These seasonal craft beers are sure to put you in the winter spirit. Perhaps inspired by the majestic, snow-capped Rocky Mountains, Colorado brewers excel at winter beers, from ales to stouts. Visit a few Denver breweries this winter to warm up with friends and sample some great seasonal beers, or grab a six-pack (or two) to enjoy at home!
Wicked Elf Ale — Rock Bottom Brewery
Rock Bottom Brewery’s Wicked Elf Ale is only available for a few weeks each year, so when you see the golden Belgian Dubbel on tap at the Denver, Highlands Ranch or Centennial restaurants and breweries, you’d better order it. With notes of dried cherry, figs and seasonal spices, the 6.8% ABV brew is a strong and festive December sipper.
Winter Bock — Bierstadt Lagerhaus
Bierstadt Lagerhaus’ Winter Bock is a rich, malt-forward seasonal that showcases the brewery’s devotion to traditional German lagering. Deep caramel and toasted bread notes lead the way, balanced by a clean, cold-fermented finish that keeps it smooth and drinkable even at its warming strength of 6% ABV. It’s a perfect fireside beer—robust, comforting, and unmistakably crafted for winter.
BrewDog Denver — Winter Staycation
Like an ugly sweater in a pint glass, BrewDog’s Winter Staycation is full-bodied and cozy. Jet black with a mocha foam, the 7.5% ABV stout is decadent with chocolate, caramel and roasted nut aromas, plus hints of vanilla and toffee because this is a staycation after all. Go big.
Woods Boss Brewing Company — Coming In From the Cold
The name of Woods Boss Brewing Company’s winter warmer says it all. Coming In From the Cold (6.7% ABV) is made for long nights and chilly weather, comforting with its bourbon-soaked cinnamon and cloves, vanilla and orange peel. It wraps everything in a smooth malt backbone that makes each sip feel like a welcome thaw.
Novel Strand Brewing Company — From Here and From Near Vol. II
Novel Strand Brewing Company’s From Here and From Near Vol. II (5.8% ABV) is a winter country lager that leans into rustic malt character balanced with just enough hops. Earthy, toasty grains meet a clean, snappy finish, offering a seasonal beer that feels both grounding and refreshingly understated.
Christmas Ale — Breckenridge Brewery
Breckenridge Brewery’s Christmas Ale boasts a winning winter combo of flavor and strength. At 7.1% ABV with a sturdy texture and rich flavors of caramel and chocolate, this holiday seasonal is the fermented equivalent of a roaring fire. Find it at Farm House at Breckenridge Brewery in nearby Littleton or Breckenridge Brewery Ale & Game House in Englewood.
Ice Cutter Kölsch — Joyride Brewing Company
A gold medalist at the 2022 World Beer Cup and a silver medalist at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival, Joyride Brewing's Ice Cutter Kölsch (5.2% ABV) is a crisp, cold ode to Thomas Sloan, for whom Sloan's Lake is named. Every winter after Thomas Sloan flooded his farm, he would cut ice from the lake and sell it to local breweries. Since most brewers in the day were of German descent, Kölsch-style beers like this one were likely produced. Raise a glass to the past at the brewery's Edgewater taproom.
Bring the Greenback — Baere Brewing Company
Spruce up your winter beer list with South Broadway staple Baere Brewing's Bring the Greenback (5% ABV), a sour Berliner Weisse brewed with fresh spruce tips.
Hibernation Ale — Great Divide Brewing Co.
Hibernation Ale has been a celebrated winter tradition since 1995. This robust (8.7% ABV), dry-hopped English-style old ale has a malty richness balanced with a complex hop profile and hearty, warming character. Stop in to Great Divide’s downtown tasting room or RiNo Barrel Bar and get cozy with this brew. There's also an outpost at Denver International Airport to fuel your holiday travels, as well as one south of the city in Castle Rock.
Isolation Ale — Odell Brewing Company
This sweet caramel winter warmer from Odell Brewing is imbued with premium malts imported from England and balanced by a crisp hop finish, making it an excellent choice for those chilly winter nights. And at just 6% ABV, it's less boozy than your typical winter warmer! Try it at the Five Points or Sloan's Lake brewhouses, in additional to their original location in Fort Collins.
Holiday Ale — New Belgium Brewing Company
This is about as holiday-ish as it gets: cranberry, orange, cinnamon and spice for "everyone naughty and nice!" In addition to their big brewery in Fort Collins, New Belgium has a brewery inside Denver International Airport. 7.5% ABV.
Riva Stout — Holidaily Brewing Company
We love sipping a dark, chocolatey stouts during the colder months. And with hints of licorice, coffee, and chocolate, Holidaily Brewing Company's gluten-free Riva Stout hits all the right notes! It was named after a beloved Bernese Mountain Dog, who was in turn named after a ski run at Vail Resort, which was in turn named by a Vail founder who was a member of the 10th Mountain Division for the battle they fought in the Italian Apennines during World War II. Quite a history, and quite a brew at 6.5%.
Graham Cracker Porter — Denver Beer Co.
The brewmaistes at Denver Beer Co. describe this brew as a “campfire in a glass.” The seductive notes of vanilla, smoked cedar and mulling spices make it perfect for a chilly winter evening. With the taste of lush chocolate and a semi-dry finish of roasted malt and biscuit, you’ll soon discover why the Graham Cracker Porter (5.6% ABV) is one of Denver’s favorites. During the winter, DBC ups the ante with the seasonal Peanut Butter Graham Cracker Porter. Drink up at the Platte Street, South Downing, Lowry or Olde Town Arvada taprooms.
Old Jubilation Ale — Avery Brewing Company
This winter strong ale from Avery Brewing has a distinctive mahogany hue with hints of hazelnut and a finish reminiscent of mocha and toffee. It's a festive blend of five specialty malts and a great sip during the holiday season. Find it in stores around Denver, or visit their taproom in north Boulder. 8.3% ABV.