Bell's Winter White Ale

Let It Snow

A visit to Wisconsin in the dead of winter? Yep, made-to-order for cross-country skiing.

We had a fresh four inches on the ground to work with, a few more promised on the way, and a beautiful, empty-of-people nature reserve.

As we broke the first trail through the winter white, I took a deep, cold breath and let the workweek finally fall away.

And when we got back to the house and the fire, I kept that change-of-pace feeling going with a Bell's Winter White Ale.

This wheat ale is a nice switch from the heavy, malty, spicy seasonal beers you typically get during winter releases. Instead, citrus and yeast flavors predominate, with a light hint of banana as well.

It was even refreshing enough to quench my winter sports-generated thirst. Who needs water? It's all frozen right now anyway . . .

The Beer Details Brewer: Bell's Brewery (Kalamazoo, Michigan) Style: Belgian White ABV: 5% Cost: ~$10/ 6-pack Goes with: roasted veggie salad, sourdough toast, warm slippers

The Beer Extras Try this other winter beer for something spicier. Find a fun place to Nordic ski. Print a beer shopping wish list. Try these other happy hour tips and ideas.

Want this beer? It has broad distribution across the eastern US and Midwest. Check your local bottle specialty shop. 

Erin Malone is a Thursday Happy Hour contributing editor, providing the what's-up of beer all over on Fridays. Got a great winter beer? Let me know in the comments below. Or chat with me on Facebook.

NOTE: A close observer might notice this photo was not taken in Wisconsin. Nope, not Michigan either. It's a shot by Gary Allard taken this winter of North Tahoe, California.