Winter buzz: Seasonal beers to try around town

Just like we did in the summer, 225 Dine is taking a look at some choice winter beers. Thanks to help from the staff as well locals such as Charles Pierce of Me and My Big Mouth podcast, Brenton Day, a.k.a. The Ale Runner, and a few others, we compiled a list of 10 winter seasonal beers you should try.

1) Tin Roof Parade Ground Porter
Brewed with a blend of New Orleans Coffee Company mocha and fresh roasted coffee, the local brewery has the right idea when it comes to a beer that has just the right amount of chocolate and coffee flavor. This one is now available in cans, too. For more information on the beer and where you can find it, click here. You can try it at Red Zeppelin Pizza at 4395 Perkins Rd., The Cove in at 2561 Citiplace Ct., Suite 475, The Pelican House at 2572 Citiplace Ct. and The Londoner at 4215 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd.

2) Parish Brewing Grand Reserve
This one is a favorite of Day’s, who named it the top Louisiana beer of 2013 on his blog. Parish’s “cellared annual ale” is a barley wine that was released a few weeks ago, and 750-milliliter bottles are available in limited supply. The beer is noted for its intense flavor of malts with a little bit of caramel and light spice flavor. The Chimes’ LSU location (3357 Highland Rd.) is serving this beer.

3) Bayou Teche Miel Sauvage
Made with local honey and aged in whiskey barrels, this beer is the perfect addition to the Arnaudville brewery’s lineup. It also makes for good winter drinking. Check out Bayou Teche’s Loup Garou as well. The latter beer is a Belgian-inspired imperial stout, crafted with chocolate-roasted Belgian malts and brown sugar. The Cove and The Pelican House are serving this beer.

4) New Belgium Accumulation
Recommended by 225‘s Amy Alexander, this white IPA is inspired by snowy, Colorado winters. Accumulation features Mosaic and Amarillo hops to give it a soft fruit and citrus flavor, which is then followed by a layer of bitterness. This beer is available at Red Zeppelin Pizza, The Cove, The Chimes’ LSU and East (10870 Coursey Blvd.) locations and The Londoner.

5) Abita Select Macchiato Espresso Milk Stout
The New Orleans brewery launched this beer in December 2013. The Espresso Milk Stout features Willamette hops and espresso dolce beans from PJ’s Coffee, as well as pale, caramel, chocolate and roasted malts. Try it at Red Zeppelin Pizza, The Londoner, The Chimes’ LSU location and The Pelican House.

6) Brooklyn Sorachi Ace
One of the higher-rated beers from Brooklyn Brewery, this seasonal features a rare Japanese-developed hop, the Sorachi Ace, which has a lemon zest aroma. The Chimes’ LSU and East locations are offering this one.

7) Lazy Magnolia Jefferson Stout
Though Lazy Magnolia is known for its pecan ale, its Southern-style, sweet potato Jefferson stout has a complex taste that shouldn’t be dismissed. You can even detect a few notes of roasted chocolate, coffee and caramel flavors. Try it at The Pelican House and The Chimes’ LSU location.

8) North Coast Old Rasputin
North Coast’s signature imperial stout is an intense ale that won the 2012 Gold Medal in the Stockholm Beer & Whisky Festival. You can try this beer at The Chimes’ LSU and East locations as well as The Cove and The Pelican House.

9) Delirium Brewery Noel
The Belgian brewery’s Christmas ale is known for its fig and dark fruit aroma. Its flavor is full of spice and will warm up the biggest Scrooges. You can try this beer at The Chimes’ LSU and East locations, The Cove and The Pelican House.

10) Ace Pear Cider
If you’re looking for something on the sweeter side, this drink from the California Cider Company is a good nightcap. Made from local apple juice and mixed with pears, this one is becoming more popular than the traditional apple ciders. Try it at The Pelican House and The Londoner.

What are you favorite winter beers? Leave us a comment below.