Seasonal Brews: Winter’s Place in the Craft Beer World
After reading Doug Velikey’s insightful Beer Crunchers newsletter, I found myself reflecting on the idea of seasonal brews. Whether it’s the crushable cans that accompany us to the beach in the summer or the cinnamon-rimmed pints of autumn, seasonal beers evoke specific memories and feelings. But it made me wonder: How do these seasonal offerings compare to a brewery’s flagship beers? Are they truly beloved, or is their appeal rooted more in nostalgia? And how does winter stack up against the more vibrant beer seasons of summer and fall?
As Velikey aptly notes, “In the game of beer sales, there is very little winning taking place in the winter.” Winter is a tough season for breweries and tasting rooms. The casual craft beer drinker often isn’t drawn to the stout-heavy months with the same enthusiasm they show in sunnier seasons. Many breweries rely heavily on their flagship beers—tried-and-true brands that maintain steady sales year after year. Nostalgia plays a role here, as recurring seasonal beers help keep the lights on. For example, Velikey mentions Sierra Nevada’s Celebration Ale: “My personal enjoyment typically consists of getting a six-pack over Thanksgiving week to enjoy with my father-in-law.”
For me, a local example comes to mind: Flying Fish Brewing Co. Formerly based in Somerdale, NJ (now operating out of Baltimore, MD), Flying Fish captured holiday nostalgia with its iconic Winter Cru (previously known as Grand Cru). This beer became a holiday staple for many, bringing families together and often serving as a gateway into craft beer for folks in the Delaware Valley.
The Role of Seasons in Beer Rollouts
Seasonal strategies vary depending on the brewery’s size and business model. Some, like Sierra Nevada with its Celebration Ale, dive headfirst into the seasonal market, even though their flagship beers are already household names. Others take different approaches, creating fascinating contrasts within the craft beer world.
Take Boston Beer Co., for instance. Despite owning both Sam Adams and Dogfish Head, the two brands approach seasonal rollouts in nearly opposite ways.
Sam Adams is synonymous with seasonal beers, offering a lineup that spans the entire year. From Winter Lager and Holiday White to Summer Ale, Porch Rocker, and Oktoberfest, their seasonal offerings dominate menus nationwide. Many chain restaurants simply list “Sam Adams Seasonal” as a beer option, reflecting the brand’s ubiquity. Sam Adams also releases seasonal variety packs, cementing its place as a year-round seasonal powerhouse.
Dogfish Head, in contrast, leans heavily on its flagship beers, such as the iconic 60 Minute IPA. While styles like SeaQuench Ale carry strong year-round appeal, the brand’s seasonal lineup is much smaller. Key offerings like Punkin Ale stand out, but Dogfish Head focuses more on maintaining fresh beer stock rather than overwhelming shelves with seasonal options. Their variety packs strategically feature flagship beers, ensuring quality and freshness—a smart approach for avoiding stale inventory.
Both strategies are successful in their own ways, showcasing the diverse paths breweries can take to balance seasonality and consistency.
Winter Brews: A Unique Challenge
Unlike fall, when Märzens and pumpkin ales dominate for months, winter lacks a clear formula for seasonal beers. As Thanksgiving approaches, liquor store shelves fill with a mix of dark lagers, winter IPAs, stouts, and porters. While sales may not rival autumn’s numbers, winter offers an opportunity for creativity. Breweries can experiment with styles, flavors, and marketing to craft something truly unique.
Whether you’re a diehard fan of winter beers or a seasonal skeptic, there’s likely a cold one out there for you.
Local Favorites in the Greater Philadelphia Area
Here are some standout winter brews from the region:
Long Jawns – Yards Brewing Co.
Spruce Moose IPA – Iron Hill Brewery
Mad Elf – Troegs Independent Brewing
Out in the Cold – Flying Fish Brewing Co.
Friends Giving – Double Nickel Brewing Co.
Cheer – Bonesaw Brewing Co.
Merry and Brite – Cape May Brewing Co.
Cookies and Queen – Bonesaw Brewing Co.
Special Mention: RIP Hershey Porter
Did I miss one of your favorites? Let me know—I’d love to hear about your go-to winter beers
