Winter warmers: five craft beers to enjoy this winter

Peter Sherry of the independent beer and wine merchant Beerhive has picked out five great craft beers to look out for this winter. 

Published 29th Nov 2016
Updated 9 th Aug 2023

Peter says: "The Beerhive is an independent beer, wine and spirit merchant based near Edinburgh's city centre.

"We Specialise in beer (with 500 ever-changing bottles on our shelves) and Gin (with over 40 types) and a wide-range of local-produced gems sitting next to weird and wonderful Spirits, Wines and Liquers from around the world.

"Winter is a great time to try something a little different as well as getting out and supporting your local independent retailer and breweries."

Fallen Big Raspberry Dog Chew

(Price: £6.50 / abv: 10% / 500ml)

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One of our top 5 beers of 2015 was resurrected by Falkirk's Fallen Brewery last month and it's excellent timing too, because this is an essential tipple to warm you up at winter.

A Salted Caramel Stout (based on another Fallen classic: Chew Chew) matured with brewery-pressed British Raspberry Juice. It clocks in at 10% but goes down (scarily) easily and is a great sharing beer for those chilly nights.

Luckie Ales Black Forest Stout

(Price: £4.00 / abv: 5.6% / 500ml)

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This Christmas special from a one-man Fife brewery Luckies, is a great addition to an already impressive range.

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Brewed using Cacao Nibs and Cherries this one does what it says on the label – viscous, fruity with strong chocolate notes and a long, elegant finish.

Parisis Sous Senart IPA

(Price: £3.80 / abv: 7.6% / 330ml)

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An extremely impressive newcomer from Paris-based brewery Parisis, this is a full-flavoured Double IPA, packed with the ever-popular Mosaic and Simcoe hops. Expect big citrus, pine and grass green notes on the palate. This recently won … and we are lucky to be the first supplier in this country.

Expect big citrus, pine and grass green notes on the palate, we are lucky to be the first supplier in this country.

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Williams Bros. Nollaig

(Price: £2.80 / abv: 7% / 330ml)

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It isn't Christmas at Beerhive until we get our annual supply of Nollaig from Alloa's well-estabished Williams Brothers.

A season variation on Williams Brothers' Alba (a Pine Beer), this seasonal edition uses Spruce sprigs, based on recipes popular in Scotland up until the 19th century.

Lovely big flavours, sweetness and resin – what better beer for Christmas than one made from Christmas trees.

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Poppels Russian Imperial Stout

(Price: £5.40 / abv: 9.5% / 330ml)

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A Swedish brewery making a Russian-style beer originally from England – yes it's confusing, but when the outcome is this enjoyable, we just let it be.

Russian Imperial Stouts, originally brewed in London, got their name from being the favoured tipple of Catherine The Great.

Characteristically big in alcohol percentage and flavour, this Scandic attempt hits the nail on the head. Berries, Coffee and Liquorice all arrive in a powerful palate that has punch and great length. Another great beer for those oncoming 'Siberian' nights.

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Peter Sherry, 28, has worked in the drinks trade for the last decade but struck out on his own three years ago with Beerhive on Rodney Street. Boasting more than 500 varieties of craft ales and up to 500 distinct wines, the outlet attracts a swathe of beer connoisseurs.
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