How to Brew a Seasonal Beer

Beer can be as different as the seasons of the year. Many prefer lighter ales in the warmer months, and heavier, darker lagers in the winter months. Understand distances in flavor and ingredients that will allow you to brew a delicious seasonal beer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Find a venue at which to make your own beer. If you're the homebody type, maybe you'd like to purchase a home brewery system. If you'd like help from experts, find a local brewery or pub that allows guests to brew their own creations.
2. Understand the differences that make some beer brews better than others at certain times of the year. Summer varieties tend to be lighter in color and lighter bodied. They may have additions of berry or citrus flavors, or have a more traditional, but light, flavor. Moving toward autumn, seasonal beers are heavier bodied, darker in color and usually possess stronger flavors.
3. Taste-test beers to get an idea of what seasonal beers distinct tastes are. Some summer beers to sample include German weissbeers, cold Czech pilseners, hoppy pale ales and malty porters. Moving to the colder months, try Michelob's Winter Sampler, Sam Adams Winter Classics, Aventinus Dunkel Weizenbock and Pete's Wicked Winter Brew.
4. Find the right summer recipe for a beer that fits your taste buds and can quench the thirst in the sun's heat. Look for varieties that are yellow in color. Those with fruity or spicy character can be great at this time of year.
5. Create a tasty autumn brew. Fall ales typically become heavier and darker, as compared to light summer versions. Light brown, dark gold and coppery colors are common. Many have a spicy or herbal aroma and flavor, and some have undertones of chocolate, coffee, caramel and toffee.
6. Go dark for the winter. These brews tend to go deeper and darker, with many reds and dark browns, some nearing black. They are thicker and tend to boast a strong malty flavor. Full-bodied, they are robust in flavor with a strong, warming finish.
7. Enjoy the beer you've created. Whether you followed a brew pub's recipe or experimented to develop something completely new, savor the flavor and aroma of a brew created specifically for a perfect summer, fall or winter day.