While the light, crisp flavors of pale ales and pilsners are perfect for summer, the colder months also call for something more fitting. Winter is the season to embrace the comfortably rich, complex flavors of darker beers. Styles like stouts, porters, and dark lagers get center stage, each offering depth and character that perfectly complements any chill in the air.
But what exactly are they and why are dark beers the go-to choice for winter drinking?
Malt
Firstly, to really appreciate what a dark beer is and how it is different from lighter beers, we need an understanding of the basics of malting. Although any cereal grain (rye, wheat, rice, corn, oats) can be malted and used in beer, unless noted otherwise, today we are speaking about malted barley. Barley is a key ingredient in beer production and its basic malting process involves soaking the grains and allowing them to germinate, then they are either dried, roasted, toasted or stewed. The process of germinating activates enzymes in the barley that convert starches into fermentable (and non-fermentable) sugars which the yeast will then consume to create the precious alcohol in beer. Without these sugars, yeast would not have anything to eat, and therefore, would not create alcohol.
Lighter colour malts, also known as 'base' or pale malts, are dried or kilned for short amounts of time, resulting in a pale colour. Because they are not heated or roasted at high temperatures, they have something called diastatic power, which basically means they contain lots of sugars inside for the creation of alcohol. They have a milder flavour profile and contribute to the body and sweetness of the beer without adding excessive colour.
Pale malts are most commonly used in lagers and lighter styles of beer. However, they are also called base malts because they make up the ‘base’ of most beers. For example the world famous Guinness stout is made with 75% light colour/base malt. It is the remaining 25% darker malts that gives this stout its colour and contributes to its flavour.
Medium toasted malts are called crystal or caramel malts and they provide more reddish colours and a sweeter malty, caramel and toffee flavour to beers like Amber or Brown Ales. As the process for arriving at these types of malts often involves heating or cooking at high temperatures, the sugars inside the grain will caramelize (the Maillard reaction), so much of the diastatic power has been lost. This means it is difficult for yeast to generate alcohol with these malts alone. Therefore they must be combined with base malts and are generally added for colour and flavour.
Dark malts on the other hand, undergo a longer kilning process, resulting in a deeper colour and more robust flavours. Like crystal malts, dark malts can not be used alone to create alcohol as their sugars have all been roasted away. When added, these darker malts can bring rich notes of roasted grain, chocolate, coffee, caramel, nuts and dark fruits to the brew and will provide a thicker 'mouthfeel' along with colour.
It should go without saying that not all malts are the same. Where they are grown, and how they are processed all play a part in the final profile. A pilsner malt grown and processed in Canada may have a different taste and enzymatic ability than a pilsner malt from eastern Europe. They may also have a large price difference.
Lastly, we should mention un-malted barley. It is the use of this ingredient that separates a stout from a porter. Here, the barley is simply not malted. It is roasted raw and provides deep, dark flavours and colours.
Dark Beer
One common misconception we find on our Calgary Brewery Tours is that people believe that darker beers are stronger in alcohol. While some dark beers like a Baltic Porter, Eisbock or Imperial Stout do provide a higher alcohol content, most varieties of Stouts, Browns, Porters and Schwarzbier come in around 4-5.5% ABV, making them no more dangerous than most other beers. While alcohol content may not be the sole reason for enjoying a darker beer, the increased alcohol level certainly adds to their appeal during the colder months.
Some dark beers like stouts will also have a more substantial mouthfeel compared to their lighter counterparts. This thicker and more viscous texture adds to their overall appeal in winter, as it creates a sense of indulgence and comfort. Not all dark beers however have this creaminess. Schwarzbiers, which are dark lagers contain all the roastiness, but none of the thickness. When paired with hearty winter meals or enjoyed on their own, dark beers provide a satisfying and decadent experience.
Like most beers, dark beers are adaptable to a wide range of brewing techniques and ingredient variations. From barrel-aged stouts to chocolate-flavoured porters, breweries often experiment with different ingredients and ageing processes to create unique and seasonal offerings. These limited-edition brews, which make for great stocking stuffers, provide any beer enthusiasts with an opportunity to explore new flavours and get into the festive spirit of the winter season.
Dark Ales
Stouts
Mostly due to the popularity of Guinness, which is an Irish or Dry Stout and is poured using nitrogen, stouts are known for their rich and creamy texture and are the epitome of darkness in the world of beers. Made with additions of roasted raw barley, stouts often contain a distinct roast, coffee or chocolate-like flavour with depth and complexity.
Did you know there are other kinds of stouts than just Dry Irish?
Sweet Stouts offer a creamy sweet espresso flavour, Tropical Stouts are somewhat fruity, Oatmeal Stouts offer a smoother, silkier mouthfeel, Milk Stouts boast a touch of sweetness and American Stouts are stronger in alcohol and contain higher hops like most beers with the word "American' in front of them.
Stouts came around after Porters and were created by brewers adding raw barley to avoid 'malt tax'.
Porter (English)
Porter is another classic dark beer style that has been delighting beer enthusiasts for centuries. With its roots tracing back to 18th-century England, porters were originally made when early brewers experimented by blending different varieties of malt. At that time, these beers were often shipped around the region where they became popular in countries around the Baltic Sea. However, when brewers in Poland and Sweden recreated the popular beer, they did so with lagering techniques and yeast, making Baltic Porters technically a lager.
Similar to stouts, English porters offer a range of profiles to suit different tastes. A traditional English porter typically features a balance of roasted malt flavours, along with hints of chocolate, caramel, and maybe even a touch of licorice. Its medium body and smooth mouthfeel make it an incredibly versatile choice that pairs well with a variety of foods.
Whether you're enjoying a porter with a hearty meal or sipping it on its own, you'll easily appreciate the complexity and depth of flavours that this dark beer style has to offer.
Brown Ale
Brown ale is another popular darker beer style that beer lovers should not overlook. Originating in England, this flexible beer style can present as darker or lighter in color or even heavily or lightly hopped. Overall, Brown Ales are known for a rich and malty character, often with notes of caramel and nuttiness. They typically have a medium body, making them easy to drink and enjoy. In terms of flavour, English Brown ales generally offer a nice balance between sweetness and bitterness, making them a great option for those who prefer a smoother and less bitter dark beer. The malty backbone of brown ales pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, hearty stews, and even chocolate desserts.
Belgian Dark Ale
Belgian dark ales are a captivating addition to the world of dark beers and one of our favourites here at YYCTOURS. With their insanely deep complexity, character, and alcohol content, they offer a truly unique drinking experience. These Trappist or Abbey beers showcase a wide range of flavors, including caramel, dark fruits, spices, and even hints of chocolate.
Belgian dark ales are known for their rich, malty backbone and their ability to age gracefully. The depth and complexity of these beers make them perfect for savoring slowly and contemplating their intricate flavors.
When it comes to food pairings, the versatility of Belgian dark ales shines through. They can be matched with a variety of dishes, from robust stews and grilled meats to rich desserts and strong cheeses. If you're ready to embark on a flavorful journey, Belgian dark ales are a must-try.
Dark Lagers
Munich Dunkel
Dunkel, which translates to "dark", is a delightful beer style that originates from Germany. Similar to brown ales, dunkels are known for their deep malty-rich flavours. However, what sets them apart from dark ales is their distinctively smooth lager finish.
Dunkels typically exhibit flavours of toasted bread crust, caramel/toffee, and maybe even a hint of chocolate. These beers usually have a medium body, making them incredibly drinkable and satisfying. The restrained bitterness of dunkel beers allows their malt-forward flavours to shine.
When it comes to food pairings, dunkel beers complement a wide range of dishes. From traditional German fare like sausages and pretzels to hearty American BBQ, the subtle sweetness of dunkel beers acts as the perfect accompaniment.
Schwarzbier
Scwarzbier means ‘black beer’ in German but it can be brown as well and often will feature ruby highlights when held up to a light. It is argued to be the most continuously brewed beer style in history. Schwarzbier contains all the colour and deep taste of a stout or porter, but instead of the roasted or burnt flavours providing bitterness, here that is derived from hops which also help provide a dry finish. It is known for its smooth and rich profile, with notes of roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee. Schwarzbier is typically light to medium-bodied and has a moderate level of bitterness.
Czech Dark lager
Czech Dark Lager, also known as Tmavé Pivo, is a traditional beer style from the Czech Republic. It is a dark lager that is known for its deep amber to dark brown colour and rich malt flavours. Czech Dark Lager is brewed using a combination of caramel and roasted malts, which give it a slightly sweet and toasty taste. It has a medium body and a smooth, clean finish. This beer style is often characterized by its balance between malt sweetness and a subtle hop bitterness but can also contain higher hop levels as long as it remains balanced. Czech Dark Lager is a popular choice among beer drinkers who enjoy flavorful and well-balanced dark beers.
Rauchbier
Rauchbier is a very old style of beer. "Rauch" means smoke in German, and this beer style gets its distinct taste from the use of malt that has been dried over an open flame where smoke from the fire imparts a unique aroma and flavour to the beer.
Rauchbier, which has grown to encompass other smoked beers, can vary in colour, ranging from pale to amber or even dark brown. It is typically a lager beer, but there are also ales that fall under this style. The smoky character of Rauchbier can be quite pronounced, reminiscent of campfire or smoked meats.
The actual Rauchbier style originated in the region of Franconia in Germany, in the town of Bamberg. The most famous example of Rauchbier is the Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier, which has been brewed in Bamberg since the 17th century. While it contains smokiness, this beer is all about balancing that with a rich malt character. This results in a flavourful brew with a usually dry finish.
Rauchbier is not as widely popular or available as other beer styles, but it is appreciated by beer enthusiasts who enjoy the unique and robust flavours.
As can be seen, there is a wide variety available when it comes to dark beers. Indulging in these styles during the winter season can be a delightful and comforting experience full of warm complexities. The deep or rich flavours with notes of roasted malt, espresso, chocolate or dark fruits provide a perfect companion to the colder months.
We encourage you to embrace the season and to purchase these styles at your local brewery by visiting their taprooms for a pint, a growler or cans to take home.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to dark beers, please do like, share or comment and be sure to follow us on social media.
To learn more about dark beers, please visit the YYCTOURS community beer education series here, or sign up for Calgary's best brewery tours.
Great stuff. Thanks !