It may not be Winter yet, but that hasn’t stopped many of my favorite local Winter beers from returning (and don’t forget that International Stout Day is tomorrow, November 6th). Already here are beers like Jubelale from Deschutes Brewing Company, Sleigh’r from Ninkasi Brewing Company, Bifrost from Elysian Brewing Company, Hoppy Holidays Winter Ale from Schooner Exact Brewing and Festivus Holiday Ale, which arrived just yesterday from Black Raven Brewing Company (CBM Sponsor)

Over the next couple of weeks, even more Winter beers will be making their return. Among them: B-Bomb (Bourbon Abominable Ale) from Fremont Brewing Company, Old Wooly Barleywine from Big Time Brewing Company, Overhang Bourbon Imperial Porter from Two Beers Brewing Company (CBM Sponsor), Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout from Reuben’s Brews, and Gunpowder Plot Nitro Porter, arriving today from Black Raven Brewing Company.

Most of the beers due to arrive soon are limited releases and won’t last long, so you might want to plan ahead if you want to make sure you get your hands on a few bottles. As I mentioned, Hoppy Holidays from Schooner Exact and Festivus Holiday Ale from Black Raven are already here, so get out to their taprooms in SoDo and Redmond respectively and pick some up for the holidays. The other beers I mentioned that are already here (Jubelale, Sleigh’r and Bifrost) are all usually pretty abundant this time of year. In fact, you should be able to find them all even in most local grocery stores.

Up next for release is Gunpowder Plot Nitro Porter from Black Raven Brewing Company. I told you about the impending release of this oak barrel aged Nitro Porter just a few days ago. It will be available at Black Raven’s tap room, The Raven’s Nest, when they open today at noon. Rich with notes of bourbon, chocolate and coffee, Gunpowder Plot is released annually on Guy Fawkes Day, November 5th.

Due for release during their 7th Anniversary celebration this coming Saturday, November 8th, is Overhang Bourbon Imperial Porter from Two Beers Brewing Company. Part of their special Alta Series of beers, Overhang is aged for 6 months in bourbon barrels with cocoa, cinnamon and a touch of cloves. It will be available in bottles and on tap at Two Beers’ anniversary celebration. Also releasing that day from Two Beers will be a special 7th Anniversary American Sour Ale.

One week later, on November 15th, is the return of Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout from Reuben’s Brews. Coming in around 11.9%, this strong silky stout has notes of roast, dried fruits, chocolate, vanilla and oak. It will be available when Reuben’s Brews opens their doors at noon on the 15th.

The last two releases on this list: B-Bomb from Fremont and Old Wooly from Big Time, are set to arrive on the same day: Monday, December 1st. B-Bomb is probably the most popular and highly anticipated release on this list. Fremont Brewing hasn’t yet announced if it will be available when they open at 11 AM on December 1st or if it will be held for release later in the day. I’ve asked Fremont to clarify and will update this post when I hear back from them. As for Old Wooly Barleywine from Big Time Brewery, I can tell you that this popular annual release will be available in 22 oz bottles and on tap when Big Time opens their doors at 11:30 AM on the 1st.

UPDATE 11/16 :

Fremont Brewing has moved the release of B-Bomb up to black Friday, November 28th. Initial reports say it will be available starting at 5:00 PM on that day.

These are just a few of the great local Winter beers that have already returned or will be releasing soon. This list is, by no means, exhaustive. So get out there, visit more local breweries and discover the wonderful Winter treats each of them has to offer as our days grow shorter and the nights we spend enjoying great craft beers get longer.

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there.