When the leaves fall in Pennsylvania and the temperature drops below the comfortable 60-degree mark, it’s time to start reaching for beers that deliver warmth from the inside. A chill in the air calls for a crisp, chocolate-like treat that warms the belly and eases the mind. These are our top picks:
Stout
A perfect segue from the fall, stouts are great for cozying up and enjoying, whether you’re outside in the cool breeze or under a warm blanket. Notes of dark chocolate and coffee intermingle to create hearty and sweet flavors, while imperial stouts, higher in alcohol by volume (ABV) and with a more viscous body, will impart a truly warming effect. Look for Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant’s Russian Imperial Stout and Chatty Monks Brewing Co.’s Thelonious Milk Stout.
Brown Ale
Similar to stouts, with notes of chocolate and burnt caramel, brown ales are lighter in body and a bit more sessionable. The malt flavors take center stage and can express themselves with notes of cherry, plum and other dark fruits. Hops provide bittering and balance, but tend to take a back seat to these malt-forward beers. Look for English mild-inspired selections such as Yards Brewing Company’s Brawler and Saint Benjamin Brewing Company’s Foul Weather Jack.
Scotch Ale
Scotch ales lead with big flavors of burnt caramel and roasted malts, usually thanks to a long boil and wort caramelization. Copper in color and typically a bit higher in ABV, these beers present a flavor profile perfect for long snowy nights. Bonus points for barrel-aged scotch ales, which lend notes of oak and smoked malt. Try Fegley’s Brew Works’ Bagpiper’s Scotch Ale.
Double IPA
For hop heads who need to warm up in the cold, a double IPA can pack the hop punch with just enough booziness to warm your tummy. Typically slow sippers, doubles can present a variety of hop flavors with slight bitterness and an ABV between 8 and 9 percent. Reach for Victory Brewing Company’s DirtWolf or Stable 12 Brewing Co.’s Crowd Pleaser.
Schwarzbier
A light and sessionable choice during the cold months, black lagers contain restrained notes of toffee, nuts and chocolate. You may be able to try several of these subtle beers to ensure you pick up the nuances in malt choices thanks to the lower ABV, usually between 4 and 5 percent. With a long, cool fermentation, these beers finish clean and beckon for another sip. Sample Lancaster Brewing Company’s Jump Seat.
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The Brewers of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit trade association that brings together leaders of Pennsylvania-based breweries in order to promote and protect the brewing industry in the state. Established in 2011, the Brewers of Pennsylvania serves the consuming public of Pennsylvania by encouraging brand diversity in the market. We believe in the nobility of brewing and hold dear the great traditions and history of Pennsylvania brewing.
Featured photo: Yards Brewing Company; other photo: Chatty Monks Brewing Co.
