(Courtesy Tröegs Independent Brewing)

The Winter Holidays are ON and American craft brewers are addressing things with an exciting roster of new beers you’re gonna want to have around as things get increasingly festive.

Director’s Cut (Hershey, PA) – Tröegs Mad Elf Ale is a holiday tradition on the East Coast but the brewery also releases an uber-limited variation that takes the beloved cherry-fueled Belgian-Style Dark Ale in an even more complex direction.

Adding Balaton cherries and the tartness that comes with them to a mix that already includes Bing, Lambert, Van and Royal varieties, Tröegs Mad Elf Grand Cru is a deep burgundy 11% ABV limited release that was born to be shared as the weather grows colder.

“Putting this beer in cork and cage bottles helps give it that extra special touch,” says Tröegs co-founding brother Chris Trogner. “The corks are great at keeping pressure in and oxygen out. Since Grand Cru is a beer many people like to age, that’s a big plus.”

(Courtesy Sierra Nevada Brewing)

Reason For Celebration  (Chico, CA / Mills River, NC) -One of the nation’s most accomplished craft brewers Sierra Nevada Brewing has a winter offering that New Belgium founder Kim Jordon claims is her go-to holiday beer, and we couldn’t agree with her more.

First brewed in 1981, Sierra Nevada Celebration Fresh Hop Ale is a 6.8% ABV India Pale Ale, one of a very few, holiday beers that’s actually an IPA. And because it’s a fresh-hop India Pale Ale it’s subtly different every year, which keeps things interesting.

A “Best” Best Day (California) – Non-Alcoholic beers have come a long way since your uncle used to order an O’Doul’s. And there’s a Northern California brewery, Best Day Brewing, which makes a great Kölsch that just happens to be non-alcoholic.

Brewed using a smart combination of Cologne and Pilsner malts and Hallertau Traditional hops, Best Day Kölsch is a crisp and perfectly balanced refresher that comes with a nice toasty malt character but won’t leave you buzzed.

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