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When the weather outside is frightful, there’s nothing like cozying up indoors with a winter ale. If you happen to make it one brewed in the Metro Detroit area, even better. Seasonal winter beers are appropriately heartier, and some are even spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Dragonmead Brewery, 14600 E. 11 Mile Rd., Warren, was voted Detroit’s best microbrewery in 2012, and features two winter lagers. The brewery’s Imperial Stout is a Russian style ale that’s extremely thick and malty—don’t expect to see through the glass!
Atwater Block Brewery, 237 Jos Campau, Detroit, makes a German Winter Bock beer that’s malty and sweet, brewed with imported malt and hops. The dark caramel, high gravity lager has a higher alcohol content than most.
Kuhnhenn Brewing Co., 5919 Chicago Rd., Warren, is the place to go for variety. There, you’ll find four winter lagers and two winter wines, including Metry’s Winter Lager, Winter Wonder Lager, Raspberry Eisbock, Bourbon Barrel Russian Imperial Stout, Bourbon Barrel Barley Wine and Wheat Wine.
The Royal Oak Brewery, 215 E. Fourth St., Royal Oak, features Snowdrift Winter Ale, great for pairing with rich foods, and Solstice Star Winter Lager, a delicious Amber Lager. Count Zaroff’s Russian Imperial has notes of chocolate and coffee, and is perfect for fighting the chill of winter.
Liberty Street Brewing Co., 149 W. Liberty St., Plymouth, has Punkin’ Pie Ale on tap through February, and the brewery promises it tastes just like the real thing. I’m not one to take someone’s word for it, so I guess I’ll have to test it out myself.
Rochester Mills Beer Co., 400 Water St., Rochester, features seasonals including Mills Brown Ale, Black Sheep Bitter Black IPA, Snow Dazed Winter Ale and Mills Pils (a Czech-style Pilsner). All of which are perfect to enjoy on a cold, winter-y night.
Keep in mind, if you’re consuming your seasonal ale out on the town, don’t forget to locate a safe ride home at the end of the night. Otherwise, grab a six pack and watch the snow fall from the warmth of your own home!
