Minnesota-Brewed Beers For Cold Weather: Patch's Picks

TWIN CITIES, MN — There is a season for every beer, and a beer for every season.

In the fall, not only do the days get darker, but our beer does as well.

The fruity, light libations of summer — ideal for sipping while mowing the lawn or swimming in the lake — are long gone from the shelves of our local liquor stores.

In their place are thick, black, and sometimes creamy beers suitable for drinking after raking the leaves, shoveling snow, or sitting by the fire.

Minnesotans know a thing or two about cold weather, and our local breweries are experts when it comes to cold-weather beer.

Here's a rundown of Patch's three picks for the best Minnesota-made cold-weather beers. Did your favorite make the list or do you have another don't-miss bar suggestion to share? Let us know in the comments.

Surly Darkness — Intense

This beer will knock your socks off, and not just because it's 12 percent alcohol by volume. This year's edition of Surly's Russian imperial stout was aged in 12-year bourbon barrels and packs a punch of chocolate, vanilla, dried fruit, cherry,

"Darkness is a beer of fable and legend. Malty and intense, yet velvety smooth," says Surly.

Summit Oktoberfest

If you're looking for something more casual, you can't go wrong with Summit's Oktoberfest brew. It's full of flavor but has half the alcohol content of Surly Darkness,

"Inspired by the ultimate beer celebration and crafted in the classic Märzen-style, Summit Oktoberfest is the perfect fall beer," Summit says. "Full in body thanks to a blend of European hops and Moravian 37 malts, it starts right with toffee flavors and finishes clean and crisp like the autumn air."

Due Date VIII — Bad Weather Brewery

Due Date 8 was brewed to celebrate the birth of Emilia, the first daughter of Bad Weather's former packaging lead and occasion bartender. It's a full-bodied masterpiece perfect for warming up in the bleak midwinter.

Due Date 8 was brewed with dates and aged in bourbon and whiskey barrels.

"Rich with flavors caramel, nuts, orange peel and spice, due date 8 will warm up even the coldest winter nights," notes Bad Weather.

Do you agree? Let us know in the comments!