6 must-try craft beers this winter

Beer Czar

Oktoberfest and Pumpkin get most of the seasonal hype, but winter beers are some of the finest out there. They warm the body and soul, all while getting you (responsibly) wasted. Here are six to try this winter. There are plenty more options that deserve to hit your lips. These are just a few of my favorites from around the country.

6 Victory – Pennsylvania

Victory

Winter Cheers – The mix of banana, clove and citrus in a wheat ale makes Winter Cheers stand out in a group of like-minded winter spiced beers. 6.7% ABV

5 Great Lakes Brewing CO. – Ohio

Great Lakes

Great Lakes Christmas Ale is a fan favorite every winter due to its huge aroma and subtle spice with a ginger kick. 7.5% ABV

4 Highland Brewing – North Carolina

Highland Brewing

Highland Cold Mountain Winter Ale is an ever changing blend of spices backed by consistent vanilla and hazlenut. It’s also one of the more sessionable winter beers at 5.2% ABV.

3 Deschutes Brewery – Oregon

Deschutes

Jubelale is exactly what comes to mind when you think of a winter warmer – dark and malty. It has layers of flavors including a great fruit and spice combo. 6.7% ABV

2 Cigar City Brewing – Florida

Cigar City Facebook

Warmer Winter Winter Warmer is a mix of barley wine and winter ale made with citrus hops and a strong caramel backbone. It’s perfectly appropriate for the Florida winter. It might not be cold to you, but 50s are freezing for Floridiots. 11% ABV

1 Anchor Brewing Co. – California

Anchor

Our Special Ale 2013, or Anchor Christmas Ale, sports a new recipe and tree every year, and for 2013 it’s a rich and dark spiced slice of heaven. You can even get it in Magnum bottles to really ball. 5.5% ABV