Winter heaters, Christmas beer, holiday beer...whatever you want to call them, they are the more distinctive seasonal categories we look forward to every year. But what if you let them fight each other? The new school has done this, in a tasting panel of 21 winter seasons, including classics and new entrants in a wide range of subcategories. Because winter beer is not a single style beer, they are usually divided into three types: spiced, slightly strong/malty IPA or dark and strong. You will see that these patterns are repeated here, with some trying different outliers.
In this tasting review panel, New School writers Nicole Kasten, Don Sch, Neil Ferguson, Bill Night and Ezra Johnson-Greenough drank all 21 beers one by one and wrote down our tasting notes for share. Then each of us scores the beer on a scale of 1-10, and finally we add up the scores to determine the top 10 beer and the top 5 best performances. This is the result!
"I would describe it as a spiced amber beer that seems to be inspired by soda. I get sweet cherries, vanilla, cinnamon, and maybe some bitter nutmeg or allspice, which give off a slightly spicy earthy taste. To balance the obvious Coca-Cola-like spice."-Ezra Johnson-Greeno
"There are a lot of spices on the nose and almost no hops are detected. In general, it has a very strange taste, reminiscent of old-fashioned soda. Nothing special."-Neil Ferguson
"This is a simple beer base with "winter" flavors. The can says "natural flavors added", but it will not decrease in 2021."-Nicole Carsten
"My first impression was that it was like a sweeter Jubelale with less hops. Then I tasted Jubelale again, which is different from the winter solstice. I don't recommend it."-Bill Ye
Shuangshan brewing method la la la
"This is only the Northwest IPA helicopter version of the 2010s. It will meet the needs of anyone who likes a translucent IPA style. A little bit of crystal malt complements some orange, weeds, light onion, garlic, hop flavor and bitterness."-Ai Zara Johnson-Greeno
"Very hop and malt flavor, malt flavor is offensive. Once again, this is a classic winter beer. The taste is a bit dated. It may have shined a lot ten years ago, but it doesn't work for me now." —— Neil Ferguson
"Recognizable Shuangshan aroma with good malt and toffee flavors. Over-carbonated and slightly oxidized. This will go well with Shuangshan pizza."-Nicole Carsten
"Another beautiful red hop, which is also a favorite all year round. This year is not as good as Brrr, but close. The aftertaste of hops is really long, and it gradually turns into the bitterness of aspirin in a good way."-Bill Night
Style: West Coast IPA with big fir small head ABV: 7%
"For most people, this is a beer that loves it or hates it, depending on whether you like the spruce tip in beer. There is no doubt that they get rid of the nostalgia of various Christmas trees, but they are also very fresh. And spicy, it does eliminate hops very well, but it may be too much. Honestly, I am on the sidelines of whether I like it or not, but either way, it can achieve its goal."-Ezra Johnson Greenough
"If you have ever wondered what it would be like to drink a Christmas tree, this beer is for you! Super pine and Christmas scent, the fir tip has a strange and pleasant sweetness that interacts well with hops. This beer only It confirms my belief that if done well, the fir skills in IPA will be extremely underestimated." —Neil Ferguson
"The fir tip goes well with the hops. The slight pine wood stays on the palate and makes you want more. I want to drink another pint."-Nicole Carsten
"This tastes like a car air freshener. People often describe IPA as "pine", but it's ridiculous. It's too fragrant, like a super aromatic cedar beer. I don't recommend it."-Bill Night
Hopworks Urban Brewery Winter Ceremony Cold IPA
"The solid entrance to the Cold IPA game is clean and refreshing, but it shows that it is alcohol. The hops have some nice and unusual apricot flavors, northwest woody herbs and fresh green grass flavors."-Ezra Johnson-Greeno
"I don't know why this is a winter beer, not a "cold" IPA. In general, this is a very simple West Coast IPA."-Neil Ferguson
"It has a "beer" flavor when locked. It's light and not complicated to drink. Overall bold choice becomes a ritual."-Nicole Carsten
"Is this beer available in stores? Except for the name, it's not very seasonal. If you want hop beer when you put the toys together, drink it."-Bill Ye
Hopworks bourbon barrels are abominable
Style: barreled double IPA ABV: 11.3%
"With the impact of alcohol, hops, bourbon oak barrels, and toffee sweetness, you would think of this as a barley wine. It has a syrup-like sugar taste, but it has both body and taste. It’s not a heavy beer. It often reveals some alcoholic warmth, but resists the urge to be too hot. Citrus, rich hops, a taste of wine and an aftertaste of oak spice. It is difficult to make this person positive or negative.” --Ezra Johnson-Greeno
"Compared with the OG version, the barley flavour is very strong. Appropriately, the taste is more like barley, with hops in the back. Good alcohol warmth and a rich whisky aftertaste with lots of wood. If you are looking for A large winter heater at a reasonable price is worth buying."-Neil Ferguson
"Large sweetness, aroma of barley wine. It will become a bit smoky when you move on. The wine is very thin, so be careful, because this 11.5% ABV beer tastes smooth and doesn’t end up too much. Alcoholic. It's deceptive."-Nicole Carsten
"I didn't care too much about this. It was a bit oxidized and the taste was not fully integrated. I tasted hops, malt, aged, vanilla (not much bourbon itself), but they are all independent notes, more like a traffic jam Not a string quartet. Maybe a few years in the cellar will help."-Bill Night
Almanac beer ugly sweater LOVE Hazy IPA
"The taste of coconut and cream ice cream hovering in the glass, with pungent fruity hops, caramel, warmth of alcohol, grapefruit juice, and more iconic roasted coconut and lotion flavors associated with Sabro hops, clear Unmistakably hazy. Hazy IPA fans will love this, but there is nothing to call it in winter."-Ezra Johnson-Greeno
"Undoubtedly, this is a summer tropical beer with a lovely Christmas sweater. The strong pineapple aroma and the strong mango and citrus aromas. This may be the most festive label, but this is a standard hazy IPA. And very sturdy. In other words, if you want to look like you are embracing the holidays, but would rather stick to your haze, this is the beer for you." —Neil Ferguson
"Cool label, good job. The expected Sabro scent, such as coconut, will exude in the nose, but will not turn into flavor. The well-made tropical IPA has a soft taste and a strong aroma. Body as you wish."-Nicole Carsten
"Sorry, the only thing this winter is the holiday sweater on the can. This is a sufficiently hazy IPA. You know what those flavors are. If that's what you like, then have a drink."-Bill Night
Full Sail Brewing Destruction Hall
"Amber orange, this is very similar to the old-fashioned double IPA of the 2000s. The only problem is that it tastes a bit old and oxidized. It may be cheesy hops, but the characteristics of crystal malt and grapefruit hops still shine."-Ezra ·Johnson Greenough
"Hops, ale bombs, are almost an antique IPA. Centennial hops blends are mainly used to increase IBU and reduce the sweetness of malt, making this beer feel dated but if this is what you are after, it may be satisfying ." —Neil Ferguson
"Ale, old and drunk. There is a smell of plants on the nose, and it tastes like it has been on the shelf for a while. The recipe seems outdated and may be considered traditional, but this is just an old tasting."-Ni Carsten
"My memory of this comes from the past few years. It is a more balanced beer, but it is indeed a hop bomb. The nose is a bit weird (vegetative). The taste is a bit thin and there are a lot of hops. If you want you Hops undiluted, just drink it."-Bill Ye
"I think I like this more than I do, maybe because I look forward to getting more hot cocoa, brownies, fudge, but chocolate is hard to find under the typical high acidity of Cascade. Instead, I got more Flanders. Spoon-style things are not a lot of cocoa or Carmel, but a lot of wet wood, wine and yogurt."-Ezra Johnson-Greeno
"Sour with the iconic Cascade outline but without glaze. This is one of the most unique porters. Cocoa powder makes it a dessert, but the sourness gives off the sweetness. My only criticism is that there is almost no trace of vanilla. , Considering how strong its flavor is, it’s surprising. For dark beer, sour beer, and even chocolate lovers, this is a beer worth your time." —Neil Ferguson
"The face is dry. I can enter the flavor profile, but why? Just read the label. It provides everything listed and is perfect for people who like old-fashioned Northwest sour beer."-Nicole Carsten
"If you blindfold me, I guess this is a good local Udebruin. Lots of depth, not very tart, interesting fruit flavors, I think I can pick a little apple out of it. What is commendable is , They don’t call it winter beer. One of my favorites at night. If you want a sour one at this time of year, drink it."-Bill Yee
Cascade brewing roasted malic acid
"I like this fresh autumn, and the spiced winter is warmer. Sweet and sour green apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice come oncoming like freshly baked apple pie. Yes, it is sour, but not Not too sour, so much so that it will remove the obvious impression that you are drinking sour apple pie."-Ezra Johnson-Greeno
"Festival AF with lots of apples, cinnamon, and maple trees is like a liquid strolling in an orchard when the leaves fall. It also imparts nostalgia, reminiscent of children’s apple juice, or maybe you’re on Thanksgiving. The Martinelli cider that was poured into the glass on the table and pretended to be cool. For my taste, it's too sweet, not as good as cider, but you definitely can't make a real holiday drink because of Cascade. "—Neil Ferguson
"The aroma of baked apple pie makes you want to drink it immediately. The velvety taste, as it says. Not too sweet, very delicious. The best Cascade beer I have had in years."-Nicole Carsten
"Not crazy about this. It tastes too sweet. I think it's a bit exaggerated to call it winter beer, and its apple pie flavor is a bit more festive. Call it a pumpkin spice latte."-Bill Night
"If you want to be polished by the people around you, red beer may be impressive. This proves that with the right balance, a small amount of hops can really make the malt smooth. Unsurprisingly, it is the series. One of the best beers with technical flawlessness, with a lingering off-white cream on top, clear tan/red and toasted aftertaste."-Ezra Johnson-Greeno
"It's mainly bitter, a bit sweet, but ultimately bland. For Widmer's hop products, it's not terrible." -Neil Ferguson
"It tastes better than it smells. It's what it says... a jumping red. It's a safe and balanced style. You don't have to think too much to drink this."-Nicole Carsten
"Classic Portland Winter Red (Oh, I miss you so much, old and new Lompoc). Good balance, completely surpassing Wreck the Halls and a little better than Abominable. Old C-hops based on huge malt. We The best winter IPA ever tried."-Bill Night
"The taste and body of this deep-blood red beer are much lighter than I expected. It's a bit sweet, with a hint of roasted hops and Carmel malt, but why do I think of root beer? It's almost like adding Spices are the same as cinnamon, cherries, and vanilla, but as far as I know, this is not spiced."-Ezra Johnson-Greeno
"Although the ABV is slightly higher, it is not lively at all, and it is a good crushable clone. The figs and sweet but not tiresome. This Lucabrator is indeed a suitable lubricator."-Neil Ferguson
"Sweet, toffee aroma. Dark fruit and black tea taste and drink stronger than the advertised 6.5% ABV."-Nicole Carsten
"Where will this madness end? Doppelbock especially Lent (spring) beer, not winter beer. I like doppelbocks, but this one is a bit too sweet. And the ending is not entirely correct. Maybe it can be stored longer. Time?"-Bill Ye
Style: Amber/Red/Brown Alcohol: 6.7%
"I describe it as a nutty amber ale, almost brown ale. The winter beer is very mild, dark red in color, with the taste of crystal caramel malt, but not very sweet, with slightly bitter roasted malt and floral aromas. , But rarely used, even handmade. I have a little cherry flavor, but overall it disappoints me a bit."-Ezra Johnson-Greeno
"The taste of fruit cake combined with the light bitterness of hops will not overwhelm the taste of the festival, making it a true classic, and taste the freshness year after year."-Neil Ferguson
"Nutmeg and roasted caramel on the nose. It is slightly carbonated and adds a velvety taste. Hops are present throughout. I prefer this nitro beer, but I will be content with the bottle."- Nicole Carsten
"When I moved here in the early 2000s, Jubeir was the first person I liked to drink Oregon beer. We would say "this year is a good year for Jubeir" or "I like last year's better" . Quality control has improved and hasn’t changed much in ten years or more. It’s great. It’s a lot when it’s here."-Bill Ye
"The color of butterscotch, with the classic pine and grapefruit-like hop aroma. Sweet caramel flavor, but with a strong resin hop flavor. A modern and classic winter IPA."-Ezra Johnson- Greeno
"Compared with previous malt whiskies, this year's version is tropical and fruity. The bitterness of hops almost makes it more like a standard Northwest IPA. Those that have been overwhelmed by the huge malt flavor in the past few years People will be pleasantly surprised by the brightness of this beer." —Neil Ferguson
"Very few aromas. Almost creamy, with a balanced finish. Suitable for those who like classic Northwest flavors but with a slight winter flavor."-Nicole Carsten
"It's really balanced, in the sense of "more malt, more hops." I do think this beer still changes a bit every year. This year is a good year. If you like the winter IPA style, just drink it."-Bill night
"Winter IPA may be just a slightly malt-flavored West Coast IPA. When it is executed so well, it is not a bad thing! The amber orange matches the citrus flavor in this beer and is slightly sweeter than most modern transparent IPA. It has a recognizable funk flavor of hops and a strong bitterness."-Ezra Johnson-Greeno
"Mosaic gives it a berry taste, and the wonderful taste of experimental hops complements Simcoe. Don't let the golden brown fool you, because this lovely beer is drinkable like a modern Northwest IPA. It's worth buying."-Neal Ferguson
"Citrus and overall summer feel. Drinking and ventilation make it a good choice for people who want a seasonal release but not necessarily a "winter" beer. A well-made IPA."-Nicole Carsten
"Very clean IPA-you can read someone's Covid card with a glass of this. Very good malt body, but not perfectly balanced with a lot of hops. Is it winter malt? I would not call it that , But if you want a lot of hops and lighter malt, then try it."-Bill Ye
pFriem Family Brewers Belgian Christmas
"For this dark brown/red beer, it must have a lot of bright lemon flavor, like frosted scones with cocoa swirls. Belgian yeast exudes the flavors of chocolate banana bread, animal biscuits and sponge cakes in the front and center. With a malt/nut flavor."-Ezra Johnson-Greeno
"Almost like an old-fashioned spice. The orange fruity flavour on the front makes it a good choice in Belgium. The spice is good, with almost a hint of funk. It's good, but you'd better look for others with fewer accessories PFriem products."-Neil Ferguson
"Typical "holiday" aroma, with nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and a touch of orange. It gives you a comfortable sweater holiday feeling. The drink is slightly lighter than the prescribed 8% ABV. This is a good sharing beer, You can bring dinner."-Nicole Carsten
"I buy St. Bernardus Christmas beer every few years. I am always happy with it and disappointed with it. It's like, it's elegant, but why don't I buy Abt 12? Pfriem caught this Kind of feeling (why should I drink this instead of Pfriem Strong Belgian Dark?). This is a serious and strong Belgian, but it goes a long way for me. It can go with a meal, or as a Taste cleanser for holiday bottle share."-Bill Ye
Style: Spiced Winter Warm ABV: 7%
"Even if I don't like this beer, I always look forward to it. This year belongs to the'decent' camp. It retains the iconic dark nut malt flavor of the year with some bitter and peppery spices. This year may be even more Fruity, seeded berries and breaded cocoa."-Ezra Johnson-Greeno
"Very herbal, with raspberry and cocoa flavors, but we can’t be sure. There is almost a medicinal flavor and a lingering numbing spice flavor, but I promise it’s not a bad thing. This year is a drop compared to last year. , But this is always one of the best winter beer you can buy."-Neil Ferguson
"Dark fruit, spicy, mint and a bit of chocolate. A very thick wine, which will be loved by "dark beer" and drinkers."-Nicole Carsten
"Classic. If you want a spicy, heated wine, drink it. This year is not a knockout, but it is still recommended."-Bill Night
"There is very little information about this beer, including the basic style. But it has a milk chocolate top and a soft woody aroma. The dark wood color reminds me of a strong brown al. It has a nutty, peppery, slightly toasted taste. Roasted and creamy, peppery hop bites and bark. Reminds me of Anchor Christmas Ale, but with less spice (probably not)."-Ezra Johnson-Greeno
"Lots of chocolate and rich roasted caramel flavor. Although it doesn't seem to be in contact with the barrel, there is almost a hint of peat. The truly wonderful lingering burning of alcohol makes this all the more comforting. Having said that, This will be the icing on the cake for Fremont's barrel aging repertoire, so let us hope they can throw a good batch of wine into the barrel."-Neil Ferguson
"The aroma is malt, not too sweet, with a pleasant cocoa flavor. Easy to drink, light caramel flavor, overall super clean. This is a very suitable beer for winter, not like many winter beers Drunk or spiced like that."-Nicole Carsten
"It's delicious. Rich, chocolatey, and pleasant bitterness. It's a bit like Sleigh'r plus barbecue. If it sounds as good to you as I am, then drink it."-Bill Night
"It smells like pastry beer, it has all the best characteristics of beer, but the drink is more delicious and balanced. There is a big cinnamon flavor on the nose and taste, but the creamy vanilla ice cream has a mellow flavor, which is surprising Isn’t it sweet, and of course it’s not as greasy or thick as a thick pastry. Instead, it’s creamy but light-bodied, like cocoa coffee horchata in a glass. Love it.”-Ezra Johnson-Ge Reno
"The aroma of cinnamon and chocolate and the smell of Mexican hot chocolate have a hint of Orchatta. Anyone who doesn't like cinnamon may want to avoid it, but those who like cinnamon will become loyal fans. There is also a good one. Vanilla balance, the best part is that this beer is not sweet at all, so your thick bois can’t be called a pastry stout. If the brewer of Firestone Walker is reading this article, I beg you to make a barrel aging Version, maybe even add some pepper to the mixture." —Neil Ferguson
"Smells like cinnamon. The light vanilla and almond aroma makes the cinnamon brighter. It has a thin, crushable body with a large lacquer. It sounds sweeter than it. Impressive restraint and good balance. "-Nicole Carsten
"Wow. A smooth, drinkable stout beer with an unexpected aroma of cinnamon. It's like a roasted horchata. It's full-bodied, but not too drunk. One of the best nights." -Bill Night
Style: Dark Double Alt ABV: 7.2%
"I haven't had a sleigh for a while, and I like it more than before. The color of mahogany, the taste of brown sugar and molasses malt, the wine is soft and full, and there are plenty of hops to round it. Bitter, burnt The aftertaste of charred barley and herbal hops. Sweet, big, bitter, chewy, everything you want in the semi-darkness and intense winter warmth. Satisfaction."-Ezra Johnson-Greeno
"Another Pacific Northwest standard, with a moist smoky flavor and ample toast flavor. The hop flavor is enough to make a few sips of wine to realize that this is actually a double alt. The lovely light chocolate color should be in Make a deal on this. It’s not something you want to drink while sitting, but a nice sip." —Neil Ferguson
"The super sweet brown sugar aroma makes you a little back. It has a smooth taste with a passive walnut flavor. I like this beer better than I expected. There must be a high level of quality control behind it."-Nicole Carsten
"Sleigh'r faithfully imitates the "Doppelsticke" double alt of the respected German brewer Uerige. This is a remarkable feat, and pay tribute to Ninkasi for achieving this goal. I kind of quibble in calling it a holiday Beer: It’s the name of Christmas, not Christmas beer. If you want something strong but dry, dark, and not too spicy, drink it. It’s highly regarded."-Bill Ye
Pelicans brew bad Santa CDA
Style: Cascadia Stout ABV: 7.5%
"I would describe it as the British perception of black IPA/CDA. It has brown malt color, the aroma of medium to medium roasted barley, and the herbal floral hop bite and flavor. It is bittersweet and slightly hopped. The pungent taste of hops is more balanced than most CDAs in terms of the bitterness ratio of roasting and hops. Overall, it tastes very good."-Ezra Johnson-Greeno
"The first time canning, we are very grateful. For the doubters of Cascadian Dark Ale, this is a perfect starting point, because it is very balanced, not too hops and not too roasted. As a kind of IPA may also belong to the category Dark winter beer, this beer checked all the boxes and will definitely satisfy everyone. It definitely doesn't feel 7.5% ABV, so please pack lightly."-Neil Ferguson
"Roasted nut aroma with toast and hop flavors. It is still perfect CDA and did not disappoint this year. The consistency of this beer is amazing. If you haven't eaten it in a while, it's not a lively A porter, but a real CDA."-Nicole Carsten
"I will ridicule again and call it a holiday beer. Without the name, what is CDA Winter? But... this is a very good beer. The perfect balance between malt and hops. Creamy and satisfying. . Drink it if you like this style."-Bill Ye
Style: West Coast IPA ABV: 6.8%
“One of my seasonal favorites is also a beer. It proves that you don’t need to do anything special to become a classic of winter beer. Maybe it’s a bit more malt than most NW IPA, it’s a bit candy-like The bitterness, taste and aroma of happy ranchers and fresh rosin pine hops."-Ezra Johnson-Greeno
"What I like most about this beer is that it is neither a fresh hop ayre nor a holiday ayre, but the label basically says that it has both. I want to know what the Sierra Nevada has on the marketing of this beer. What view is always confusing, but it doesn’t matter, because it’s so fucking good." —Neil Ferguson
"Balanced, but lively enough, you know exactly what you are drinking. Year after year, this beer is delivered, and this year is no exception. This beer is great for most years, but this year, the fresh version of beer is good. Best. At least until the end of the calendar year, it's all kind of beer to me."-Nicole Carsten
"Prototype hop red Christmas beer. This is a classic, even if it's not the "fresh hop al" on the label. Have one to celebrate this season, and then decide if you like this one or Brrr better."-Bill Night
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