During the dark, cold days of winter, there is one hoppy beast that doesn't hibernate, but instead thrives. Arctic Panzer Wolf from Three Floyds is a animal of a double IPA that not only packs a huge hop bite at 100 IBUs, but is equally big with its ABV content, weighing in at 9%. A fierce yet balanced and flavorful beer from a brewery that knows a thing or two about hops.
We all know that the relationship between an American Stout and a bourbon barrel can yield fantastic results, but what you might not know is that time in a Tequila barrel can be equally impressive. Tequila Barrel Noir from Almanac Brewing is the proof, with its jet black appearance and hints of smoke and agave from the barrel. You might not expect the influence of tequila flavors to mingle with a stout this well — but the folks at Almanac have proven otherwise.
When you have an iconic beer like Black Tuesday in the fold, it only makes sense to release variants to build off of that success. Mocha Wednesday does just that, taking the bourbon barrel aged imperial stout and adding cacao nibs from TCHO in San Francisco. They've also tossed in fresh coffee from the Portola Coffee Lab in Costa Mesa to create a beer that measures up to its big brother. This massive 19.2% ABV brew begs to be shared, so jump at a chance for a taste if you should be so lucky.
Take a journey into The Abyss with this annual release from Deschutes Brewing in Bend, Oregon. Named due to its dark, deep, complex flavor profile, The Abyss is brewed with licorice and molasses and then a third of it is aged in French oak and oak Bourbon barrels. A rich Imperial Stout that tips the scales at 11% ABV, it's a flavorful journey that is only available for a couple of months every year.
While most Porters are tame and quite predictable, the latest offering from Sixpoint Brewing, named Beast Mode, appears difficult to contain. This Porter from the New York based canning gurus packs flavors like coffee, caramel, and chocolate into 12 oz cans. Busting through the line of scrimmage and leaving taste buds in its wake, Beast Mode is ready to be unleashed.
If you're trying to track down the most sought after spirits of 2014, chances are you're out of luck — unless of course, you know about Caskers. A one-stop shop for liquor connoisseurs, Caskers tracked down the bottles that you and other boozehounds searched for the most in 2014 — based on millions of searches — and has them available right now, while they last. So instead of driving all over town with no guarantee of finding that small batch bourbon or premium single malt, look no further than Caskers for the best of the best, easy on the wallet and delivered right to your door.
The products you use every day, like shampoo or shave cream, should always be the best. But drugstore pickings are slim, and online shopping is risky when you don't know what you're paying for. That's why Birchbox Man lets you try before you buy. Subscribers receive a monthly box of grooming and style essentials, all tailored to match their personal profiles. Think woodsy beard oil for the urban lumberjack, or a wool knit tie for the sartorially inclined. If you like what you get, you can buy full-size versions in the Birchbox Shop, with perks like free shipping to sweeten the pot. No more letdowns, duds, or compromises: Just a sink ledge stocked with greatness.
If there is anyone we trust to add grapefruit to an already amazing IPA, it's the folks at Ballast Point Brewing. They've taken their Sculpin IPA — a frontrunner in a crowded field — and added the juicy, tropical flavors of fresh grapefruit. The tart zing collides with the already citrusy Sculpin hops to create a complex, yet balanced IPA. It's enough to make you forget about the bitter chill of winter, at least temporarily.
When one of the most respected craft breweries decides to dust off a classic, it's worth paying attention. Dogfish Head, known for being one of the first breweries to push the limits of craft beer, is bringing back Raison D'Extra for the first time in seven years. Based on year-round offering Raison D'Etre, D'Extra is a Belgian style Brown Ale that takes things to an entirely new level. It's brewed with huge amounts of malt, brown sugar, and raisins and tips the scales at a whopping 18% ABV. Complex and flavorful fresh, this one offers even more after some time in deep hibernation.
When it comes to sweet, decadent, dessert beers, the Salted Caramel Stout from Portland's Breakside Brewing is one of the best you can get your hands on. It's a collaboration between the brewery and Portland's Salt & Straw ice cream shop utilizing their house-made lactose caramel and a dash of sea salt. Chocolate, vanilla, and sweet malt collide to make this one of the most sought after sweet stouts in the Pacific Northwest, and beyond.
If you're looking for a great winter beer to add to your fridge this year, look no further than 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle. That's where Icelandic Doppelbock from Einstok Beer Company is made, and it impresses with its taste even more than proximity. It's a classic Dopplebock that is sweet, malty, and light bodied. Easy to drink and a great companion while celebrating the holidays, the winter, or really just about anything.
Just about every brewery releases something to coincide with the holiday season, but none of them have the history, or the taste that you get from the Christmas Ale from St. Bernardus. It's a Belgian Abbey ale brewed in the Quadrupel style at 10% ABV — bringing a warming meld of flavors that should ward off the deep chill of winter. It's also ideal to pair with traditional holiday dinners, as the Belgian yeast can balance out a starchy meal as well as any beer available. Look past the trends and consider a classic this holiday season.
The dark side can be quite appealing, and in the case of Mephistopheles from Avery Brewing, it can be quite tasty as well. The final installment of The Demons of Ale series could easily be categorized as sinful — with it's black as midnight appearance and rich, complex flavor profile. The annual release kicks down the door at 17.1% ABV this year, making it perfect to set aside and let mellow for years. Or you can open it fresh and enjoy one of the most diverse desert beers around.
Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean your craving for hops is on ice. Hop Gun from Funky Buddha is an IPA that might make you forget what season it is thanks to loads of fresh, fruity hops. Packed with grapefruit, pineapple, and balanced out well with caramel malt, this is a beer that hits its target. Available only on tap until now, Hop Gun can be found in six packs as well starting this month.
Since experimentation in the craft beer world knows no bounds, and people are already adding Sriracha to just about everything, it's almost a surprise it took this long for the two worlds to collide. Brought together by Rogue Ales, Sriracha Stout is made with ingredients from Rogue Farms, and the Huy Fong original hot chili sauce you already smother your food with. It's a rich stout with a warming kick that should rival anything you decide to pair with it at mealtime.
During the winter months, we expect some rough, cold weather. This year, expect Thundersnow from MadTree Brewing in Cincinnati, Ohio. This spiced Scotch Ale falls into the Winter Warmer category, with nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and just enough warmth thanks to the 8.5% ABV. A great example of a winter seasonal that is unique, full-flavored, and balanced.
Some collaborations are just perfect, and that's the case with Beer Thousand from Dogfish Head. It celebrates the 20th anniversary of the legendary album Bee Thousand from Ohio rockers Guided By Voices. Almost as notorious for their beer guzzling as their sound, this Imperial lager should impress fans of GBV and craft beer alike. It's brewed with 10 grains and 10 hop varieties and is also 10% ABV — all adding up to Beer Thousand. You also get a 10-inch record with 10 songs from the band's first tour back in 1994 if you spring for the six bottle box.
When Goose Island released a Vanilla variant of their wildly successful Bourbon County line back in 2010, it was instantly one of the most sought after beers on the market. This winter, vanilla is back in the form of Bourbon County Vanilla Rye. At 13.8% ABV, this huge stout was aged in Rye Whiskey Barrels with a mix of Mexican and Madagascar vanilla beans and will be one of the most desired beers of 2014.
As more and more bourbon barrel stouts hit the market, it's vital to choose one you won't regret. Retribution from DuClaw Brewing is a true standout, brewed since 2011. It's a full bodied stout aged for 6 months in charred white oak bourbon barrels from Kentucky and each bottle is drawn from a single barrel, making every batch a unique experience. ABV ranges on each batch as well, but goes no lower than 10.5%, giving off some needed warmth on a cold winter day.
Two years ago, the mad scientists at BrewDog brewed a extra-small-batch prototype beer, and then locked it away to age in whiskey barrels. Black Eyed King Imp is the result of that delicate process, and is finally ready for consumption. With huge chocolate, roasty bitter espresso, and of course warming whiskey notes, it's yet another bold notch on the Scottish brewers belts. Be just as patient as the brewers if you get ahold of this 11.8% bad boy, it's meant to be savored.
Retailers might be telling you it's time for Christmas beers, but if you're not quite ready to take that leap just yet, there are plenty of quality fall beers still in season. Sensi Harvest from Sixpoint Brewing is a great choice, featuring fresh picked hops brewed directly into the beer within 24 hours of being plucked from the bine. This approachable Pale Ale is only 4.7%, and might be the ultimate farm-to-table beer.
