Seasonal winter beers are cold weather beers, and are also related to the Christmas season. It can include seasonal spices, special sugars and other products that are reminiscent of a reflection on spices or Christmas desserts.
- They are generally stronger, darker, and spicy beers that often have a rich body and a warm finish that suggests a good accompaniment for the cold winter season.
- It is possible to find a wide range of aromas, although many are reminiscent of Christmas cookies, gingerbread, English-style Christmas pudding.
- The base beer style often has a malty profile that supports the balanced presentation of the aromatics of spices and possibly other specialty ingredients. Additional fermentables (eg honey, molasses, maple syrup, etc.) can lend their own unique aromatics. Hop aromatics are often absent, faint, or slightly spicy.
- Some fruit character (often from dried citrus peel, or dried fruit such as raisins or plums) is optional but acceptable. Alcohol aromatics can be found in some examples, but this character should be restrained. The overall aroma should be balanced and harmonious, and is often quite complex and attractive.
*Source: Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) - Beer Style Guidelines
