A traditional malty-sweet English strong ale that is brewed in the winter months. It is usually quite dark, but not as dark as a stout, with a big malt presence. Sometimes, winter warmers have a few spices, especially in the USA, although spices are not necessarily a required ingredient. The primary characteristic is strength, usually 6.0% to 8.0% with some reaching 10% or more.

Christmas beer is another type of winter warmer, similarly strong in alcohol content and usually spiced.