Winter reshapes the way beer is consumed. As temperatures drop and drinking occasions become more introspective, beer moves away from simple refreshment and towards depth, warmth and structure. Styles traditionally linked to the cold season return to the spotlight, offering complexity, balance and strong gastronomic versatility.
Winter beer styles are nothing new. They come back every year at this time because they are meant to be enjoyed more slowly, alongside food or as part of a relaxed, lingering conversation. This is why they remain a stable reference point in cold-season drinking.
Through the Greek Beer Awards, these styles are clearly reflected. Not as a list of recommendations, but as different ways in which breweries approach winter, shaped by tradition, technique and seasonality.
Baltic Porter is one of the styles that naturally belongs to cold weather. With roots in Northern and Eastern Europe, it is a dark, bottom-fermented beer, built around malt character and a full body. At the Greek Beer Awards, Porter Bałtycki by Polish brewery Browar Trzech Kumpli received a bronze medal in the Baltic Porter category.
Imperial Porter is often confused with Baltic Porter, but it belongs to the ale family. Stronger, fuller and more demanding of time and attention, it is closely associated with slower winter drinking. Voreia Imperial Porter by Siris Craft Brewery was awarded a gold medal in the Specialty Ale category.
Stout remains central to winter beer culture, even though many sub-styles can be enjoyed year-round. With a wide range of interpretations, it adapts easily to colder weather. At the Greek Beer Awards, Play Punk! by Midnight Circus Gypsy Brewing earned a gold medal, Marmita Stout by Marmita Kavala’s Microbrewery received silver, while Oaty by Browar Trzech Kumpli was awarded bronze, highlighting the stylistic breadth of the category.
Bock approaches winter in a quieter way. Built on malt, balance and duration rather than intensity, it has deep roots in Central European brewing tradition. Bock by Browar Trzech Kumpli was awarded a bronze medal at the Greek Beer Awards.
A more aromatic take on winter comes from Amber Ale. Winter Days by Septem Microbrewery, awarded gold, takes its name from its character, with notes of cinnamon, biscuit and orange, aromas closely associated with the colder months.
Winter also leaves room for more distinctive expressions. Voreia Smoked Beer by Siris Craft Brewery, awarded bronze in the Smoked Ale category, follows subtle smoky paths that pair naturally with winter dishes and whisky chasers.
Taken together, these award-winning winter beer styles point to something simple: winter does not ask for spectacle. It calls for beers with higher alcohol strength, beers that can mature and age, and beers that stand comfortably next to richer dishes such as game meats, as well as desserts, especially those based on chocolate.
View all Greek Beer Awards 2025 winners by category.
