Seasons of the Beer

Now, on to beer seasons.  Most people are at least vaguely aware that certain beers are offered only in specific seasons. Summer Beer, Oktoberfest Beer, Pumpkin Beer and Holiday Beer are some of the more common examples. Because I have over 100 beers rated as "A", I wanted to find a way that I can enjoy many of them, not just having a year round "go to" beer. I rarely try new beers at home anymore. What's the sense? At home I want to drink what I like. I use my travels to try new stuff, particularly at friends' houses. I figure if I have to waste beer, I might as well waste theirs, right? So, anyway, I developed a Beer Seasons Style list. Changing some, or even all of your beers each season helps to give you a great variety and maintain your interest in beers throughout the year. Not uncoincidentally, my "seasons" follow the major brewers schedules.

So, what am I drinking now? Well my "seasons" are each two months long. So, in January and February, I am drinking Winter Warmers (Strong Dark Ales), Barley-wines, Stouts and Imperial Stouts, Bocks and some of the beer I age in my beer cellar. Specifically I am favoring Firestone Walkers Walkers Reserve, St. Bernardus Abt 12, Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale, Delerium Tremens, Trappist Ales, Left Hand Milk Stout and Samuel Adams Utopias. I will update you late this month for my March and April "season".

Cheers!