Winter Style Recommendations

Think outside the Bocks with these “alt-wintry-night” beer styles.

- Jim Dykstra

Wintry climes are prime for big boozy warmers, but that doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to standard styles. There are a million ways to skin an arctic snow fox, and limitless choices of winter cheer to imbibe. We’ve chosen two styles that may not immediately come to mind when you think of snow shoes and log cabins, but will have you rosy-cheeked and warm-spirited nevertheless.

White IPA

First up is a style that blends two continents of beer tradition together in one glass, for results that won’t fill you up quite as much as a Russian Imperial, but goes bold and sharp on the flavor. I’m dreaming of a White IPA – but it’s not just like the one you used to know.

This is essentially a Franken-style, a mash-up of American IPA and Belgian witbier made with the modern beer-lover in mind. Its fruity, spicy and refreshing, but lighter in color and body than an American IPA with the spice and/or yeast additions found in a typical Belgian wit.

The aroma will be moderately ester-tastic, and everything you’d expect from both of these fragrant styles: citrus, banana and a bit of tropical fruit will meld with yeast or spice notes of coriander and pepper. You may even detect a hint of clove. It’s the best of the Old World and the New.

Expect a warm golden, hazy appearance and a big frothy head, perfect for clanking in a festive pub atmosphere, or sipping round the fire. The flavors will mirror the aroma, stone-fruity notes of apricot and citrus notes will be engulfed in a tangy swirl of spice, followed by a crisp, dry and bitter finish that will energize you amidst the cacophony of Old Man Winter’s wheezing and electric logs crackling.

Vital Statistics: OG: 1.056 – 1.065 IBUs: 40 – 70 FG: 1.010 – 1.016 SRM: 5 – 8 aBv: 5.5 – 7.0%