Craft Beer Austin Staff Picks | Winter 2021
The team is back with our latest staff picks for Winter 2021. For this edition, we are focusing on appropriate seasonal beer selections as we enter the colder months, which so far have yet to be colder. Also included in this edition is one of our newest staff members, Aaron Stevens, who is making his inaugural staff pick. So, without further ado, here are the Craft Beer Austin Staff Picks for Winter 2021. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and let us know your favorite winter time beers on our social platforms.
Aaron
Andrew
Austin Beer Works | Sputnik | R.I.C.O Stout
It’s that time of year again where the temperature in Austin should be dropping, but never seem to. Along with the yearning for those cooler temperatures, I also have one beer on my mind during this time of the year. That beer is the always trustworthy Russian inspired beer from Austin Beerworks…..Sputnik. It has become the only beer in Austin that I seek out each year. Sure, there are some great seasonal beers around, but I’m a sucker for the coffee goodness that is Sputnik. Будем здоровы!
Dani
Live Oak | Primus | Weizenbock
I love the time of year that Live Oak releases their Primus beer. I look forward to it every season. It sips nicely under the trees at the brewery and I always get excited to see it at bars. I was most excited years ago when it first showed up in cans and now can sit in my fridge, which is where it is now. It reminds me that winter and the holidays are near. Primus is a Weizenbock, though I can never drink too many in one sitting, since it comes in at a 8% abv. Perfect for a hearty meal, a holiday celebration, or really just because. Cheers y’all and happy holidays.
David
Austin Beer Works | El Sputniko | R.I.C.O Stout
Unfortunately, I had to miss the Sputnik launch party this year, but as soon as I was back in town I made a priority visit to my friends at ABW to try the new version and the associated varieties. For Winter 2021, El Sputniko gets my full endorsement due to the clear ancho chile, cocoa nib flavors shining through this year. Cinnamon and a hint of coffee are also present and fill out the flavor profile in a fantastic way. In my mind, there is no better Austin beer to get into the spirit of Christmas. ¡Salud!
Melanie
Whitestone | Melted Snowman | Winter Warmer
This was one of my favorite 2020 winter beers and I hunted it DOWN this year with anticipation! This is the perfect Texas winter warmer, in that it’s still light and lovely, but also full of cinnamon and nutmeg and all those craveable fall flavors. Hitting at 7.5% it definitely warms the insides. The drunk snowman cartoon makes me smile and you really can’t go wrong with this cozy, delicious beverage. I hope you’ll grab one to enjoy as well! Happiest of Holidays to all, CraftBeerAustin friends and fam!
Pam
Pinthouse Pizza | Winter Warmer
Coming in at 7.6% ABV, this isn’t your typical winter warmer in several ways. The very first thing I noticed was the Christmas tree aromatics, which makes sense as the beer was brewed with Colorado Blue Spruce tips. Most people expect a lot of spice in a winter warmer, but this one delivers a light sweetness with a dry piney spruce finish and should be enjoyed in full view of your Christmas tree.
