29 IBU

Odell did something not often seen in craft beer; they created a traditional ale with no extra spice or flavorings, just a smooth pour with bitterness from hops and malt. And because of this, it has become a favorite winter seasonal among many beer fans. Conventional, yet given the attention to detail that a good craft beer should have. A must-have when braving the cold.

 

Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale

Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale
Boston Beer Co, Boston, MA

5.9% ABV, 27 IBU

On the opposite end of the spectrum comes Sam Adam’s Old Fezziwig, an ale bursting at the seems with spices. It’s toffee, caramel, and chocolate flavors add to the full bodied pour. This one’s not just for Christmas, although it will give you some damn good Christmas cheer if you get a few in ya’.

 

 

Sleeping Elephant

Sleeping Elephant
Pateros Creek Brewing Co, Fort Collins, CO

6.9% ABV, 34 IBU

Pateros Creek is a brewery that isn’t even two years old, yet they have produced a dark, rich, chocolate brew that has recently become one of my favorites of the season. Medium bodied, lightly roasted, and a sweetness that can’t be beat. They aren’t bottling quite yet, but if you happen to find yourself in the” Napa Valley of Beers”, make sure to stop by for a pint. Or a growler. Or two.

 

Old Jubilation Ale

Old Jubilation Ale
Avery Brewing Co, Boulder, CO

8.3% ABV, 30 IBU

Old Jubilation pours classy with a rich, deep mahogany color with hints of ruby. Malty with a light note of hops, it hits your palette with heavy caramel and light chocolate notes. With a crisp and clean taste, it’s good all through the winter, but best around the holidays to pair with special-occasion meals.

 

 

Celebration Ale

Celebration Ale
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, Chico, CA

6.8% ABV, 68 IBU

Looking for something more on the hops side of things? Well, Sierra Nevada is no stranger to bitter brews, and this is no exception. Full of citrus and malt, this is very reminiscent of their famous IPAs. Here, hops are dominant and will leave your palette with that crisp piney-ness they are known for. You won’t find that thick, heavy body in this winter ale.

 

Sunshine Wheat

Sunshine Wheat Beer
New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, CO
4.8% ABV, 14 IBU

Technically, this is not a winter beer. And yes, it’s yet another beer from Fort Collins. That’s the thing though: us Colorado folk really know our beer. And we really know our winters. So it just comes naturally that we really, REALLY know how to drink when we can’t frolic in the sun.

Enter Sunshine, a delicious and year-round favorite. Light, mild, and oh-so refreshing with the citrus of lemon and blast of spices. When it starts to get dark outside before you’re even off work, this is just the pick-me-up you’ll need to stave off those winter blues.

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