Craft beer is probably not the first winter drink that comes to mind, but while eggnog, mulled wine, hot chocolate and hot toddies are reliable classics, seasonal brews can be a refreshing change during the colder months.
Limited-edition holiday beers like Yuengling's Hershey’s porter or Dogfish's caramel malt-heavy IPA offer creative, festive takes on craft beer. Find a new winter go-to among these six seasonal, independently-brewed options.
See also: 7 Warm Cocktails and Winter Drinks to Stay Cozy all Season
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Hot chocolate can move over this season. Yuengling’s chocolate porter is a collaboration between America’s top craft brewery and Hershey’s that you won’t want to miss. The thick, chocolatey beer is a sweet, limited-edition take on Yuengling’s 200-year old dark-brewed porter. Two Pennsylvania favorites in one delicious brew!
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This year’s release of the eight-time award-winning ale blends nine, 12 and 24-month Winter Ales aged in eight to 12-year-old American Oak bourbon barrels for intense sweetness balanced with slight bitterness. The warming beer’s high 13.5 percent ABV content makes it the strongest sip on our list.
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“Inspired by super fluffy, wispy winter snowfalls,” New Belgium’s medium body winter brew is clean and refreshing. Challenging the idea that lighter beers belong to warmer months, this citrusy beer is a refreshing take on holiday brews.
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This Ohio-based brewery meticulously selects ingredients for its small batches, and balances malt sweetness with American and European hops. This sweet, spicy amber brew has hints of cinnamon, ginger, cloves and honey. What more could you ask from a Christmas beer?
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This s'mores-inspired milk stout rightfully claims its name with notes of chocolate, cracker, vanilla and even a touch of smokiness. The brew uses Madagascar vanilla beans and smoked malt to masterfully blend every aroma.
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This dry IPA balances citrus and pine notes with caramel malt. While six different hops are used throughout the brewing process, the beer is malt-forward overall. If you like old-school IPAs, this is the holiday drink for you.
Photography by: Dan Barrett / Unsplash
