Oh, the weather outside is frightful, and whether you're outside or inside, New York's area brewers are making the calamitous climate a lot more tolerable. Most think winter requires a slow, soothing beer low on the IBUs and malty on the palette, but changing that up can be just as fun. Here are Drink NYC's picks for six of this season's best suds.  

Brewery Ommegang: Adoration
Made with dark malts and five spices (coriander, orange peel, mace, cardamom and grains of paradise), this is a hearty beer at 10 percent ABV. Low on the hops, it's an easy drink in the evening or with dinner. Part of Ommegang's Limited Edition series, it'll be easiest to find by the bottle at your most trusted beer shop.

Sixpoint Brewery: Global Warmer
One year ago, Sixpoint's Red Hook, Brooklyn brewery was flooded during Hurricane Sandy. Now, they've created a beer to commemorate the changing weather—and the changing climate when it comes to brewers. Eschewing the traditional winter seasonals, it's a beer with citrusy hops to 70 IBUs and herbal spice. But, it still being a winter brew, toasted malt keeps things mellow. Find it on draft and in 12 oz. cans.

Brooklyn Brewery: Winter Ale
Inspired by ales of Scotland, Brooklyn Brewery's Winter Ale is big on malts (Scottish Floor-malted Maris Otter, crystal, Belgian Aromatic, American roasted and even oats) and smooth on the tongue. Light on the Willamette hops and relaxing but not daunting in alcohol content at 6.1%, it's a brew to be sipped with all the stews, lamb and game that make for a Norman Rockwell-meets-Ron Swanson winter. Available on draft and in bottles now until March.

Eataly: Ruby
The brewers at Eataly's rooftop beer garden can get pretty creative. Their cask conditioned ales are only available to the drinking masses up there, after all. And the Ruby, is no different. Although it's an American Pale Ale, it has an Italian inspiration: Fig Mostarda, a fig and mustard-based sauce usually paired with meats and cheese. So, as you expect: the $10 per pint was brewed with figs, mustard seed and red chili flakes, making it a true winter warmer.

Captain Lawrence: Winter Ale
The brewers at Captain Lawrence aren't giving up what their secret blend of spices are for this one, but one sip of the seasonal reveals it has plenty of it. As is traditional with wintery beers, this is high in malts, low on Columbus and Golding hops. Brewed with German ale yeast, it's a subtle sipper that should keep you feeling jolly through the night.  

Blue Point: Winter Ale
This is a warming, drinkable amber ale that'll throw you into a booze sweater faster than you can say pale, Vienna, crystal and chocolate malts. With subtle hops (25 IBUs) and 7 percent ABV, it's a classic pairing for all the punchy food of the season (think poultry and blue cheese). Available on draft and in bottles from now until January.