Seasonal Homebrewing Guide

Best Beers to Brew and When to Order

Homebrewing is all about timing—crafting the perfect beer to enjoy during a specific season or holiday requires planning. At MyBrewSupply.com, we’ve got you covered with the ingredients and equipment you need. This guide outlines the best beer styles to brew for each season, along with when to order your supplies to ensure your brew is ready to sip at just the right moment. Most ales take about 4–8 weeks to brew and bottle, while lagers may need 8–12 weeks, plus extra time for aging certain styles. Let’s dive into the seasonal brewing calendar!

Spring: Fresh and Floral Brews

Spring is a time for light, refreshing beers that pair with blooming flowers and warmer days. Brew these styles to celebrate spring holidays like Easter (early April) or Memorial Day (late May).

  • Beer Styles:

    • Saison: A Belgian-style farmhouse ale with fruity, spicy notes. Perfect for crisp spring afternoons.

    • Irish Red Ales: A balanced and easy-drinking style with a reddish hue and a pleasant, biscuity malt character.

    • Belgian Wits (Witbier): A light, cloudy wheat beer with citrus and spices like coriander and orange peel, ideal for Easter brunches.

    • Pale Ale: Light and hoppy, great for Memorial Day barbecues.

    • Helles Bocks and Maibocks: While still a lager, these are lighter and more golden than their winter counterparts.

  • When to Order: Order supplies 6–8 weeks before your target date. For Easter (early April), order by mid-February. For Memorial Day (late May), order by late March.

  • Brewing Tip: Saisons and witbiers ferment quickly (4–6 weeks). Add fresh citrus zest or local honey for a springtime twist.

Summer: Crisp and Cool Classics

Summer calls for beers that beat the heat and complement backyard gatherings or Independence Day (July 4th) celebrations.

  • Beer Styles:

    • Wheat Beers (Hefeweizen, American Wheat): Light-bodied and refreshing, often with notes of banana or clove.

    • Blonde and Golden Ales: Clean, simple, and easy-drinking beers that are a great alternative to light lagers.

    • Pilsners and Light Lagers: Crisp and clean-finishing, perfect for a hot day.

    • Hefeweizen: A German wheat beer with banana and clove aromas, perfect for sunny days.

    • Session IPA: Low-alcohol, hop-forward, and refreshing for beach trips or barbecues.

    • Kölsch: A clean, crisp ale that’s light and easy-drinking for hot summer nights.

  • When to Order: Order 6–8 weeks in advance. For Independence Day, order by early May. For general summer enjoyment (June–August), order by mid-April to early June.

  • Brewing Tip: Keep fermentation temperatures cool (65–70°F) for hefeweizens and Kölsch to avoid off-flavors in warm weather.

Fall: Rich and Robust Flavors

Fall brings cooler weather and hearty beers, perfect for Halloween (October 31st) or Thanksgiving (late November).

  • Beer Styles:

    • Pumpkin Ale: A quintessential fall beer, spiced with pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, a must-have for fall festivities.

    • Oktoberfest/Märzen: A malty and smooth, amber beer traditionally served at Oktoberfest celebrations.

    • Amber Ales: A balanced style with a nice caramel and biscuit character from the malt.

    • Brown Ale: Nutty and caramel-forward, great for cozy Thanksgiving dinners.

  • When to Order: Order 8–12 weeks ahead due to longer fermentation for lagers like Oktoberfest. For Halloween, order by early August. For Thanksgiving, order by early September.

  • Brewing Tip: Pumpkin ales benefit from real pumpkin puree and a 6–8 week timeline. Oktoberfest lagers need cold fermentation (50–55°F) and extended lagering.

Winter: Bold and Warming Brews

Winter demands rich, high-alcohol beers to enjoy during holiday gatherings like Christmas (December 25th) or New Year’s Eve.

  • Beer Styles:

    • Porters: These dark, roasty beers often have notes of coffee, chocolate, or caramel. Imperial stouts are especially popular for their high alcohol content and bold flavors.

    • Winter Warmer: A spiced ale with notes of caramel, toffee, and holiday spices.

    • Stout/Imperial Stout: Roasty, chocolatey, and bold, perfect for sipping by the fire. Imperial stouts are especially popular for their high alcohol content and bold flavors.

    • Bocks: A malty German lager that comes in various strengths, from the lighter Helles Bock to the darker Doppelbock.

  • When to Order: Order 8–12 weeks in advance, as stouts and barleywines often benefit from extended aging. For Christmas or New Year’s, order by early October.

  • Brewing Tip: Barleywines and imperial stouts can age for months to develop deeper flavors. Plan for 10–12 weeks if you want a refined brew.

Get Brewing with MyBrewSupply.com!

Ready to craft your seasonal masterpiece? Visit MyBrewSupply.com to shop high-quality ingredients, kits, and equipment. Order early to ensure your beer is ready to pour when the season or holiday arrives. Happy brewing!