HARRISBURG, PA (12.8.16) – With cold temperatures here, the Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP), the state’s official brewers guild, has released its list of Winter Beer Suggestions. The beers come from brewers located in all parts of the state, and offer consumers a wide variety sure to excite the taste buds as artic blasts descend.
“Throughout the entire year, Pennsylvania brewers produce some of the finest craft beers in the world,” said Dan LaBert, BOP’s Executive Director. “This winter, as consumers continue their quest for unique beers to satisfy their expanding palates, Pennsylvania brewers have once again produced an unmatched menu for beer aficionados and those who simply like to sample. Cheers to a festive holiday season!”
Brewers of Pennsylvania’s Winter Beer Suggestions
Fegley’s Bethlehem Brew Works – Bethlehem
Rude Elf’s Reserve
What Consumers Need to Know
This fabulous holiday spiced ale was first developed and brewed in 1999. Pours a deep chestnut ruby with a creamy tan head. The aroma is sweet with harmonic spices led by clove, then cinnamon and nutmeg. The rich body has a fine carbonation that smooths and hides the higher ABV. Finishes very dry, leaving a lingering gingerbread cookie note. Great American Beer Festival: 2009 Bronze Medal Winner. World Beer Championships: 2002 Silver Medal Winner. 10.5% ABV.
Troegs – Hershey
Mad Elf
What Consumers Need to Know
Cheerful ruby red creation reminiscent of ripened cherries, raw honey, and cocoa with notes of cinnamon, clove and allspice. Malt: Chocolate, Munich, Pilsner. Hops: Hallertau, Saaz. Yeast: Spicy Belgian. Featured in Playboy Magazine. 11% ABV.
Sly Fox Brewing Company – Pottstown
Christmas Ale
What Consumers Need to Know
This malty, full-bodied red ale is made with traditional mulling spices: ginger, clove, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. If this one doesn’t get you into the Christmas spirit, you truly are a Scrooge. 6.5% ABV.
Stone Church Pizza House and Brewpub – Hermitage
Gingy’s Revenge, Imperial Gingerbread Brown Ale
What Consumers Need to Know
On tap for the holidays is Gingy’s Revenge, Imperial Gingerbread Brown Ale. Brewed as a tribute to the Gingerbread men in the movie Shrek where a Gingerbread man is tortured for intel on the Princess and Shrek by Lord Farquaad. This imperial brown ale is packed with molasses, brown sugar, and spices. 10.10% ABV.
Roy Pitz Brewing Company – Chambersburg
Laydown Stay Down Ale
What Consumers Need to Know
Dark amber to plum in color with aromas of candy, spice and fruit. A winter season brew, Laydown Stay Down Ale starts with spicy and floral hop aromas and toasted plum and dark fruits from the malt and yeast. The sweetness of the beer from the malt and Belgian candy sugar balance the bitterness of the hops and boozy notes from the alcohol nicely. The warming sensation from drinking this high-end brew is ideal for the cold winter season. Laydown Stay Down is brewed for winter celebrations and hibernations, so lay back, and enjoy the ride. 9% ABV.
Otto’s Pub and Brewery – State College
Night Owl Coffee Stout
What Consumers Need to Know
A dry stout brewed with Sumatra Mandheling coffee. This ale combines the smooth dryness of an Irish Stout with the aroma and flavor of rich coffee. This stout is nitro-poured for a delicious creamy taste. Perfect with a cozy blanket. 6.7% ABV.
Bonn Place Brewing Company – Bethlehem
Merci! Imperial Black Saison
What Consumers Need to Know
Merci! is a rich, dark, imperial saison brewed with fifty pounds of roasted, PA-local butternut squash, five gallons of organic maple syrup, and various spices. Notes of licorice, black pepper, leather, wood and earth. A must-drink winter gem, Merci! is based on a recipe from Phil Markowski’s book Farmhouse Ales for Bier Noel or Christmas Beer. This rich, dark, intensely flavored strong ale is sure to please all season long! 10.0% ABV.
Spoonwood Brewing Company – Pittsburgh
Barley Storm
What Consumers Need to Know
Barley Storm is Spoonwood’s winter warmer, brewed for release in December via draft and limited 22 oz. bottling. Though the recipe changes annually, consumers can always expect it to be strong, dark, and malt-nificent. This year’s version is a double brown and dry-hopped with Goldings, Willamette, and Crystal. 8.0% ABV.
Voodoo Brewing Company – Meadville
Big Black Voodoo Daddy
What Consumers Need to Know
Dark, robust, and warming, Big Black Voodoo Daddy is Voodoo Brewing’s big bad seasonal stout made with copious amounts of chocolate and roasted malts and topped off with the right amount of hops to make it taste like a chocolate bar au naturel. Good to drink now or age it to award winning caliber. Perfect beer for a cold winter’s night. 12.5% ABV.
Red Castle Brewery – Lehighton
King of the Castle
What Consumers Need to Know
A smooth and dark Christmas warmer ale brewed with a hint of clove and cinnamon delicately touched with imported Czech Saaz hops. A perfect brew to enjoy on a cold evening next to a fireplace. 7.8% ABV.
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