Try these hearty seasonal beers for cold winter nights

"Every winter, breweries put out their finest special releases to celebrate the season with winter beers and holiday ales. It's a chance for them to make unique beers that take advantage of the cooler weather, crafting beers that are often stronger, darker or more complex than their usual fare. In part, that's to entice new customers who maybe haven't tried their beer yet."

"Now that Anchor Christmas Ale is in hibernation (though hopefully it will return next year - fingers crossed), probably the oldest modern American winter beer still being brewed is Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, which made its debut in 1981. It's one of the first IPAs in the craft era and is now considered a fresh hop ale. Using Cascade and Centennial hop varieties, it packs a hop punch of pine and citrus aromas and flavors."

Every winter, breweries release special winter beers and holiday ales that take advantage of cooler weather by being stronger, darker, or more complex. These seasonal beers attract new customers and suit colder temperatures by providing warming, flavorful sips rather than simple thirst-quenchers. Winter beers invite slow enjoyment by a fire and encourage contemplation during the holidays. The Bay Area features many notable seasonal offerings alongside imports. Historical and notable examples include Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, an early craft-era IPA and fresh hop ale, limited batches like Fireside Chat Winter Ale, and unexpected successes such as Lagunitas' Brown Shugga.

Read at The Mercury News