The real cold weather is here, the holidays are over, the Jersey Shore just a distant memory... Yep, we've hit the winter doldrums and there's no real end in sight. But hey for us beer lovers, it's not all bad news.

In fact for us the winter means opportunity. The opportunity to find rare seasonal brews. The opportunity to get snowed in with nothing to do but drink beer. The opportunity to enjoy darker ales that tend to be higher in alcohol. Oh and most importantly, the opportunity to hide all your newly acquired beer weight under thick, baggy clothes.

We are lucky here in NJ to have so many great local breweries to choose from. You don't have to drive far to find a great brewery crafting serious winter seasonals. Bold styles such as stouts, barleywines, Belgian dubbels and tripels, brown ales, and triple IPAs are all perfect for when the days are short and the temps are low.

We’ve assembled a list of some the best locally brewed winter craft beers. You’re bound to find a style you like that will warm your soul and help you make it through the cold. Keep an eye out for these or better yet take a trip and seek them out. Here's to surviving another winter in NJ. Cheers!