January is for fresh starts, cozy nights, and thoughtful sipping. After the indulgence of the holidays, many beer lovers are now looking for balance – flavor without excess, variety without overdoing it. That’s where a winter tasting flight comes in. A well-built January tasting board lets you explore multiple styles, mix in some non-alcoholic options, and save room for one bold standout. Keep reading for our tips on building the perfect winter beer flight at home – complete with snack pairings.
Five Pro Tips for Building Winter Beer Flights
1. Start with a Non-Alcoholic Beer (Yes, Really)
Whether you’re doing Dry January or just pacing yourself after the holidays, January is prime time for NA beer. The good news is that today’s non-alcoholic craft beers are nothing like the watery options of the past. Look for an NA pale ale, pilsner-style NA, or even an NA IPA with a real hop aroma.
Why it works: Starting winter beer flights with an NA beer resets your palate without overwhelming it. It also lets everyone at the table join in.
Pairing tip: Lightly salted nuts, hummus with pita, or citrus-marinated olives complement the clean, crisp profile without stealing the show.
2. Move Into a Clean, Classic Lager
Next up: a lager. Think helles, Czech-style pilsner, or a crisp American lager. Lagers are refreshing, structured, let subtle malt flavors shine – and they’re underrated in the winter.
Why it works: A lager bridges the gap between the NA beer and more expressive styles to come in your winter beer flight. It’s familiar, comforting, and easy to appreciate.
Pairing tip: Keep it simple and let the beer do its thing. Soft pretzels, mild cheeses like Havarti or mozzarella, or roasted chicken sliders are perfect here.
3. Add a Bright, Tart Sour
Now it’s time to wake things up. A sour beer, especially a fruited sour or lightly tart farmhouse-style ale, adds contrast and energy to winter beer flights. Even in January, the pop of acidity can be incredibly refreshing.
Why it works: Sours cut through rich flavors and keep your tasting board from feeling too heavy. They also spark conversation, especially for guests who don’t typically drink sours.
Pairing tip: The tangy beer balances out the sweetness beautifully. Try goat cheese, dried fruit, dark chocolate with berries, or even a bit of cheesecake.
4. Bring in Another Lager (But Make It Different)
Before jumping to the big, bold beer in your flight, add a second lager with a twist – maybe a Vienna lager, a märzen, or a dark lager. These styles all lean into toasted malt flavors that feel right at home in the winter.
Why it works: The second lager keeps winter beer flights cohesive while introducing deeper flavor. It’s also a gentle ramp-up toward the final pour.
Pairing tip: Malty lagers love savory, slightly caramelized foods, so think sausages, roasted root vegetables, or sharp cheddar.
5. Finish Strong with One Big Stout
All great winter beer flights deserve a grand finale, and one big, bold stout is it. Whether it’s imperial, barrel-aged, or pastry-style, this is your slow-sipping fireside beer.
Why it works: Ending with the stout gives your flight a sense of accomplishment. Its rich flavors like chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and bourbon feel indulgent even without a full pint.
Pairing tip: This is dessert in a glass. Embrace it with brownies, tiramisu, blue cheese, or even a simple square of dark chocolate.
Build Your Board Like the Pros with Help from The Growler Guys
With the right mix of styles, thoughtful pairings, and one unforgettable stout, your winter beer flight can be the highlight of the season. Just be sure to:
– Use smaller pours to keep flavors fresh and balanced
– Arrange the beers from light to bold to avoid palate fatigue
– Label each glass so guests can go back to their favorites
– Mix NA and alcoholic beers confidently – it’s about flavor, not rules
If you need inspiration for your winter beer flights, just stop in to your local Growler Guys. With our expansive rotating tap list and certified Beer Stewards, we’re always ready to help you find the perfect pour.
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