Euphoria Pale Ale, Ska Brewing Company, Durango

Style: American pale ale

ABV: 6.1 percent

Serving Type: 12-ounce can

Malty? Hoppy? Malty, for a pale ale.

Reviewed: February 2013

Seasonal brews are just that—beers created with a particular set of environmental conditions in mind. Typically, that means light, refreshing, sometimes fruity beers during the summer, and, in the winter, dark heavy brews, such as stouts and porters. Au contraire, says Ska Brewing Company, whose seasonal, cold-weather release is a no-nonsense American pale ale. And why not? Sure, Euphoria is no Milk Stout, but the Ska brewers packed this ale with enough malt to warm your core on a brisk day. Although the malt gives Euphoria a light sweetness, as far as pale ales go, this brew is on the hoppier end of the spectrum. All of which adds up to a beer that might just be perfect for capping a bluebird day on the slopes.

Would we buy it again? Yes, when we’re looking to take a break from the rich stouts and porters that populate the shelves of liquor stores during the winter.

Follow assistant editor Chris Outcalt on Twitter at @chrisoutcalt.