Short days, Dark nights: Dark Beers to Sip & Share Through the Winter Months

BY ANTHONY PATTERSON

From Munich dunkels to savory stouts, dark beers reign supreme during the winter months. And it's no surprise when many of them share some of the same flavor profiles as other holiday favorites and bring back delicious memories of their own.

Just as many look forward to gathering with loved ones and sharing the joys of the season, local brewers get excited to share these varieties and help bring good tidings to all.

Be on the lookout for these styles and others as the holidays near.

Many local breweries offer these beers packaged up to go, so consider filling up a growler for a snowy night at home or grabbing some cans to use as stocking stuffers!

English Porter

Dark in color, complex in flavor, and smooth to drink, it’s no surprise that English Porters are a popular brew even outside of the winter months. You are likely to find toffee and chocolate notes in this style making it a perfect pairing–or alternative–to all the sweets that are enjoyed around the holidays.

TRY THE CRACK ON ENGLISH PORTER at GARLAND BREW WERKS

603 W Garland Ave,
Spokane, WA 99205
@garlandbrewwerks

Winter Warmer

Malty and sweet, this full-bodied, robust ale is commonly blended with combinations of ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon. Often called a “wassail ale” and offering a warmth from the alcohol and spices, one can easily see why the Winter Warmer offerings are a wintertime favorite.

TRY THE GINGER AND NUTMEG WINTER WARMER from PARAMOUR BREWING CO.

@paramourbrewing 

American Stout

While it can be enjoyed year-round, a cozy American Stout is the ideal companion for the cooler winter temperatures. This style is roasty, bold, and sophisticated. With heaping amounts of American hops and notes of dark chocolate, it's a top pick for the most adventurous beer lovers and those warming up in the lodge fresh off the slopes. 

TRY THE STOUTED FROM THE BOTTOM at LUMBERBEARD BREWING

25 E. 3rd Ave,
Spokane WA 99202
@lumberbeard

English Brown Ale

English Brown Ales are somewhat fuller-bodied, malty and a little sweeter to the taste.  Though this style is perfectly suitable on its own, the versatile beer is ideal to pair with all of your plans this season. It goes great with a variety of foods from grilled meats to creamy cheeses and fruity desserts.

TRY THE WILD MUSIC BROWN ALE at GOLDEN HANDLE BREWING CO

154 S Madison St,
Spokane WA 99201
@goldenhandlebrewco

Munich Dunkel

Imagine notes of fresh-baked bread along with a hint of chocolate.  Munich Dunkel is full-bodied, smooth and complex, and will be the hit of your holiday party as it pairs perfectly with buttery cheeses, or something on the sweeter side like dark chocolate and raspberries.

TRY THE MUNICH DUNKEL at WHISTLE PUNK

154 S Madison St,
Spokane WA 99201
@whistlepunkbeer

Milk Stout

Also known as Cream Stout, Milk Stout often carries an aroma and flavor profile of chocolate and caramel. This black beer is made with milk sugar (lactose) offering a subtle sweetness that beautifully rounds out the bitterness from the hops.  Enjoy this style around the fire with family and friends.

TRY THE FIRESIDE at YAYA BREWING CO

11712 E Montgomery Dr Unit F1-3,
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
@yayabrewco

German Weihnachtsbier

Just as many of us use the holidays as an excuse to eat foods and treats we wouldn’t normally indulge in the rest of the year, Weihnachtsbier was developed as a way for German brewers to get around the country’s strict purity laws. Limited to using only water, malt and hops in their brewing, Weinachtsbier is traditionally served with a gingersnap on the side to give drinkers the experience of having a classic spiced Christmas beer.

TRY THE BELSNICKEL at IRON GOAT BREWING

1302 W 2nd Ave,
Spokane, WA 99201
@irongoatbrewing

Schwarzbier

Don’t let the black color fool you into thinking you’re about to indulge in something heavy. If you are a fan of a lighter beer, a Schwarzbier might be the perfect fit as it is smooth on the palate and refreshing with a dry finish. Notes of coffee, cocoa and licorice come to the forefront with hints of caramel to top it off. 

TRY THE BLACK FOREST SCHWARZBIER at NO DROUGHT BREWING COMPANY

10604 E 16th Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99206
@nodroughtbrewing

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