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What is a winter warmer?
What is a winter warmer, you say? Is it some sort of standard winter ale? Or maybe a stout? Could it be a porter? Well…what if we were to tell you it was a little of everything. A winter warmer, is a dark winter ale that us heavy on malt with a hint of sweetness. Some varieties add spices, some varieties add chilies, but all of them do exactly as the name suggests: they warm you. With brews ranging from the 5.9% HarpoonWinter Warmer up to Widmer Brothers Brewing Company Barrel Aged Brrrbon at 9.4%, that fire in your belly is more than just your happy thoughts.
There is no distinct difference between winter warmers and Christmas ales, but some say there may be slight characteristics changes. Winter warmers are more malty, Christmas ales are more like a pale ale, but for the most part they are in the same area of your store, and will all treat you the same.
Who would do that?
As the weather starts getting colder, the days get longer, and the Christmas spirit is more prevalent, the real question should be “who wouldn’t?” And everyone is in on the act. Deschutes has their Jubelale, Boulevard has Nutcracker Ale, and Boundary Bay has Cabin Fever.
Everyone is doing it.
Is it something that’s here to stay?
It seems like winter warmers are able to take the form of whatever the brewer is feeling that day. Is he in a spicy mood? Add some chipotle. Does she have a chocolate craving? Throw in some cocoa nibs. The winter warmer is a varied, open source, clean slate for brewers, offering them the chance to make mistakes.
Take a look around the next time you go to a winter beer festival, and you will notice the amount of these beers. If it isn’t 50% of the tasting options, it is at least 33.3%, and that is enough to keep pushing the style forward.
The judgment
Drink it. No, seriously, drink any winter warmer you can. Even if you aren’t a fan of the style, try them, because there will be one that you like. IPA fan? Someone will have a bitter offering. Blonde? You’ll find it.
The winter warmer is a stocking hanging on the mantle of the holiday season, filled with something for everyone. Guaranteed.
