Local tasting rooms tap into seasonal flavors to craft winter beers that hit all the right notes.
With winter firmly in place in the Hudson Valley, there’s no time like the present to plan a seasonal outing to one of the many breweries in the region. Chilly days require cozy vibes, and there’s nothing like sipping on a crisp beer from the comfort of a welcoming tasting room – ideally with a bit of food, too. Fortunately, these local hotspots hit the mark, both with their scrumptious seasonal brews and inviting atmospheres. Which will you visit first?
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Cranberry White Grape
Type: Fruited sour
Find it: Tin Barn Brewing, Chester
If the go-to ales and lagers of the season aren’t your figurative cup of tea, Tin Barn Brewing is here to save the day. The Orange County brewery has become a standby in the region for its fruited sours, and it keeps the momentum going into winter with its highly seasonal Cranberry White Grape rendition. Expect a thicker sip than you may be used to, and one that’s delightfully tart and refreshing. It rings in at a five percent ABV and comes in both five- and 13-ounce pour sizes in the taproom.
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Field Feast
Type: Farmhouse ale
Find it: Subversive Malting + Brewing, Catskill
What would a list of Hudson Valley beers be without a farmhouse ale on the lineup? Subversive does the brew justice with its mixed culture ale that features foraged yarrow. Expect delightfully malty and yeasty notes that make this one perfect to pair with any of Subversive’s mouthwatering smash burgers or plant-based patties. Pro tip: You can’t go wrong with the mushroom and Swiss burger, which reaches new heights with the addition of sauteed cremini mushrooms and wild mushroom aioli.
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Kan
Type: Imperial stout
Find it: Woodstock Brewing, Phoenicia
For those who want a beer that packs a punch, this hard-hitting stout from Woodstock Brewing does the trick. The drink comes in at a 9.2 percent ABV, so tread lightly, but don’t skip out on trying it. It’s brewed with blackstrap molasses and licorice, with added vanilla beans, resulting in notes of dark chocolate, licorice, and vanilla throughout. If that doesn’t sound like winter in a glass, we don’t know what to tell you.
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Morris Ale
Type: Extra special bitter
Find it: Roe Jan Brewing Co., Hillsdale
While spring and IPAs tend to go hand in hand, winter is the time for the classics. That’s why Roe Jan’s Morris Ale is such a standby. Expect a beer that’s balanced and traditional, with a comfortable 5.2 percent ABV. The name refers to a type of English folk dancing that was popular during Shakespeare’s time, and knowing that makes it feel just a bit more festive during the cool weather season.
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Putting Out Fires With Gasoline
Type: English-style strong ale
Find it: Zeus Brewing Co., Poughkeepsie
With a name like that, you know this brew from Zeus in Poughkeepsie is going to run on the potent side. Sure enough, this English-style sip rings in at a solid 7.8 percent ABV, so it’s not necessarily a sessionable brew. That being said, a glass of this ale on tap pairs perfectly with one of the brewery’s signature pizzas. Might we suggest the BBQ pie, which features fried chicken, ricotta, shredded mozzarella, lager barbecue sauce, and chili flakes?
