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It can be difficult keeping up with all the great winter beers at this time of year. But here are some interesting ones that will pair brilliantly with the holidays.
Cause For Celebration (Chico, CA / Mills River, NC) – Sierra Nevada Brewing has a winter offering that New Belgium’s Kim Jordon claims is her go-to holiday beer, and we couldn’t agree with her more. First brewed in 1981, Sierra Nevada Celebration is a 6.8% ABV India Pale Ale, one of a very few, hop-forward holiday beers. And because it’s a fresh-hop IPA it’s subtly different every year, which is fun.
Holiday Madness (Hershey, PA) – Tröegs Brewing also has another holiday classic that’s legend throughout the mid-Atlantic, as much for its unique flavor as for its enormous kick. Crafted with massive amounts of cherries and honey, Tröegs Mad Elf is an 11% ABV Belgian-style Dark Ale with restrained notes of cinnamon, clove and allspice.
Sleigh Ride – Those of you who read us regularly (and we can’t imagine why you wouldn’t) know that we’re totally in the tank for Ninkasi Brewing. And we’re BIG fans of their winter seasonal too. Malty, rich and primed to keep the winter’s winds at bay, Ninkasi’s Sleigh’r Winter Ale is dark 7.2% ABV Doüble Alt Ale, that finishes dry and balanced.
Missile-Towed (Regina, SK Canada) – On Dec 14, Bushwakker Brewing is launching its annual holiday release. Complex and audaciously malt-forward, Bushwakker Missiletow is an 8% ABV unpasteurized Strong Ale that pairs perfectly with Saskatchewan winters.
A Wintertime Summit (St Paul, MN) – Summit Brewing has returned an annual holiday release that the brewery describes as “as comforting as a down blanket, and way better tasting.” Floral, spicy, bready and sweet, Summit Winter Ale is a 6.5% ABV Winter Warmer with hints of espresso, caramel and black cherry for a velvety smooth finish.
A Christmas Classic (Cleveland, OH) – Few holiday releases are as “classic” as Great Lakes Brewing’s award-winning winter offering. Crafted with honey, and in a tradition that can be traced back to the Middle Ages, Great Lakes Christmas Ale is a 7.5% ABV Winter Warmer pumped with cinnamon and ginger spicing and chocolate-covered cherry tones.
