Beer Styles  »  Winter Specialty Spiced Beer

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ABV: varies    IBUs: varies    SRM: varies    OG: varies    FG: varies

A stronger, darker, spiced beer that often has a rich body and warming finish suggesting a good accompaniment for the cold winter season.

A wide range of aromatics is possible, although many examples are reminiscent of Christmas cookies, gingerbread, English-type Christmas pudding, spruce trees, or mulling spices. Any combination of aromatics that suggests the holiday season is welcome. The base beer style often has a malty profile that supports the balanced presentation of the aromatics from spices and possibly other special ingredients. Additional fermentables (e.g., honey, molasses, maple syrup, etc.) may lend their own unique aromatics. Hop aromatics are often absent, subdued, or slightly spicy. Some fruit character (often of dried citrus peel, or dried fruit such as raisins or plums) is optional but acceptable. Alcohol aromatics may be found in some examples, but this character should be restrained. The overall aroma should be balanced and harmonious, and is often fairly complex and inviting.
Generally medium amber to very dark brown (darker versions are more common). Usually clear, although darker versions may be virtually opaque. Some chill haze is acceptable. Generally has a well-formed head that is often offwhite to tan.
Many interpretations are possible; allow for brewer creativity as long as the resulting product is balanced and provides some spice presentation. Spices associated with the holiday season are typical (as mentioned in the Aroma section). The spices and optional fermentables should be supportive and blend well with the base beer style. Rich, malty and/ or sweet malt-based flavors are common, and may include caramel, toast, nutty, or chocolate flavors. May include some dried fruit or dried fruit peel flavors such as raisin, plum, fig, orange peel or lemon peel. May include distinctive flavors from specific fermentables (molasses, honey, brown sugar, etc.), although these elements are not required. A light spruce or other evergreen tree character is optional but found in some examples. The wide range of special ingredients should be supportive and balanced, not so prominent as to overshadow the base beer. Bitterness and hop flavor are generally restrained so as to not interfere with the spices and special ingredients. Generally finishes rather full and satisfying, and often has some alcohol flavor. Roasted malt characteristics are rare, and not usually stronger than chocolate.
A wide range of interpretations is possible. Body is generally medium to full, and a certain malty chewiness is often present. Moderately low to moderately high carbonation is typical. Many examples will show some well-aged, warming alcohol content, but without being overly hot. The beers do not have to be overly strong to show some warming effects.
Throughout history, beer of a somewhat higher alcohol content and richness has been enjoyed during the winter holidays, when old friends get together to enjoy the season. Many breweries produce unique seasonal offerings that may be darker, stronger, spiced, or otherwise more characterful than their normal beers. Spiced versions are an American or Belgian tradition, since English or German breweries traditionally do not use spices in their beer.
Overall balance is the key to presenting a wellmade Christmas beer. The special ingredients should complement the base beer and not overwhelm it. The brewer should recognize that some combinations of base beer styles and special ingredients work well together while others do not make for harmonious combinations.
Generally ales, although some dark strong lagers exist. Spices are required, and often include those evocative of the Christmas season (e.g., allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger) but any combination is possible and creativity is encouraged. Fruit peel (e.g., oranges, lemon) may be used, as may subtle additions of other fruits. May use a wide range of crystal-type malts, particularly those that add dark fruit or caramel flavors. Flavorful adjuncts are often used (e.g., molasses, treacle, invert sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, etc.).

		Beer Name	Brewery	ABV	IBUs
	(0)	Barrel Aged Brrrbon	Widmer Brothers Brewing	9.5%	40
	(0)	Bah Humbug	Wychwood Brewery	5.0%	---
	(0)	Special Holiday Ale	Stone Brewing Co.	9.0%	---
	(0)	Christmas Ale	Goose Island Beer Co.	5.7%	---
	(0)	Warmer Winter	Cigar City Brewing	10%	---
	(0)	Jubelale	Deschutes Brewery	6.7%	60
	(0)	Jubilation Ale	Baird Brewing Co.	7%	---
	(0)	Red Nose Winter Ale	Natty Greene's Brewing Co.	6.8%	21
	(0)	12 Dogs of Christmas Ale	Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.	8.3%	21.5
	(0)	Lights Out Holiday Ale	Blue Mountain Brewery	7.0%	30
	(0)	St. Peter's Winter Ale	St. Peter's Brewery	6.5%	---
	(1)	K-9 Cruiser	Flying Dog Brewing Co.	7.4%	30
	(0)	Allagash Grand Cru	Allagash Brewing Co.	7.2%	---
	(1)	Cold Mountain Winter Ale	Highland Brewing Co.	5.2%	28
	(0)	Great Lakes Christmas Ale	Great Lakes Brewing Co.	7.5%	30
	(0)	Emelisse Winterbier	Emelisse Bierbrouwerij	9%	---
	(0)	Noel de Calabaza	Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales	9%	---
	(1)	Snow Hill Winter Warmer	Bull City Burger and Brewery	8.1%	---
	(0)	Young's Winter Warmer	Wells & Young's Brewing Co.	5%	---
	(0)	FrostNipper	Aviator Brewing Co.	7.3%	---