Ski Bum Winter Ale / Photo courtesy of Ellicottville Brewing Company
It’s the middle of January and the groundhog is nowhere in site. Time to make the cold trek outdoors to meet some friends at a bar and crack open a cold one. From toasty stouts and roasted malts to foamy porters, nothing quite warms you up like an ice-cold beer —and Buffalo KNOWS how to make a beer to get you through the winter. Cheers to probably 3 more months of snow Buffalo!
Dubai Chocolate Stout / Photo courtesy of Resurgence Brewing Company
1. Dubai Chocolate Stout – Resurgence Brewing Company
55 Chicago St Buffalo, NY 14204 / More Info
In their words: “Indulge in the rich decadence of our Dubai Chocolate Stout (6% ABV). A velvety brew inspired by Middle Eastern luxury. Crafted with authentic ingredients, it blends roasted cocoa nibs, smooth vanilla, and nutty pistachio layered over the delicate crunch of kataifi wafer. Each sip offers a dessert-like harmony of chocolate richness and nutty sweetness, balanced perfectly for an unforgettable stout experience.”
2. Peanut Butter Cookie Stout – Big Ditch Brewing
In their words: ” This silky smooth milk stout is brewed with roasted barley, chocolate and caramel malts, then finished with milk sugar, peanut butter and vanilla wafer cookies, to remind you of your favorite sweet treat.”
3. 42 North Yodeler Winter Ale – 42 North Brewing
25 Pine St East Aurora, NY 14052 / More Info
In their words: “A tribute to one of WNY’s most famous ski runs, Yodeler is spiced with cinnamon, ginger, clove and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for warming up by the fire!”
Derg’s Dark / Photo courtesy of Buffalo Olde Brewery
4. Derg’s Dark – Buffalo Olde Brewery
1221 E Lovejoy St Buffalo, NY 14206 / More Info
In their words: “Oatmeal Stout, complex notes of coffee and chocolate made smooth with a shower of Simpson’s Golden Naked Oats. 5.3%”
5. Irish Coffee Cream Ale – Southern Tier Brewing
In their words: “This smooth and sessionable ale brings the cozy charm of its namesake drink. Notes of rich coffee and vanilla blend with toasted grain for a silky cream finish. Light-bodied but full-flavored, it’s a perfectly balanced twist on a classic: comforting, festive, and easy to enjoy.”
6. Ms. Brown’s Porter – Rusty Nickel Brewing
4350 Seneca St West Seneca, NY 14224 / More Info
In their words: “English Brown Porter with notes of roasted toffee. 4.5%”
7. Foeder Aged Belgian Quad – New York Beer Project
6933 S Transit Rd Lockport, NY 14094 / More Info
245 Windward Rd Orchard Park, NY 14127 / More Info
In their words: “A delicious dark and complex strong Belgian Ale with a blend of malt and yeast derived bready/toasty notes, caramel, dark cherry, and fig aromatics and flavors. Light oak and vanilla notes introduced from the time spent in the American oak Foeder add even more complexity to this 10.1% Quad. Smooth and dangerous with well hidden booziness which is reminiscent of this beers inspiration, the world’s finest Quadruple’s brewed by the Trappist Monks in Belgium.”
OMS / Photo courtesy of Hamburg Brewing Company
8. OMS (Oatmeal Milk Stout) – Hamburg Brewing Company
6553 Boston State Rd Hamburg, NY 14075 / More Info
In their words: “The cleverly named “OMS” is our oatmeal milk stout. A flavorful beer with a roasty stout backbone that’s smoothly balanced by the sweetness of oats and milk sugar. Don’t be fooled, this beer is hearty, yet very drinkable.”
9. Winter Zwickl – Hofbräuhaus Buffalo
190 Scott St Buffalo, NY 14204 / More Info
In their words: “Dark brown lager, unfiltered, harmoniously strong, with light aroma of dried fruit and a subtle malty note.”
10. Winter Ale – Brickyard Brewing Company
436 Center St Lewiston, NY 14092 / More Info
In their words: “A traditional Scotch Ale, beautiful garnet color, with notes of caramel and honey. Brewed for the winter months.”
Ski Bum Winter Ale / Photo courtesy of Ellicottville Brewing Company
11. Ski Bum Winter Ale – Ellicottville Brewing Company
28 Monroe St Ellicottville, NY 14731 / More Info
In their words: “This heavily-hopped winter ale pours auburn and delivers perfect bitterness. Brewed in honor of the colorful characters who make Ellicottville their winter home. As one of the regions most popular winter destinations, ski culture is at the heart of our brewery & brand.”
12. Blind Squirrel – Britesmith Brewing Company
5611 Main St Williamsville, NY 14221 / More Info
1250 Niagara St Buffalo, NY 14213 / More Info
In their words: “Brown ale, brewed with coffee and hazelnut (4.8%)”
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