Best Craft Winter Beers at the LCBO

When the temperature drops and snow starts falling, there’s nothing better than settling in with a well-crafted winter beer. Whether you’re looking for a rich and malty Scotch Ale, a bold and roasty porter, or a sessionable stout for après-skate, the LCBO offers some of the best winter beers in Ontario.

In this guide, we’ll explore the history of winter beers, the top winter beer styles at the LCBO, and where to find MacLean’s winter beers near you.

The History of Winter Beers: A Tradition of Rich Flavours

Winter beers date back centuries, originating from European brewing traditions that celebrated the colder months with stronger, maltier, and spiced beers. These beers were crafted to provide warmth and nourishment, often incorporating seasonal spices, fruits, and caramelized malts.

From Germany’s Doppelbocks to Scotland’s rich and smoky Scotch Ales, these winter beer styles evolved into the modern Ontario craft beer scene, where brewers continue to create bold, complex, and full-bodied seasonal brews.

Exploring Winter Beer Styles at the LCBO

Winter beers are diverse—ranging from dark and roasty to rich and spiced. Here are the top winter beer styles to explore:

Stouts & Porters

Perfect for colder months, these beers feature deep roasted malt flavours, often with notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel.

• MacLean’s Cherry Porter (LCBO) – A rich, smooth porter with layers of dark chocolate and tart cherry, making it one of the best porter beers in Ontario. It pairs perfectly with cheesecake, brownies, or a cozy night in. Learn more in our Porter Beer Guide.

Scotch Ales & Winter Warmers

These malty, full-bodied beers offer a boozy warmth and smooth caramel undertones, ideal for sipping by the fire.

• MacLean’s Armchair Scotch Ale (LCBO) – This bold Scotch Ale balances caramel, toffee, and smokiness, making it a top choice for Ontario craft beer lovers. It’s perfectly paired with roasted meats and aged cheeses. Read more about Scotch Ales in Ontario.

Barrel-Aged Beers

Aging beer in whiskey or bourbon barrels adds layers of vanilla, oak, and caramel, creating bold and complex winter brews.

• Look for barrel-aged stouts and barleywines at the LCBO and local craft breweries—these are perfect for cellaring and sipping slowly.

Spiced Ales

Spiced winter ales capture the flavours of the holidays, featuring ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and orange peel.

• These beers pair beautifully with gingerbread cookies, holiday desserts, and warm fireside evenings.

Bocks & Doppelbocks

These strong, malty German-style beers are perfect for cold weather, offering toffee, caramel, and dark fruit flavours.

• Doppelbocks have a higher alcohol content, making them great for slow sipping on chilly nights.

Winter Beers at the LCBO: Ingredients That Make Them Special

Ontario craft breweries use a mix of classic and seasonal ingredients to create winter beers that deliver bold flavour, warmth, and complexity. Common ingredients include:

• Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice for festive warmth.
• Fruits – Oranges, cherries, cranberries for a bright, tart twist.
• Sweeteners – Honey, molasses, brown sugar for richness.
• Malt-Forward Profiles – Deep caramel, toffee, and roasted malt create bold, full-bodied flavours.

Where to Get the Best Winter Beers

LCBO – Ontario’s Best Selection of Winter Beers

The LCBO is the best place to find seasonal Ontario craft beers, including:

• MacLean’s Armchair Scotch Ale – Available at select LCBO locations.
• MacLean’s Cherry Porter – A must-try for porter beer lovers in Ontario.
• Great Lakes Stout – A sessionable winter stout, perfect for cozy nights in.

The Beer Store – A Mix of Local & Imported Winter Beers

The Beer Store carries many Ontario craft beers, as well as imported winter ales from Belgium, Germany, and the UK.

Local Craft Breweries – Small-Batch Seasonal Releases

Ontario’s craft breweries release limited-edition winter beers each season. Visiting local breweries lets you:

• Try exclusive barrel-aged and seasonal winter brews.
• Enjoy fresh pours straight from the source.
• Support Ontario’s independent craft beer scene.

Our 5 Favourite Winter Beers

Of course, we’re going to mention our contributions to Ontario’s winter beer scene—after all, we take pride in crafting beers that capture the essence of the season. But we’re also fans of great winter beers from other Ontario breweries, and we’ve put together a list of our five favourites. Whether you’re looking for something rich and malty, dark and roasty, or crisp and refreshing, this list has a winter beer for every occasion.

MacLean’s Armchair Scotch Ale

A true winter classic, MacLean’s Armchair Scotch Ale is smooth, rich, and complex, with toffee, caramel, and a touch of smokiness. It’s the perfect beer for fireside sipping, pairing beautifully with roasted meats, aged cheeses, and cozy winter nights.

MacLean’s Cherry Porter

For those who love dark, chocolatey beers with a hint of fruit, MacLean’s Cherry Porter is a must-try. This rich and smooth porter delivers a deep malt body with notes of dark chocolate and tart cherry, making it a great dessert beer. Try it with cheesecake, brownies, or by itself as a nightcap.

Want to learn more? Check out our guide to Porter Beer Styles.

Great Lakes Stout

If you’re looking for a smooth, easy-drinking stout, the Great Lakes Stout is an excellent choice. Pouring the darkest brown, it delivers aromas of chocolate and lightly roasted coffee beans, with a light-to-medium body that’s creamy yet dry on the finish.

At just 4.3% ABV, this sessionable winter stout is perfect for outdoor adventures—whether you’re enjoying a campfire, skating rink, or après-ski hangout.

Muskoka Winter Beard (Double Chocolate Cranberry Stout)

A seasonal favourite from Muskoka Brewery, Winter Beard is a decadent and full-bodied stout brewed with real cocoa and Ontario cranberries. The result is a rich, bittersweet chocolate flavour balanced with a subtle tartness.

If you’re in the mood for something bold, smooth, and a little indulgent, this is a perfect winter treat.

MacLean’s Light Lager

Not all winter beers have to be dark and heavy. MacLean’s Light Lager is crisp, clean, and refreshing, making it an ideal après-ski beer. Whether you’re cooling down after a day on the slopes or just want a smooth, easy-drinking lager, this one is light on alcohol but full on flavour.

Pair it with: Fresh air, good friends, and an open patio—yes, even in winter!

What’s Your Favourite Winter Beer?

That’s our list—five winter beers we love and highly recommend. Have a go-to winter beer that’s not on the list? Let us know in the comments!

Find MacLean’s Winter Beers at the LCBO

Want to locate MacLean’s Armchair Scotch Ale or Cherry Porter at an LCBO near you? Use the MacLean’s Beer Finder Map to track down the latest MacLean’s winter beer stock at the LCBO.