Best Winter Holiday Beers from Christmas Past & Present

(Anchor Christmas Ale 2020: Courtesy Anchor Brewing)

Holiday ales and winter warmers have long been a staple of the season, offering bold flavors and comforting aromas to help fend off the cold.

And here are  some of the best winter holiday beers, from time-honored classics to contemporary creations that capture the spirit of the season.

Classic Holiday Beers

1. Anchor Christmas Ale 

• First Brewed: 1975 and no longer available
• ABV: Varies annually (generally 6-7%)
• Tasting Notes: This iconic brew changes its recipe every year, offering a surprise to loyal fans. Expect notes of rich spices, caramel, and dark fruits, wrapped in a velvety smooth body. The beautifully designed label, which also changes annually, madeit a perfect gift for beer enthusiasts.

2. Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale

• First Brewed: 1981 and happily still widely available
• ABV: 6.8%
• Tasting Notes: A hoppy holiday classic, Celebration Ale is a fresh hop IPA brewed with piney and citrusy hops. Despite its hoppy nature, it retains a malty backbone, making it a versatile beer for both hop lovers and those seeking seasonal warmth.

3. Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome Ale

• First Brewed: 1990 and still available
• ABV: 6%
• Tasting Notes: This English ale delivers toasty malt flavors with a touch of caramel and nutty sweetness. Subtle spices and a smooth, creamy finish make it an enduring favorite for wintertime sipping.
• The collectable label on the 2024 Winter Welcome Ale this year features the much-loved red robin (erithacus rubecula). Despite the robin being such a popular symbol of winter goodwill, Samuel Smith had not, until now, featured the bird on its holiday Winter Welcome label.

4. Great Lakes Christmas Ale

• First Brewed: 1992 and still available seasonally
• ABV: 7.5%
• Tasting Notes: Brewed with honey, cinnamon, and ginger, this Midwest favorite embodies the flavors of the holidays. Its warming spice profile and balanced sweetness make it perfect for pairing with holiday desserts.

5. 

   (Courtesy The Bruery)

   The Bruery’s 12 Days of Christmas Series

• First Brewed: 2008 and still available seasonally
• ABV: Varies (often 10%+)
• Tasting Notes: Each year, The Bruery releases a unique beer inspired by the “12 Days of Christmas” song. From dark, boozy ales to spiced concoctions, every release is a creative take on holiday cheer.

6. Prairie Artisan Ales Christmas Bomb!

• First Brewed: 2014 and still available seasonally
• ABV: 13%
• Tasting Notes: A decadent imperial stout brewed with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Its rich chocolate and coffee base, combined with warming spices, make it a dessert in a glass.

7. Deschutes Jubelale

• First Brewed: 1988 and available every holiday season
• ABV: 6.7%
• Tasting Notes: An Oregon favorite, Jubelale is a winter ale with roasted malt, dried fruit, and warming spice flavors. Each year’s packaging features artwork by local artists, adding a touch of creativity to the holiday spirit.
• The rotating art on the Jubelale packaging features a wintry scene from a new artist every year. This year’s artist is Evan Namkung from Bend, Oregon

8. Bell’s Christmas Ale

• First Brewed: 2009 and still available
• ABV: 7.5%
• Tasting Notes: A Scotch ale that offers a malty sweetness with notes of caramel and toffee. It’s a straightforward yet satisfying beer for cozying up by the fire.

9. Revolution Brewing Fistmas

• First Brewed: 2013
• ABV: 6.5%
• Tasting Notes: A holiday red ale brewed with ginger and orange peel. It’s both festive and approachable, with a perfect balance of spice and malt.

Tips for Enjoying Holiday Beers

• Pairing: Many holiday beers pair well with seasonal dishes like roasted meats, hearty stews, and spiced desserts.
• Aging: Some strong, spiced ales and stouts can be aged for a year or more, allowing flavors to deepen and mellow.

Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or exploring a new brew, winter holiday beers are the best way to toast the season.

Cheers to the flavors of Christmas past and present!