As the seasons shift, so do the flavors in our pint glasses. Just as we swap iced coffee for hot chocolate in the winter or fresh salads for hearty soups in the fall, our beer preferences change with the weather. Breweries embrace this shift by crafting seasonal releases to match the temperature, mood, and ingredients of each season. Whether you’re craving a rich, malty stout in winter or a bright, citrusy IPA in summer, there’s a perfect brew for every time of year.
A Year of Seasonal Releases
Winter: Bold and Warming
When the temperatures drop, breweries release beers that provide warmth and comfort. These seasonal releases are typically high in alcohol, full-bodied, and rich in flavor, making them ideal for sipping by the fireplace.
Stouts and porters are winter staples known for their dark, velvety textures and warming alcohol content. A good imperial stout can feel almost like a dessert with hints of dark chocolate, caramel, and espresso. Barleywines, another winter favorite, pack an even bigger punch. Their complex layers of malt sweetness and fruity esters are best enjoyed slowly.
Winter beers also include spiced ales, which invoke the nostalgia of holiday baking with seasonal ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Some breweries even age their winter beers in bourbon barrels for an extra layer of warmth with oak, vanilla, and boozy sweetness.
Spring: Crisp and Floral
As nature begins to bloom, so do lighter, more refreshing beers. Spring beers bridge the gap between winter’s heavy brews and summer’s thirst-quenching drinks. Their floral, herbal, and fruity notes pair well with the fresh air and longer days.
Traditionally brewed for Belgian farmworkers, saisons are a natural fit for this transitional season. They’re dry and effervescent and often have notes of pepper, citrus, and floral hops. Their refreshing character makes them ideal for enjoying outside as the days grow longer. Wheat beers, such as hefeweizens and witbiers, also become more prevalent in the spring. These beers have a soft, pillowy mouthfeel with hints of banana, clove, and orange peel, making them perfectly refreshing.
Another spring seasonal release is the Maibock, a lighter version of the traditional bock beer. While still malt-forward, Maibocks have a golden hue and a slightly hoppier bite, making them a refreshing yet satisfying choice for the season.
Summer: Light and Refreshing
Warm weather calls for crisp, refreshing beers that won’t feel heavy in the heat. Summer beers are all about drinkability, with lower alcohol content and bright, citrusy flavors.
Pilsners are a go-to choice in the summer. Their light body, clean taste, and balanced bitterness pair well with everything from backyard barbecues to beach days. Wheat beers also shine in the summer. American wheat ales and Belgian wits, in particular, provide an extra layer of refreshment with coriander and orange zest.
For those who still crave hops but want something less intense than a standard IPA, session IPAs are lower in alcohol but still packed with citrusy and tropical hop flavors. Fruited beers also peak in popularity during the summer. Flavors like raspberry, watermelon, and mango add a juicy twist to traditional styles.
Fall: Malty and Spiced
Autumn brings a return to richer, maltier flavors that complement the crisp air and falling leaves. As the weather cools and leaves begin to turn, beers with toasty, caramel-like notes become the stars of the season.
Oktoberfest beers, also known as Märzens, dominate the fall seasonal release. These amber-hued lagers are smooth, malty, and slightly toasty. While sometimes divisive, pumpkin ales are another fall favorite. Many breweries use real pumpkin alongside cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to create a beer that tastes like autumn in a glass.
Brown ales also gain popularity in the fall. Their nutty, caramel-forward profile pairs well with roasted meats and seasonal vegetables. Slightly hoppier but still malt-driven, amber ales provide a smooth transition from the light beers of summer to the richer brews of winter.
Taste the Seasons at The Growler Guys
Beer is one of the few drinks that changes so distinctly with the seasons. Whether you’re enjoying a bright, floral saison on a beautiful spring day or a spiced winter ale by the fire, seasonal beers offer something new to look forward to all year long.
Catch the best of the seasons at your local Growler Guys, where our extensive rotating tap list puts seasonal releases front and center. Come in for a pint or growler fill of your favorite, or ask our certified Beer Stewards to curate a flight for you. Cheers to the seasons!
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