Best Christmas beers, winter beers, or holiday beers—the name does not matter. What matters is the seasonal magic each bottle brings, from rich spices to warming malts that perfectly complement chilly evenings. These brews capture the warmth of festive gatherings and the coziness of winter nights. Here’s a guide to the best seasonal picks.
Best Christmas Beers, Winter Beers, and Holiday Beers
Christmas beers, winter beers and holiday beers are drinks that generally boast a delightful fusion of rich flavors reminiscent of the season. With notes of chocolate and pine, these brews are carefully spiced to create a harmonious taste that will leave you yearning for more.
When sampling some of these beers, I noted that the smoothness of most of them is a comforting companion. Yes, that smoothness is what every beer lover wants. It enhances the festive occasion with each sip that complements the winter gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Armed with the list, I will help you understand the best beers for any occasion, where to find them and ideal food pairing. That said, here is the list:
1. Schlafly Christmas Ale
Schlafly Christmas Ale is an American ale boasting a blend of spices like ginger, orange peel, and cloves. The spices help create a festive symphony on the palate, enhancing the taste. When sampling the beer, I noted that it had enhanced sweetness. This made me do more research about the beer.
Well, after research, I noted that honey is added during fermentation. The addition of honey during fermentation imparts a subtle sweetness. The honey also helps raise the alcohol content (by consuming the remaining yeast) without producing too much heat.
- ABV: 8.0%
- Style: American Ale
- IBU: 30
This seasonal delight is found in supermarkets, liquor stores, and online stores. You can pair it with hearty holiday fare, such as roasted turkey, spiced ham, or gingerbread cookies.
2. Affligem Noël
If you love dark, strong beers then Affligem Noël is the perfect drink for you during the festive season. Affligem Noël, a strong Belgian dark ale, enchants with its complex flavor profile. This full-bodied beer has a warm booziness like cognac or brandy that perfectly complements Christmas spices.
Affligem Noël also has a rich and complex taste, ideal for any beer enthusiast. It features notes of caramel, dark fruits, and a blend of seasonal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- ABV: 9.0%
- Style: Belgian Dark Strong Ale
- IBU: N/A
The beer is found in selected stores online and in supermarkets. If you like pairing your favorite beer with food, then you won’t regret doing so with this one. Affligem Noël pairs perfectly with decadent dishes like chocolate truffles, braised meats, and stilton cheese.
3. Anderson Valley Winter Solstice
As the name suggests, Anderson Valley Winter Solstice is a classic “winter warmer” ale. This deep amber ale has a rich mouthfeel and a creamy finish that will trigger you to pour more into a pint glass.
- ABV: 6.9%
- Style: American ale
- IBU: 6
The beer also has a hint of toffee, caramel, and spice, offering a comforting blend of sweetness. Like others, this California brew is found in selected stores, restaurants, online stores, and supermarkets. Pair it with candied yams, roasted almonds, pumpkin pie, brie or baked spiral ham.
4. Rogue Santa’s Private Reserve Ale
Rogue Santa’s Private Reserve Ale is another festive brew by Rogue Ales. It’s known for its flavor profile. It boasts a rich, malty character with hints of caramel and a touch of chocolate. The addition of hops imparts a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness.
This ale bee also features a unique blend of spices that includes ginger and cinnamon to enhance its holiday appeal. With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 5.3%, it delivers a warm, satisfying taste.
- ABV: 5.3%
- Style: American Amber?Red Ale
- IBU: 74
You can find this winter delight in select craft beer outlets, supermarkets and online. The beer pairs exceptionally well with hearty dishes like roasted meats and spicy holiday fare.
5. Corsendonk Christmas Ale
Corsendonk Christmas Ale is a rich, dark beer ideal for the holiday season, especially Christmas. The beer offers a complex flavor profile with dark fruit, chocolate notes, and subtle spiciness.
When you pour it into a pint glass, you will notice a muddy brown color. You will also notice a foamy, off-white head that recedes quickly and leaves no lacing behind. Corsendonk Christmas Ale is well-carbonated and has a slightly tart finish.
With a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) averaging around 8.1%, it delivers a warming experience. This Belgian delight is best enjoyed with holiday dishes like roasted meats and decadent desserts. Purchase this beer online, at supermarkets or selected stores.
- ABV: 8.1%
- Style: Belgium Dark Strong Ale
- IBU: 23
6. Avery Brewing Old Jubilation Ale
Avery Brewing Old Jubilation Ale is a winter seasonal beer celebrated for its rich, malty goodness. When drinking the beer, I noticed a hint of hazelnut, a gorgeous mahogany hue, plus a finish reminiscent of mocha and toffee.
The taste is also characterized by caramel and a touch of chocolate. This makes it it a perfect companion for holiday feasts. It is also moderately carbonated, ensuring a smooth feel when enjoying.
Like others, you can purchase this beer at supermarkets, online stores, liquor stores and bars. It perfectly pairs with grilled meat, chicken and burger.
- ABV: 8.3%
- Style: Old Ale
- IBU: 45
7. St. Bernardus Christmas Ale
St. Bernardus Christmas Ale is a festive delight with enticing aromas of dark fruits, caramel, and holiday spices. Its taste is a symphony of rich malt sweetness, complemented by notes of figs, toasted nuts, prunes, clove and seasonal spices.
This Belgian Quadrupel, boasting an ABV of 10%, has a medium-light body and appropriate carbonation. This right carbonation enhances mouthfeel, aroma release, and overall drinking experience.
The beer is best paired with roasted meats or creamy desserts. Enjoy it in a goblet for optimal flavor. You can find this gem at well-known beer retailers or online.
- ABV:10%
- Style: Belgian Quadrupel
- IBU: 28
8. 21st Amendment Fireside Chat
Fireside Chat is a winter-spiced ale exuding aromas of cocoa and winter spices. With a rich malt backbone, it delivers flavors of toffee, caramel, and a hint of nutmeg. The beer has moderate carbonation, making it easy to drink.
This Winter Spiced Ale pairs well with hearty stews and desserts and is best enjoyed in a tulip glass. The beer is readily available in retail stores, bars and online stores.
- ABV: 7.9%
- Style: Winter Warmer
- IBU: 45
9. Delirium Noël
Delirium Noël is a Belgian dark ale which offers festive aromas of dark fruit, caramel, and spices. The beer has a barest hint of bitterness that appears at the end and lingers for a while. The beer’s taste features a complex blend of malt sweetness, dark chocolate, and a hint of seasonal spices.
Delirium Noël pairs excellently with rich cheeses and holiday desserts like gingerbread cookies, pecan pie and yule log. Sip from a chalice for the best experience. The beer is found in bars, retail shops, restaurants and liquor stores.
- ABV: 10%
- Style: Belgian Strong Ale
- IBU: 24
10. Troegs Mad Elf
Troegs Mad Elf is a festive Belgian-style strong ale with enticing cherries, honey, and spices aromas. Its taste combines sweet maltiness with a lively yeast character, delivering a delightful blend of dark fruit and warming alcohol.
This Belgian Strong Dark Ale pairs wonderfully with holiday ham or chocolate desserts. Sip it in a tulip glass for the full experience. Find it at reputable beer retailers, online stores and bars.
- ABV: 11%
- Style: Belgian Strong Ale
- IBU: 15
11. Sam Adams Winter Lager
Sam Adams Winter Lager offers a crisp blend of moderate orange peel, cinnamon, and ginger aromas. The beer features a malty sweetness balanced by a subtle spiciness and a hint of citrus. The bitterness is low, making it ideal for newbies and seasoned drinkers.
If you are at a festival and want to pair this beer with food, you will get it right. The beer perfectly pairs with roasted meats and holiday dishes and is best enjoyed in a classic pint glass. Get this festive beer at a liquor store, supermarket, retail shop or online.
- ABV: 5.6%
- Style: Bosch
- IBU: 22
12. Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale exudes pine and citrus aromas with a bold, hoppy taste and a caramel malt backbone. This tremendous brown color beer has plenty of carbonation that enhances mouthfeel, refreshes the palate, and adds lively effervescence.
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale is best sipped in a tulip glass and is widely available at supermarkets and craft beer stores. The beer pairs splendidly with spicy dishes like Szechuan stir-fry, chicken wings, Cajun Shrimp or Jalapeño Poppers. It also does well with sharp cheeses. Get it from your local grocery store, bar, or restaurant.
- ABV: 6.8%
- Style: American IPA
- IBU: 65
13. Great Lakes Christmas Ale
Great Lakes Christmas Ale boasts inviting aromas of honey, cinnamon, and ginger. Its taste features a robust malt backbone with festive spices, creating a smooth and well-balanced Winter Warmer.
Pair it with holiday roasts or gingerbread cookies for a perfect match. Best enjoyed in a tulip glass, this seasonal gem is widely available at reputable beer retailers and online.
- ABV:7.5%
- Style: Winter Warmer
- IBU: 30
14. Founders the Cranfather
Founders The Cranfather is a festive delight with aromas of tart cranberries and subtle citrus. Its taste is a balanced blend of sweet maltiness and cranberry tartness, creating a refreshing and flavorful experience.
This Fruit Beer pairs excellently with Thanksgiving turkey or goat cheese salads. Sip it in a tulip glass for optimal enjoyment. Find the beer at well-known beer retailers or order online.
- ABV: 11.1%
- Style: Fruit and Field Beer
- IBU: 12
Benefits of Drinking Winter Beer?
Here are some of the benefits you get when you drink winter beers:
- Warmth: Winter beers often have higher alcohol content, providing a warming sensation.
- Festive Flavors: They feature spices, caramel, and dark malts, perfect for the holiday season.
- Pairing Potential: Complements hearty winter dishes and festive desserts.
- Seasonal Tradition: Enjoying winter beers becomes a festive tradition for many.
- Social Enjoyment: Sharing winter beers with friends and family enhances the holiday spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Summer and Winter Beer?
Summer and winter beers often differ in flavor, body, and alcohol content. Summer beers are typically light, refreshing, and often include citrus or fruity notes. In contrast, winter beers are richer, maltier and may feature spicier or darker flavors. This makes them suitable for colder temperatures and festive occasions.
Can You Drink a Winter Beer in Summer?
Yes, you can drink a winter beer in summer if you enjoy the flavors. While it may be unconventional, personal preference matters most. Some people appreciate the rich, malty taste regardless of the season.
Is Stout a Winter Beer?
Stout is often considered a winter beer due to its dark and robust character with flavors like chocolate and coffee. However, it can be enjoyed year-round based on personal preference and the diverse range of stouts available.
Conclusion
The best Christmas, winter, and holiday beers embody a festive spirit with diverse flavors. From spiced ales to rich stouts, these brews offer a delightful experience during colder months. Selecting the perfect one depends on individual taste, making the holiday season a perfect time for beer exploration. Happy Holiday and drink responsibly.