And while I do enjoy a good winter brew, and will probably touch upon that in a later episode of Al the Brewer, today I am changing it up just a little bit. Instead of the best winter/fall beers, I want to cover great warm-you-up-by-the-fire types of beers. We are going to discuss a few brews that are high in alcohol and flavor, and they will keep you warm on these cool, 60-degree Long Beach nights.

First off, let me get something of my chest: I am not advocating these beers just so you know where to get the biggest buzz from a single beer. One of my biggest pet peeves with homebrewing is when someone says, “Oh, I heard that stuff is strong,” and can’t wait to try it because they are expecting bubbly moonshine. Most often those friends are disappointed that my beers come out around 5.0% ABV. My beers are made out of a love for brew, not because I want to get plastered off of whatever I can grow in a bucket. Likewise, these beers that I will talk about are artfully done and should be treated with respect.

So what gives a beer so much bite? In the fermentation process, the yeast eats up all of those sugars brought out by the grains being steeped in all that hot water. The more sugar there is, the more the yeast eat it up and turn it into C02 and alcohol. Now, alcohol isn’t exactly something that the yeast love, but they can tolerate it up to a certain point, normally not much more than 12%. And yes, yes, there are some beers far beyond 12%, but we can address those at a different time. I also know this was the most simplistic answer for this question ever given, and I could continue into beer geekdom, but for now, let’s get to the beers!

Below are a few brews that I highly recommend for cool night (or just about any night):

Lost Abby’s Angel’s Share—This is a big, bold and punch-you-in-the-mouth-with-flavor beer. I have seen it more on tap than in the bottle, but if you see it, grab a bottle or two. This will cellar very well, as most of the beers that I mention will, and you will have another present for next year.

Brouwerij Van Steenberge’s Witches Brew—This one, while not the highest ABV on the list, catches you by surprise. This has a golden, hazy look and a full crisp body. A perfect edition to any Halloween party that you may attend in the near future.

Ballast Point’s Sea Monster—Oh man….I first tried this on a recommendation, and I might have to give my child’s middle or first name to this person. This is beer is huge, heavy, and aggressive all around. Very bitter and high in alcohol, this stout is aptly named.

Schneider Aventinus Weizen-Eisbock—This Weizen Eisbock is a thick, malty-rich meal in a bottle. This beer is also one of the more unique tasting beers I have had. Sweet wheat and malt notes, and a fair presence of alcohol, makes this one to keep in the fridge for a while or to share with your favorite beer geek. (thanks to my buddy Bert from Culpeper Cheese Company for the recommendation)

Fuller’s Vintage Ale—These ales are meant to be cellared for years to come. I have only had their 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 vintages, but each one was very different and very good. These are the lowest in ABV of this list, but what they lack in alcohol they make up for in taste. I have picked up bread, toasted marshmallow, and toffee notes from these wonderful beers.

There are also some general styles that are great to keep you warm as well. Just about any Bock or Double Bock will do the trick. Originally brewed to sustain Monks during Lent, it is strong liquid bread. Makes you wonder if that time of quiet prayer and devotion wasn’t somewhat meant to help ward off whatever unholy hangover they had at any given point and time. Barleywines as well are up in the ABV stratosphere. Normally meant to age for years at a time, they are great on a cooler day. And how can I forget all of the Imperial or Double IPAs?

I hope you are able to find a few of these to keep you warm in the coming months. What are some of your favorite beers that keep you warm on a cool night in Long Beach?

And before we end this episode of Al the Brewer, I want to send a big CONGRATS to Beachwood BBQ and Brewer Julian Shrago for winning take home medals from the Great American Beer Festival.