Dark winter beers for dark winter days

In the time between New Year's champagne and St. Patrick's Day's green beer, there isn't a ton of themed drinking going on (save drinking games involving Groundhog Day). Thankfully, people in this part of the country believe in the warming powers of a good stout, porter, or winter brew. Since there's more to drinking than anything ending in "lite" and served by the pitcher, The A.V. Club took to the streets to find the most interesting winter beers out there.

Victory Storm King Stout: This Russian imperial stout is dark without tasting too much like black coffee. With warm, grainy notes throughout, it's a great get-your-feet-wet starter to winter beers. (On tap at Muddy Pig, 162 N. Dale St., St. Paul, 651-254-1030; also available at Zipp's Liquors, 2618 E. Franklin Ave., 612-333-8686).

Widmer Brrr Seasonal Ale: This cold-weather warmer of an English ale is the only one on this list that's technically a "winter beer." The Brrr is instantly likable even though it's a bit plain; with grapefruit, pine, and caramel notes, it's a great choice for those without exciting tastes. (Available at Zipp's Liquors.)

Moylan's White Christmas Spiced Winter Lager: The understated White Christmas lacks the skunkiness of a traditional lager, though some will find its fruitiness—hints of orange peel and coriander—off-putting. Though not full-on zesty, it's a fresh alternative to the darker varieties of the season. (Available at Zipp's Liquors and Big Top Liquors, 1574 University Ave., St. Paul, 651-644-4501).

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale: An impostor among winter beers, this is a very hoppy American IPA, leading some to label it garbage and others to relish its spiced canvas. Unlike some IPAs, which taste like they've rolled around in a French meadow before entering the bottle, Celebration Ale is a nicely mixed brew that keeps the spiciness on par with the season. (On tap at The Happy Gnome, 498 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-287-2018, and Buster's, 4204 28th Ave., 612-729-0911; also available at Big Top Liquors.)

New Holland Cabin Fever: Among beers that taste like coffee, Cabin Fever is the equivalent of espresso. This American brown ale is so dark, even notes of rich peanut butter flourish. While it doesn't contain as much alcohol as its counterparts, it's still sure to warm your appendages after its descent. (On tap at The Happy Gnome and Buster's.)