What We’re Drinking Now: Fall/Winter Beer Releases

November 13, 2012

After spending the last few weeks deep in research for our next issue (we can’t say much yet, but it’s definitely one you won’t want to miss!), we returned to find our tasting table teeming with a fresh crop of seasonal beers. Needless to say, we immediately got cracking—here are the highlights:

10 Barrel Pray for Snow

Bend, Oregon, 7% ABV

This winter release from Oregon up-and-comer 10 Barrel Brewing Co. offers piney hop aromas that evolve into flavors of toasted grains, graham crackers and a slight cocoa kick.

21st Amendment Brewery Fireside Chat

Cold Springs, Minnesota/San Francisco, 7.9%ABV

This wintry spiced ale combines a whole host of our favorite seasonal flavors—think nutmeg, cinnamon and clove—into the portable convenience of a can.

Deschutes Jubelale

Bend, Oregon, 6.7% ABV

Celebrating its 25^thanniversary this season, Jubelale is a holiday favorite for many with warming, wintry notes of sweet malts, dried fruits and a kiss of bitter hops on the finish.

Dogfish Head Chicory Stout

Milton, Delaware, 5.2% ABV

Coffee and chicory make a natural pair and this easy-drinking stout ups the roasty-toasty factor with added notes of bittersweet chocolate, subtle smoke and a hint of dried fruit.

Odell Brewing Co. Woodcut Oak Aged American Ale

Fort Collins, Colorado, 10% ABV

From grapefruit and guava to almond and vanilla—Odell Brewing definitely went in a different direction with this cool-weather release, offering a welcome addition to winter’s traditional lineup of deep, dark beers. Utilizing the experimental mosaic hop, this barrel-aged brew is refreshing from start to finish, with notes that range from tropical fruit flavors to mellowed hops spice.

Stone Collaborations 2012 Mint Chocolate Imperial Stout

Escondito, California, 9.6% ABV

Love mint chocolate chip ice cream? Then you’ve got to try this recent release from the Stone Collaboration series. Just as the name promises, expect aromas of fresh-cut mint, followed by bittersweet cocoa flavors and a touch of blackstrap molasses on the finish.

Widmer Brothers Milk Stout

Portland, Oregon, 7.6% ABV

Forget the milk and cookies and leave Santa a bottle of this stout instead. Oh-so smooth with rich and creamy dark chocolate flavors and a whisper of smoke, this velvety bottle is one we plan to revisit all season long.