By Neill Pieper

Snowflakes cascade from cloudy skies. Slowly the boughs of evergreen trees begin to dip under the weight of accumulating snow. Snow begins to pile along window ledges. With growing intensity, a storm rages outside and the inhabitants realize that they are soon to be isolated, confined – snowed in.

Indoors, crackling kindling erupts into a warmth that spills from the hearth – perfect.
This winter you may find yourself in such a situation. As thoughts of fresh tracks, warm fires and snow-filled glades flitter across your mind, a winter ale in your fridge calls, supporting those fevered dreams. So, crack open one of your prized barrel-aged stouts as you sit in front of the fire, because days like these are meant to be enjoyed.

Northwest of Denver in Lakeside, the folks at Molly’s Spirits have provided a lineup of beers with tasting notes. Included are dark stouts, barrel-aged porters and winter-spiced ales. Whether you are curling up in front of the crackling fire, sheltering in a backcountry hut or sipping after a day on the slopes, the following beers come highly recommended for consumption. You can find more information about these beers and more Colorado craft libations by stopping at Molly’s or at mollysspirits.com.

1. BROKEN COMPASS COCONUT PORTER
Broken Compass owner Jason Ford stumbled upon the recipe for Coconut Porter seven years ago while homebrewing. Using 100 percent organic, hand-toasted coconut from Whole Foods, Broken Compass uses game bags to infuse the coconut into its porter, imparting loads of fresh coconut flavor. The bottle features artwork from renowned Denver artist John Fellows who creates the designs from a combination of carving and drawing.
Pairs well with a curry dish and coconut cream pie.

2. GREAT DIVIDE BARREL AGED HIBERNATION
As the days grow even colder and darker, Great Divide Barrel Aged Hibernation is the perfect beer to have by your side. This rendition of a winter warmer is aged in whiskey barrels for more than 12 months. You’ll pick up notes of whiskey, char and toast, rounded out by chocolate, dark fruit and vanilla notes.
Pairs well with grilled beef tenderloin, Romano cheese and pecan pie.

3. COPPER KETTLE SNOWED IN
The name says it all. The snow is piled high outside and all you want to do is sit back, relax and enjoy a stout. Snowed In is an imperial oatmeal stout aged in bourbon barrels with coffee and chocolate. The 2016 release of Snowed In comes in at 13.3% ABV and was aged in Breckenridge Bourbon barrels with Sumatra coffee from Pablo’s Coffee in Denver and chocolate from Cholaca in Boulder.
Pairs well with hearty stews and deep powder.

4. LOCAVORE FIRESIDE WINTER SPICE
Caramel, toffee and light toasty malt notes jump out of this flavorful winter offering from Locavore Beerworks. Holiday spices follow through the finish with hints of clove, cinnamon, orange, and ginger.
Pairs well with sharp cheddar, roasted turkey and fruit cake.

5. CROOKED STAVE SERENATA NOTTURNA
Crooked Stave always brings the funk, and they did not disappoint with this beer. Serenata Notturna is tart, funky and has toasty, sherry oak qualities. Big flavors and a growing complexity linger on the taste buds.
Pairs well with chèvre, mussels, fruit and custard.

6. ODELL ISOLATION ALE
From the first look at the package of Odell Isolation Ale, you picture yourself getting snowed in and cozying up to a warm fire. Isolation opens up to flavors of rich caramel with a hint of graham cracker. The sip ends with a balanced earthy/woodsy hop finish.
Pairs well with pepper jack cheese, chili con carne and biscotti.

7. EPIC BIG BAD BAPTIST
Epic’s Big Bad Baptist is the epitome of happiness after a long powder day. It’s a perfect storm of rich mouthfeel with oaky bourbon notes that are combined with accents of coffee, dark cocoa and an elevated ABV to warm the soul.
Pairs well with German chocolate cake, Gorgonzola cheese and Molly’s single barrel bourbons.

8. LIQUID MECHANICS PEANUT BUTTER PORTER
Reese’s better watch out. Liquid Mechanics Peanut Butter Porter quite literally tastes like a peanut butter cup in a glass, in all the best ways. There are bright chocolate notes that balance with a savory peanut butter finish. The solid malt backbone has enough sweetness to leave the taste buds wanting more.
Pairs well with peanut butter cookies, pad Thai and curry foods.