Winter Warmers: Belgian Beers Made for Cold Nights

As winter settles in and the nights draw longer, there’s nothing quite like a beer that offers warmth, depth and comfort. Belgian brewing, renowned for its tradition and craftsmanship, excels when it comes to beers that shine in the colder months. Rich, dark and full-bodied, these winter warmers are perfect for sipping by the fire, pairing with hearty food, or simply savouring at a slower pace.

Belgium’s darker beer styles are particularly well suited to winter drinking. Dubbel, Quadrupel and strong dark ales deliver layers of flavour that unfold with every sip. Expect notes of dried fruit, caramel, toffee and warming spice, often supported by higher alcohol content that gently warms you from the inside out. These beers are designed to be enjoyed slowly, allowing their complexity to shine. At The Belgian Beer Company, we’ve put together a selection of our favourite winter warmers that bring comfort, flavour and festive cheer to your glass.

One classic winter favourite is the Belgian Dubbel. Deep mahogany in colour, dubbels balance malty sweetness with subtle bitterness. Flavours of raisins, figs and brown sugar make them an excellent companion to rich winter dishes such as stews or roasted meats. Their smooth mouthfeel and gentle warmth make them an easy choice on a cold evening.

Wipers Times Dubbel – A top-fermented, full-bodied abbey style Dubbel with twice the malt and a rounded malt profile — a wonderful winter warmer.

Westmalle Dubbel – A reddish-brown Trappist classic with rich dried fruit and caramel notes — a must-try for lovers of traditional dubbels.

For those seeking something bolder, Quadrupels are the ultimate winter indulgence. Dark, strong and intensely flavoured, they often feature notes of dark chocolate, dates, treacle and spice. Despite their strength, the best examples remain beautifully balanced, with a silky finish that invites slow appreciation. These beers are perfect as an after-dinner drink, almost replacing dessert.

Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel (11% ABV) – A very dark, intense and award-winning quadrupel from De Halve Maan, perfect for a lazy winter night by the fire.

Straffe Hendrik Heritage 2024 – A special oak-aged edition of the classic quadrupel — rich, bold and ideal for gifting or celebration.

Gulden Draak – Often featured in mixed dark beer cases, this strong dark brew delivers robust malt sweetness and warming strength — a great quad-like winter choice.

(If you’re looking for more classic quads, St. Bernardus Abt 12 or Rochefort 10 are timeless styles to seek out — and they pair beautifully with dark winter foods.)

Belgium also offers outstanding dark strong ales that blur the line between beer and spirit. Often bottle-conditioned and capable of ageing, they develop deeper complexity over time. In winter, they provide a luxurious drinking experience, ideal for sharing or gifting during the festive season.

Gouden Carolus Classic – This Flemish dark strong ale is a winter favourite. With rich ruby hues and an aroma of warm spice and caramel, it’s beautifully complex and full-bodied — a classic example of Belgian warmth in a bottle.

Duivels Bier Donker – A strong dark bottle-conditioned beer with deep malty flavours and a gentle sweetness that makes it ideal for winter sipping. Awarded gold at the World Beer Awards, it’s a must-try for lovers of bold Belgian brews.

Kasteel Bruin Donker – For those who favour an intensely rich, full-bodied dark beer, this creamy and substantial brew (11% ABV) is a great pick for slow winter sipping.

While stouts are more commonly associated with Ireland or the UK, Belgian brewers have embraced the style with their own distinctive twist. Belgian stouts often combine roasted malts with classic Belgian yeast character, resulting in beers that are rich yet surprisingly nuanced. Expect flavours of coffee, cocoa and dark fruit, lifted by subtle spice and a dry finish. These stouts are robust enough to stand up to winter’s chill while remaining elegant and drinkable.

Hercule Stout – A classic Belgian imperial stout with strong malt presence and a rich, roasty backbone. The 9% ABV brings real warmth to a winter evening.

Special Extra Export Stout – Brewed by De Dolle Brouwers, this stout is rich, smooth and dark — with wonderful depth that’s perfect with chocolate desserts or just a slow evening by the fire.

Stouterik – Sometimes called the “Brussels Stout,” this lighter but dry stout is a refreshing take on the style — perfect for those who like their stouts a bit more sessionable but still full of character.

Dark beers also pair beautifully with winter desserts. Chocolate puddings, spiced cakes and even strong cheeses can be elevated when matched with a Belgian stout or dark ale. The interplay between sweetness, bitterness and roasted notes creates a truly memorable experience.

At The Belgian Beer Company, we celebrate these winter warmers for their depth, tradition and sheer comfort. Whether you’re discovering Belgian dark beers for the first time or revisiting old favourites, winter is the perfect season to explore the darker side of Belgian brewing. Pour yourself a glass, slow down, and let these beers bring a little warmth to the coldest days of the year.