Southern Tier Old Man Winter 6Pk

Southern Tier Old Man Winter 6Pk is a 7.5% ABV winter warmer ale from Lakewood, New York, sold in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles. Brewed with a British heritage strain ale yeast that imparts distinctive fruity esters, this seasonal old ale has earned an 83 on BeerAdvocate across more than 1,700 ratings.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7.5%  |  Origin: Lakewood, New York  |  Style: Winter Warmer / Old Ale  |  Brewery: Southern Tier Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Southern Tier Brewing Company operates out of Lakewood, New York, in the southwestern corner of the state near Chautauqua Lake. Old Man Winter is built on two varieties of malt and three varieties of hops, fermented with a house ale yeast derived from a British heritage strain — a deliberate choice that produces noticeable fruity esters uncommon in many American winter warmers. The result sits at the intersection of a traditional English old ale and a malt-forward seasonal warmer, with enough hop presence to keep the sweetness in check.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich caramel and honey-laced bread greet the nose first, followed by roasted malt and a touch of smoke. A subtle earthy, herbal character emerges underneath, along with faint floral hop notes.

Taste: The palate opens with pronounced caramel malt sweetness balanced by piney hop bitterness at mid-palate. Dark cocoa and fig notes develop as the beer warms, joined by nutty malt depth and hints of marmalade. The fruity esters from the British heritage yeast add a layer of complexity that keeps each sip interesting.

Finish: Toasted malt lingers through the finish with bittersweet cocoa and a peppery, slightly smoky edge. The length is moderate, drying just enough to invite the next sip without cloying sweetness.

How to Drink Old Man Winter

Old Man Winter is best served at cellar temperature — around 50–55°F — in a tulip glass or English pint to let the malt aromatics open up fully. Pouring too cold masks the caramel and cocoa complexity that defines the beer.

• Beer Float: The rich malt sweetness and cocoa notes pair naturally with vanilla ice cream for a winter dessert float.
• Beer Cocktail (Snakebite variation): Layer with dry hard cider for a malt-forward twist on the classic British pub serve — the fruity esters complement apple cider particularly well.
• Hot Toddy Shandy: Warm gently with a splash of apple cider and a cinnamon stick for a cold-weather gathering; the existing caramel and fig notes intensify with mild heat.

Best For

• Cold-weather drinking sessions around a fire pit or hearth
• Holiday dinners where a malt-forward ale complements roasted meats
• Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates English-style seasonal ales
• Building a winter beer tasting flight alongside stouts and barleywines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Man Winter taste like? Old Man Winter delivers rich caramel malt sweetness balanced by piney hops, with layers of dark cocoa, fig, toasted malt, and a peppery finish. The British heritage yeast contributes fruity esters that distinguish it from straightforward malt-bomb winter ales.

How does Old Man Winter compare to Guinness? Drinkers have noted that Old Man Winter shares a similar initial "bite" to Guinness, but the two diverge quickly — Old Man Winter is a 7.5% ABV winter warmer with pronounced caramel sweetness and hop bitterness, while Guinness Draught is a 4.2% ABV dry stout with a roasty, coffee-forward profile and significantly lighter body.

Is Old Man Winter good for sipping neat? Old Man Winter is well-suited for slow sipping at cellar temperature, where its caramel, cocoa, and fruity ester complexity reward patience. At 7.5% ABV, it has enough weight to stand on its own without food.

Where is Old Man Winter made? Old Man Winter is brewed by Southern Tier Brewing Company in Lakewood, New York, located in the Chautauqua County region of southwestern New York State.

What foods pair well with Old Man Winter? Roasted lamb or beef benefit from the beer's malt sweetness cutting through rich fat. Sharp aged cheddar mirrors the toasty, nutty malt character. Gingerbread or spiced holiday cookies echo the beer's caramel and cocoa notes. Smoked sausages complement the subtle smoky edge in the finish. Dark chocolate truffles align with the bittersweet cocoa undertones.

What sizes does Old Man Winter come in? Old Man Winter is commonly available in six-packs of 12 oz bottles.

Is Old Man Winter worth the price? Old Man Winter positions as a mid-range seasonal craft ale, offering genuine complexity from its British heritage yeast and multi-malt, multi-hop recipe at a price point competitive with other craft six-packs in the winter warmer category.

Why Old Man Winter?

What separates Old Man Winter from the crowded field of winter warmers is Southern Tier's use of a British heritage strain ale yeast — a decision that introduces fruity ester character rarely found in American-brewed seasonals. The interplay between two malt varieties and three hop varieties creates a layered drinking experience rather than the one-note sweetness that plagues many winter ales. With an 83 score on BeerAdvocate from over 1,700 ratings, it has earned consistent respect among craft beer drinkers who return to it each season. For anyone seeking a winter ale with genuine English old ale DNA brewed in upstate New York, Old Man Winter delivers substance over gimmick.