By: Ryan Gerstel
As you're probably aware, most of Pennsylvania is expected to be hit with this season's biggest winter storm, which could include about a foot of snow and 30 MPH winds, between tonight and tomorrow.
And if you haven't heard, well, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
But alas, we must expect the worst and stock up on toilet paper, bread, milk, eggs, and of course, beer!
Cold weather is prime time for dark, high alcohol styles like Stouts, Porters, Doppelbocks, Scotch Ales and Barleywines. All the styles above pack the right amount of sweetness, roast and alcohol to help you stay comfortable during any snow storm.
Now that we can sell mix n' match bottles, your options for snow storm beers are as vast as ever. Below. I have six suggestions for a mix six pack that will ensure you enjoy your time indoors the and, just maybe, wish it would never end.
Let's begin!
*Each of these brews are available in singles, 4 packs, 6 packs and cases*
1. Troegs Trogenator (Doppelbock)
Troegenator is a classic Double Bock brew from PA's Troegs Brewing Company, and is one of my go-to beers for situations like this. Ringing in at a modest 8.2 percent ABV, Troegenator is bursting with rich notes of caramel, chocolate, and slight hints of banana. With a nice bready finish, Troegenator is like a meal in a bottle (or pounder can if you'd prefer). In fact, German monks in the 17th century stuck to the "All Beer Diet" during Lent, which included just Doppelbock beers and water for 46 straight days.
2. Lagunitas Undercover Shut-Down (Strong Ale)
The second brew for the mix six comes from one of my favorite breweries, Lagunitas. This 9.6 percent ABV strong ale, or "Uber ESB" as they call it, pays homage to the infamous St. Patrick' Day Massacre incident back in 2005 (Click HERE to learn more about this tragic incident). Undercover Shut-Down has the sweetness and mouthfeel to keep your stomach warm and satisfied, but it also has a slightly hoppy backbone that adds a refreshing, crisp finish. If you're a fan of Yards Brawler and want to try its big brother, Undercover Shut Down is the choice for you!
3. Yards General Washington's Tavern Porter (English Porter)
Washington's Porter is Yards' flagship porter from its "Ales of the Revolution" series, and is George Washington's authentic porter recipe that he brewed for his thirsty field officers during times of war. Yards has replicated his recipe to a tee, and the result is my favorite Yards brew and one of my favorite porters on the market. With notes of chocolate, molasses, dark fruit and coffee, this porter is as robust as any and the seven percent ABV is just enough to make you feel tingly on the inside.
4. Duck Rabbit Wee Heavy (Scotch Ale)
When looking for snow storm beer, one brewery to rely on is Duck Rabbit out of North Carolina. When it comes to dark beers, these guys are the experts, as there is not a single light-colored beer in their lineup. While I'm a big fan of their Hoppy Bunny Black Ale, their Wee Heavy is more appropriate for blizzard conditions. Clocking in at an even eight percent ABV, Wee Heavy finishes with a nice boozy kick to back up its intense caramel and chocolate notes.
5. Sierra Nevada Bigfoot (Barleywine)
Barleywines are the cornerstone to any snowstorm beer list, and Bigfoot is one of the most popular. For good reason, too. Brimming with intense, robust notes of sweet malts, fig and American hops, this 9.6 percenter will unforgivably wreck your palate and give you plenty of booze along the way. If you want a storm sipper, Bigfoot is the way to go.
6. Fegley's Bourbon Barrel-Aged Insidious (Imperial Stout)
For people who prefer a glass of bourbon or whiskey during bitter cold nights, bourbon barrel-aged stouts are a good compromise. BBA stouts are enhanced versions of their non barrel-aged counterparts. The biggest differences can be felt in the mouthfeel, and the flavor. BBA stouts offer a thicker, but also much silkier. Flavor wise, the usual notes are kicked up a notch and are joined by hints of heat and oak from the bourbon barrel. Insidious is no exception, as chocolate, roast, a touch of smoke and alcohol make it a fantastic choice to weather any blizzard.
And there you have it! This mix six pack will help you make the most of being stuck indoors. In fact, it might even make you wish everyday was a blizzard.
Cheers, and stay safe!
Ryan graduated from New Jersey's Rowan University in May 2015 with a degree in English and Journalism, and has covered the Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Eagles for a number of sports blogs. Ryan has an extensive background in beer retail that includes four years at Joe Canal's in Egg Harbor Twp, NJ. Since being hired by The King of Prussia Beer Outlet in September 2015, his knowledge, interest and, yes, consumption of beer has skyrocketed, leading him to consider a career in the beer industry.
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