Best Colorado Winter Beers

I have lived in Colorado my whole life. Therefore I can tell you with authority, that there are two things that Colorado does very well: the first is winter (we simultaneously have world class skiing and rank among the sunniest states) and the second is beer. Colorado has well over 100 microbreweries, and ranks first nationwide in per capita beer production. When you combine the two, that’s something special. That being said, here is a list of the ten best Colorado winter brews:

 

10.  Winter Warlock Oatmeal Stout – Dark and heavy, this Stout is about as strong as they come. Brewed with roasted barley and 100 pounds of Oatmeal, this brew is guaranteed to restore the warmth to your chilled bones.

Who makes it: Bristol Brewing Co.
Color: Black
Drink if you like: Guinness

 

9.  Old Jubilation Ale – This beer is malty, strong, and simple. This classic winter ale is perfect for sipping in front of a warm fire.

Who makes it: Avery Brewing Co.
Color: Mahogany
Drink if you like: Newcastle

 

8. Killer Penguin Barley Wine – This isn’t your traditional barley wine. It is a little sweet and fruity, but also a bit dark and bitter. It’s nicely balanced, extremely flavorful, and very highly recommended.

Who makes it: Boulder Beer Co.
Color: Caramel Brown
Drink if you like: Bass

 

7. Winter Abbey Ale – A hearty abbey ale with rich caramel and toffee flavors and a touch of wheat. It’s the perfect compliment to your favorite hearty winter stew.

Who makes it: Blue Moon
Color: Caramel Brown
Drink if you like: Smithwick’s

 

6. Frambrozen Raspberry Brown – Frambrozen is a festive brown ale that looks, smells and tastes like raspberries.

Who makes it: New Belgium
Color: Ruby Red
Drink if you like: Juice

 

5. Never Summer Ale – This “winter warmer” has a distinct caramel flavor, but is flavored with enough hops to turn your tongue inside out.
Who makes it: Boulder Beer Co.
Color: Caramel Brown
Drink if you like: IPA’s

 

4. North Star Imperial Baltic Porter – This beer is not for the feint of heart. Full-bodied with a rich, chocolaty-toffee flavor, this beer will put hair on your chest and a fire in your belly.

Who makes it: Twisted Pine
Color: Light cannot escape this beer
Drink if you like: Coffee

 

3. Isolation Ale – This Colorado favorite starts as a sweet caramel-malty beer, but finishes with a pleasantly full dose of English hops. It’s perfect for the end of a long day skiing.

Who makes it: Odell Brewing Co.
Color: Leather Brown
Drink if you like: Fat Tire

 

2. 2º Below – This beer was first brewed as a small batch especially for a telemark ski race, but it was so popular it has become a favorite local winter tradition. Brewed with a blend of six malts and then dry hopped, 2º Below has a floral nose and one of the most interesting flavor profiles around.

Who makes it: New Belgium
Color: Dark Amber
Drink if you like: Fuller's ESB

 

1. Christmas Ale – This flavorful beer's chocolate and caramel malts are balanced nicely with a medium hop profile. This beer reminds me of the world’s most famous winter ale, Tuborg Julebryg, a beer so popular that its release is actually recognized as a Danish national holiday. While it may not be as illustrious, Breckenridge Christmas Ale is every bit as good as Julebryg and is guaranteed to warm your spirits this winter.

Who makes it: Breckenridge Brewing Co.
Color: Mahogany Brown
Drink if you like: Feeling warm and fuzzy

FeelGoodNow Contributor: Frazer Lockhart

Few people have ever actually seen Frazer's face because it is usually buried behind a camera. When he isn't filming for FeelGoodNow, he is usually working on his own documentaries (although he does make it a point to take regular hiking and skiing breaks). He has an insatiable case of wanderlust and an incredible capacity for lattés. 


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