During winter, beer recipes differ immensely from those crafted during other seasons of the year. This is due to the unique climatic and environmental conditions that characterize the cold months.The lower temperatures and shorter days of winter mean that many breweries opt for beer with more robust flavors, heavier bodies, and more complex aromas.
You may already have some tried-and-true recipes that work well in the colder months, but with so many breweries popping up, it’s important to stand out from the competition. Offering unique winter beer recipes is one way to do just that. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top-rated and unique winter beer recipes that you can use at your brewery this season.
Since winter is always just around the corner, including your winter beer recipes in your business plan is a great way to show that you’re committed to providing quality products. To get started, you can use this brewery business plan template.
Pumpkin Spice Ale
Everyone loves pumpkin spice during the holiday season, so why not add this flavor to a beer recipe? To make a pumpkin spice ale, combine your brewery’s standard pale ale recipe with ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, clove, and fresh pumpkin puree. The combination of spices will give the ale a warm flavor, while the addition of pumpkin helps create an inviting orange color.
Mint Chocolate Stout
For those looking for something unique, yet festive and flavorful, try creating a mint chocolate stout. This type of stout is fairly easy to make; simply combine standard stout ingredients with peppermint extract and cocoa nibs for added sweetness and texture. For optimal flavor, it’s best served cold after being conditioned for about two weeks.
Vanilla Porter
A porter brewed with vanilla beans? Yes, please! This beer combines dark malts like chocolate malt and black patent malt with a generous helping of vanilla beans for an irresistible flavor combination that will warm your soul on those chilly evenings. The resulting beer has notes of cocoa and espresso balanced by the sweet aroma of vanilla. It’s sure to be a hit at your brewery.
Nut Brown Ale
Nut Brown Ale has been popular in England since the 18th century and it is gaining popularity in America, too. To create a Nut Brown Ale, use traditional brown ale ingredients, such as dark crystal malt, along with British Fuggles hops and top-fermenting yeast. Feel free to also add some hazelnut extract for extra nuttiness.
Chocolate Cherry Porter
Chocolate Cherry Porter is one of those winter beers that tastes amazing when done right. Start by combining your typical porter ingredients, such as roasted malts and English hops, then add cocoa powder or chocolate syrup and some cherry juice concentrate or extract. The combination of sweet cherries and rich chocolate creates an unforgettable flavor that is sure to delight customers.
Imperial Stout Aged on Oak Spirals
This is one of the more unique winter beer recipes you can try. Start by taking an imperial stout and aging it on oak spirals. This gives the beer flavors of dark chocolate and roasted coffee. The oak spirals also add a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the thickness of the strong malt backbone in an imperial stout. It’s sure to be a hit with your customers for its complex, yet enjoyable, flavor profile.
Doppelbock
Doppelbocks are malty lagers that usually have an ABV between 7 and 9 percent. They’re full of sweet caramel flavors, thanks to their higher alcohol content, which makes them perfect for drinking on cold nights. Try adding roasted malts, such as chocolate malt or black patent malt, for added depth and complexity. For an extra kick, add some noble hops at the end of the boiling process.
Winter Warmer
Last, but certainly not least, is Winter Warmer. This classic winter brew combines full-bodied malt flavors that are balanced out with fruity esters from top-fermenting yeasts, as well as spicy hops like East Kent Goldings and Willamette Hops. Perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy notes, this winter warmer will be sure to keep drinkers cozy all season long.
These are just a few examples of what you can make when creating winter beers for your brewery customers to enjoy. With these recipes, or any others developed, you can offer customers something special, while expanding your brewing portfolio at the same time. Not only will they appreciate having access to delicious winter beers, but they’ll also appreciate being able to support local businesses during this cold and wintry season.
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