Winter ales to try this season
Chapped lips, snow storms and nightfall at 4:30 p.m. are upon us, and they won't be letting up until April. But, hey, at least there’s beer.
We hit the local stores to come up with a winter-worthy list. Some are brand new releases, while some are beloved annual seasonals. Some are available nationally, some only locally.
Even though they might need some seeking out, these brews are sure to help get you through a long, cold winter.
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Rubber Soul — Wheel Sucker 3 IBU 3.5 percent ABV
This German-style wheat ale has nailed the perfect harmony between yeast and lactic acid.
This bright weisse is subtly hopped in the kettle with German Hersbucker and dryhopped with a touch of Pacific Jade – but you'd never know it because the beer's tartness and graham cracker malt flavors do all the work.
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Evolution Craft Brewing — Lucky 7 Porter 24 IBU 5.8 percent ABV
Salisbury's biggest brewery's porter is rich and full flavored with notes of chocolate, coffee and smoke, playing off its sweeter toffee and dark dried fruit tones. It may be available year-round, but Lucky 7 Porter is especially ideal for shaking off the chill of winter.
Aubrie Kowitski, manager at Evolution, recommends pairing it with, "barbecue, chocolate and oysters" — all perfect for ringing in the new year.
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Delirium — Christmas 10 percent ABV
A complex entity of caramel malt, fruit, spices and the sweetness of the alcohol. This brew from Belgium is very spicy, slightly bitter and will leave you missing Christmas.
Tall Tales — Gingersnap Gingerbread Imperial Stout 60 IBU 9.4 percent ABV
Located in Parsonsburg, Tall Tales Brewery has several great beers on tap, but one seems especially fitting for the season.
The brewery's Gingersnap Gingerbread Imperial Stout is brewed with real ginger and vanilla beans. This rich, dark, creamy stout has hints of milk chocolate and light vanilla on the finish.
Enjoy it with some leftover Christmas cookies — if Santa left you any.
Dogfish Head — Siracusa Nera 60 IBU 10 percent ABV
A brewpub exclusive, Siracusa Nera is a roasty imperial stout with bold and complex flavor. This jet black stout has notes of coffee, dark chocolate and anise, blended with flavors of plums, cherries and stewed fruits.
Dogfish Head's Siracusa Nera is also aged in American oak to add some light, toasty vanilla to the mix.
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Dewey Beer Co. — Winter Saison 7.1 percent ABV
Dark amber in color, this hearty saison is brewed with classic Belgium yeast and barrel aged. It has spicy notes on the finish making it, "a great winter ale," brewmaster and co-owner Brandon Smith said.
Big Oyster Brewery — The Nutcracker's Revenge 8.4 percent ABV
Big Oyster Brewery, located inside Fins Ale House in Rehoboth Beach, has a delicious merlot oak barrel aged bock on tap, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom, "this is a complex, malty, funky and woody barrel aged lager," brewmaster Andrew Harton said.
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Troegs — Mad Elf 15 IBU 11 percent ABV
The holidays at Troegs always start with the team's inner Mad Elf momentarily taking over the brew deck. They say to blame "him" for this cheerful ruby red creation reminiscent of ripened cherries, raw honey and cocoa with notes of cinnamon, clove and allspice.
3rd Wave Brewing — Dawn Patrol Coffee & Cream Stout 51 IBU 7.1 percent ABV
A dark, luscious, American style stout, Dawn Patrol Coffee & Cream Stout from 3rd Wave is ideal for winter. The brew has a bold coffee flavor, mixed with a hint of sweetness.
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Crooked Hammock Red Ryder Winter Warmer 15 IBU 8.6 percent ABV
This spiced ale is, "the perfect compliment for those chilly winter nights," said Josh Grapski. "It's a full-bodied beer that'll warm you to the core."
Brewed with a hefty amount of cinnamon, cloves, ginger and other holiday spices, this brew is the quintessential holiday treat. Spice forward in aroma and taste, with a sweet brown sugar finish, Red Ryder will make you want to refill your pint. But drink responsibly — you might shoot your eye out, kid.
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