Winter Brews

Southern Tier Old Man Winter Ale
American Strong Ale
Lakewood, New York
$9.99 6pk $33.80 cs.

One of the hottest micro breweries in the US really delivers with this winter American Strong Ale.  Overwhelming amount of hops with a nice caramel malt sidekick that really sticks to your ribs.  Great pair for those cheese plates.

Avery Old Jubilation
English Strong Ale
Boulder, Colorado
$10.99 6pk $38.40 cs.

This one has an intense amount of malt depth.  Flavors and aromas of caramel, hazelnut, toffee and coffee.  Serious complexity and a whisper of sweetness will leave you satisfied.
94 pts ratebeer.com

Anderson Valley Winter Solstice
Winter Warmer
Boonville, California
$12.99 6pk $44.75 cs.

Classic winter warmer aromas and flavors from caramel and crystal malts: caramel, toffee, etc, combined with holiday spices like nutmeg and clove.  However it goes above and beyond with a fruity quality that really delivers depth; the hints of dark cherry and berry fruits will make you warmer than someone standing under mistletoe. 
A- The Alstrom Bros of Beeradvocate.com

Mendocino Winter Seasonal Imperial IPA
Imperial IPA
Hopland, California
$8.99 6pk $30.99 cs.

A nice amount of grapefruit citrus and floral hop aromas with a great caramel malt background on the palette.  Good bitterness too.  Relatively low alcohol for the style at 7.5% (Imperial IPAs can be up to 12%+) so it won’t knock you on your butt.