What do you want most in your winter brews? The list of attributes tends to include a dark hue, a perhaps slightly higher alcohol content (in this weather, it’s important to remember your beer coat), and maybe some sweeter flavors and a thicker consistency to help pack on the extra pounds…

Brooklyn Winter Ale
Brooklyn Brewery, 79 N 11th St., Brooklyn
This Scottish-style ale has 6.1% alcohol by volume and actually won 2011 and 2009 World Beer awards. It’s best with heavy meals, like stews and lamb, and comes from Scottish, English, American, and Belgian malts.

Old Man Winter Ale
Southern Tier Brewing Company, Lakewood, New York
With 7% ABV, Old Man Winter Ale has some slightly spicy notes, but they’re not readily apparent compared to the hoppier taste. Overall, this beer goes down smooth and easy, especially when it’s cold outside.

Oatmeal Stout
Brown’s Brewing Company, Troy, New York
Caramel hops and chocolatey malts mark this Oatmeal Stout. The lower alcohol level (5.25% ABV) makes drinking this thick beer feel even more like you’re eating dessert.

Old Howling Bastard
Blue Point Brewery, Patchogue, New York
Available starting in January, this beer boasts an image on the bottle (an old howling bastard) and a name that makes it an irresistible addition to this list. This barleywine’s ABV is on the higher side at 10% (so drinkers can howl like an…okay, you get it) and hoppy with a caramel flavor.

Into the Dark Black IPA
Saranac Brewery, Utica, New York
This winter-themed IPA is almost reminiscent of a dark roast coffee. Its ABV comes in at 6.5%, and it’s brewed with dark malts like Caraphils and Carafa—the “cara” prefix indicating a caramel or roasted quality.

Oren’s Daily Porter
Heartland Brewery, 35 Union Square West
With a taste that’s more than simply reminiscent of coffee, Oren’s Daily Porter is made from Sumatran micro-lot coffee. Deep brown in color, it also gets its flavor from English and Belgian malt, ultimately offering a standard ABV of 6.5%.

Photo via Southern Tier