Christmas Beer: A Guide to our Favorite Holiday Styles
Christmas is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious beer styles perfect for the holidays? There are many different types of Christmas beer, each with its own unique flavor profile. Here is a brief overview of some of our favorite beer styles to drink around the holidays.
Christmas Ale
Christmas Ale is a style of beer that is typically brewed in the fall and released around Christmas time. It is a strong, malty ale with a deep amber color. The flavor profile can vary from brewery to brewery, but most Christmas Ales have a rich, spicy flavor that pairs well with Christmas cookies and other holiday sweets. Some breweries also release strong, winter themed beers under the name "Winter Ale" or something similar. These are usually heavier than Christmas Ales and have a higher ABV (Alcohol By Volume) percentage. There are no specific guidelines for what makes a beer qualify as a Christmas ale or winter ale, so many brewers simply pick their favorite fall style of beer and call it a Christmas Ale.
Belgian Strong Ale
Belgian Strong Ale is a very general term for any strong, Belgian beer. The style of the beer varies widely depending on the brewer's preference. This style is often split into categories such as Trappist ales and Abbey ales, but those are only guidelines for what type of beers go where. The alcohol content also varies greatly (from around 8% ABV to 12%+). The best way to find a particular Belgian ale's flavor profile is simply to try it. One beer to look out for here at Windermere Brewing is our very own Towering Oak, a Belgian Dark Strong we will release in November.
Winter Warmer
Winter Warmer is a term used by many brewers to describe their stronger, winter-themed beers. These beers are usually heavier than Christmas Ales and have a higher ABV percentage. The flavor profile can vary greatly, but most Winter Warmers have a malty, bready flavor with notes of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Some winter warmers also have a chocolate or toffee flavor. Like Christmas Ales, there are no specific guidelines for what makes a beer a winter warmer, so brewers can get creative with their recipes.
Doppelbock
Doppelbock is a style of beer that originated in Germany. It is a strong, malty lager with a deep copper color. The flavor profile can vary from brewery to brewery, but most Doppelbocks have a rich, bready flavor with notes of caramel and toffee. The alcohol content is usually around 7-8% ABV. Doppelbocks are the perfect beer for winter because of their strong, warming flavor.
So, there you have it: a guide to some of our favorite Christmas beer styles. Whether you're looking for a spicy ale to warm you up on a cold winter night, or a rich, malty lager to enjoy while celebrating the holidays, there's sure to be a Christmas beer out there that's just right for you.