Craft beers have grown in popularity over the past few years due to their wide variety of flavors and strengths. Whether you like something dark, tart, or light and refreshing, you’re bound to find a beer you love if you try a wide variety. Winter is a great opportunity to begin experimenting with craft beers, as many breweries offer limited edition seasonal flavors this time of year. Read on for several suggestions to consider the next time you’re shopping.

3 Craft Beer Varieties to Taste This Season

1. Dark Russian Imperial Stouts

While dark stouts may seem intimidating to the novice craft beer drinker, they pair perfectly with cold winter weather. Called “the king of stouts,” Russian imperial stouts date back to the nineteenth century. They are known for their low carbonation, high alcohol content, and malty taste. This type of beer is smooth to drink and ideal for those who don’t like anything with a great deal of hop character. Pair a Russian imperial stout with luxurious tastes like cheese, chocolate, or oysters to feel like royalty. 

2. Hoppy Barleywines

Barleywine is another strong beer that is known for its thickness and bittersweet taste. Brewmasters can thank the Ancient Greeks for this style of beer, but American barleywine has taken on a much more hop-forward taste. Pair a barleywine with creamy cheeses, cured meats and anything made with Italian spices, like garlic bread or pasta.

3. Historic Doppelbocks

Known as “bochs” to beer aficionados, doppelbocks are believed to date all the way back to medieval times or even by earlier pagan communities. A boch is a type of lager that is bottom-fermented and stored in cold temperatures for many months before shipping to your local store shelves. With a smooth feel, these brews taste full-bodied and malty. Enjoy them with sharp cheeses like cheddar and red meat such as steak or burgers.

Looking for the best local source of craft beers in your area? Pritzl's Trading Post in Rome, WI, is your one-stop shop for everything from craft beers to fishing supplies to freshly baked bread. This family-owned business has been helping travelers and locals find everything they need in one convenient location since 1976. You can give their friendly staff a call at (715) 325-2281 or visit them online to find out more about their services and inventory.