Seasonal Beers: A Quick Guide to Summer Session and Winter Warmer Styles

Seasonal beers capture the mood of the year—from bright and easy-drinking summer sessions to cozy, malt-forward winter warmers. Here’s a quick guide to styles, ingredients, and tips to brew seasonally.

Summer session highlights

• Alcohol: Light to moderate ABV (3–5%), crisp finish.
• Grains: Pilsner, pale malts for a clean baseline.
• Hops: Aroma-forward, moderate bitterness; citrus, tropical blends work well.
• Fermentation: Warm but controlled temps for clean fermentation; quick turnaround.

Winter warmer highlights

• Alcohol: Higher ABV and richer body.
• Grains: Dark malts (malt-forward bases) like Munich, crystal, chocolate.
• Flavor: Spices, dark fruit, and toasty notes are common.
• Fermentation: Stable temps to preserve malt character; longer conditioning helps.

Practical recipe ideas

• Summer: A light ale with citrus hops and a crisp finish; consider a simple malt backbone and higher carbonation.
• Winter: A spiced dark ale or stout with roasted malts and a gentle spice addition.

Final thoughts

• Seasonal brewing can keep your hobby fresh and exciting—plan around harvests, weather, and product availability.