BJCP 2021 / 30C
Winter Seasonal Beer
A stronger, darker, spiced beer with a rich body and warm finish for cold weather.
- Any age
- specialty beer
- spice
Serve: 50 to 55F, Snifter or tulip
The BJCP gives no numbers beyond ABV, which is generally above 6%. Follow the base style the brewer declares.
Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Malty, spicy and fruity
- Dark or dried fruit
- Hops subtle, alcohol smooth
- Vague
- Christmas
- Better
- Dark fruit and spice
- Best
- Moderate raisin, caramel and cinnamon with a hint of orange peel, hops quiet, smooth sweet alcohol
Appearance
3 pts- Medium amber to very dark brown
- Clear, sometimes near opaque
- Off-white to tan head
- Vague
- Dark
- Better
- Deep brown, tan head
- Best
- Dark mahogany, clear, lasting tan head
Flavor
20 pts- Warming spices with rich malt
- Caramel, toast, nut or chocolate
- Dried fruit, honey or molasses
- Vague
- Rich
- Better
- Spice with dark malt
- Best
- Moderate caramel and chocolate malt with clove, nutmeg and dried fruit, restrained bitterness, full satisfying finish
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Medium to full body
- Moderately low to moderately high carbonation
- Warming
- Vague
- Heavy
- Better
- Full and warm
- Best
- Medium-full body, malty chew, light alcohol warmth, gentle carbonation
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Complexity
- Smooth warmth
Drops it
- Hot alcohol
- Cloying sweetness
Writing tip
Layer malt, fruit and spice. Example: 'Dark fruit and caramel with clove and orange, warming finish. Rich and smooth.'
Pour these
- Christmas AleGreat Lakes BrewingHoney, cinnamon and ginger
- Winter WarmerHarpoonSpiced, malty and rounded
- The Mad ElfTröegsCherries, honey and warmth
Often confused with
- 30B Autumn Seasonal BeerAutumn Seasonal is lighter and less strong
- 17D English BarleywineOld Ale has age and no festive spice
Fine here
- Alcoholic: Warmth fits
- Oxidized: Age character such as sherry is accepted
Ruinous here
- Solvent: Hot fusels
- Astringent: Harsh spice
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.