Though it seems counterintuitive, sometimes there’s nothing that can warm you up like an ice-cold beer. This is the phenomenon my dad affectionately calls a liquid blanket.
We’ve compiled 14 beers from local breweries that are sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you warm all winter long.
Disclaimer: Due to the nature of local breweries’ popularity and constantly changing their menus on a season-by-season basis, there is no guarantee these beers will be available when you go out to look for them. It’s best to reach out to the breweries before venturing out.
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing – Dream Boat | Oatmeal Stout | 5.2% ABV
215 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215
This “dreamy” stout is a masterpiece born from tradition and innovation. Infused with 800 lbs of flaked oats, it boasts an indulgently creamy texture that envelops the senses. Savor the decadent notes of baker’s chocolate and coffee, gliding smoothly across the palate like a winter breeze. Prepare to be enchanted with each sip; it’s a journey to warmth and bliss that awaits in every glass.
Find it here
Columbus Brewing Co. – Juice Caster | Juicy Imperial IPA | 8.5% ABV
2555 Harrison Rd., Columbus, OH 43204
This Juicy Imperial IPA stands as a testament to the art of brewing. It features Cashmere, El Dorado®, and HBC 1019 hops, allowing for bursts of vibrant flavors and aromas. Each sip unveils a symphony of tropical fruits and citrus notes, harmonizing to create a truly exhilarating experience. With its bold yet smooth profile, this brew is a beacon of warmth and refreshment amidst the winter chill
Find it here
Nocterra Brewing Co. – Northern Terminus | Premium Lager | 5% ABV
41 Depot St, Powell, OH 43065
Having trekked through diverse landscapes and conquered the elements of life, adventurers find respite at the Northern Terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail with this Premium Lager. With a bright and crisp flavor profile boasting notes of biscuits, it offers a refreshing oasis after a long, cold winter day. The Northern Terminus is a perfect companion for unwinding and reflecting on the trails of life conquered.
Find it here.
Seventh Son Brewing – Humulus Nimbus | Pale Ale | 6% ABV
1101 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201
With berry-piney hops dancing delicately alongside light malts, this brew gracefully straddles the boundary between IPA and pale ale. Some call it perfectly bodied, others call it delicious, and everyone loves the name. If you aren’t quite all-in on IPAs or craft beers, Humulus Nimbus will treat you right.
Find it here.
Brewdog – Last Barrel | Imperial Stout | 11% ABV
96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110
Talk about a liquid blanket! This 11% stout is sure to keep you all warm and toasty with its dark, malty flavors. Expect notes of molasses, bourbon, caramel, and chocolate to peak through. If you want a light beer, this ain’t for you. But if you are looking for something to keep your belly and taste buds happy, Last Barrel is waiting for you. Only 300 bottles were made, so it will sell out soon. Don’t miss out.
Find it here.
Saucy Brew Works – What’s His Nuts? | Vanilla Stout | 7.5% ABV
443 W Third Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
No, we didn’t forget the name of the beer. It’s actually called What’s His Nuts. Why? Because it’s a Vanilla Stout that is brewed with Madagascar Vanilla, Peanut Butter, and Honduran Coffee, that’s why! This Vanilla Stout has “cozy winter night under a blanket watching 4K Fireplace on Netflix while it snows outside” written all over it.
Find it here.
Land Grant – Wintergarden | Juicy IPA | 6.5% ABV
424 W. Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Missing the outdoors in the heart of winter? Don’t worry, so is everyone at Land Grant. That’s why they’ve brewed up the Wintergarden to pair with their outdoor Wintergarden festivities. The aromatic and refreshing flavors of apricot, mango, orange, and pine shine through like the sun to keep you warm as you are out on Land Grant’s ice rink or cozying up in one of their igloos.
Find it here.
Columbus Brewing Co. – Pils | German-style Pilsner | 5.2% ABV
2555 Harrison Rd., Columbus, OH 43204
We’ve made it through the super dense and flavorful period of holiday beers, and now we gear our collective eyes towards spring. Columbus Brewing Co. is doing the same with Pils, as this yeasty and malty pilsner features subtle hops that offer notes of spice and flowers. Whenever I’m sipping a Pils, I have the strangest feeling like the more I drink of it, the quicker Spring will get here. I know it’s not true but it’s a good excuse to go restock on some more CBC beers every few weeks.
Find it here.
Taft’s Brewing Co. – Santa’s Bribe | Winter Ale | 6.2%
440 W Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Taft’s seems to always go under-appreciated as a microbrewery in Columbus, yet they constantly are brewing up some of the best beer money can buy. Santa’s Bribe isn’t just something Saint Nick offers you when you catch him stealing your milk and cookies, it’s a delicious Winter Ale whose reminiscent flavor lets you appreciate how lucky we are to spend winter in such a great city.
Find it here.
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing – Double Shot Daybreak | Imperial Coffee Vanilla Cream Ale | 8% ABV
215 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215
If you ever had Wolf’s Ridge’s Coffee Beer Daybreak, you know how good it is. Now, think how much better the Double Shot Daybreak is. More coffee, vanilla, and alcohol?! Yes, Wolf’s Ridge. We are very intrigued. Please take our money.
Find it here.
Elevator Brewery – Elevator American Porter | Porter | 5.9% ABV
161 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Being the first porter on this very distinguished list is not something that we take lightly, but Elevator Brewery deserves the honor. They are a microbrewery, meaning they don’t produce large quantities or extensive offerings, and instead opt for quality brews. The Elevator American Porter is pitch black and reminiscent of coffee, which is pretty on the nose since this delicious porter offers plenty of flavorful coffee and chocolate notes.
Find it at Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus: 161 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
Endeavor Brewing and Spirits – Icelandic Saga | Nordic Ale | 4.7% ABV
909 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Believing each beer has a story, Endeavor Brewing crafts these stories into delicious beverages for us to enjoy. Taking inspiration from Nordic countries (who know winter and drinking better than anyone else), the Icelandic Saga is flavored with star anise and sage and brewed with wheat and aromatic malts. If the Northern Lights had a flavor, this beer would be it.
Find it at Endeavor Brewing and Spirits: 909 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Hoof Hearted Brewing – South of Eleven 666 | Triple IPA | 10.2% ABV
850 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215
Deriving its name from the 6.66 pounds of hops that are used in each barrel of this Triple IPA, the South of Eleven 666 is devilishly good. It’s packed full of flavor and perfect for slowly sipping on a cold winter’s day. Why sip slowly? Well, aside from its rather high ABV percentage, it’s the winter and its cold! What are you in a hurry for? Just relax and enjoy the hoppy deliciousness of one of Hoof Hearted’s most acclaimed beers.
Find it at Hoof Hearted Brewing: 850 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215
Land Grant – Make Mine Irish | Irish Coffee Stout | 8.2% ABV
424 W. Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Have you ever found yourself wishing your Stauf’s coffee had a little bit of an alcohol kick? If you answered yes, then you are going to be super psyched. Land Grant teamed up with Stauf’s to make an Irish Coffee Stout with their whiskey barrel-aged coffee beans. The end product is a rich and roasty coffee stout that doesn’t disappoint on a cold Columbus winter day.
Find it here.
