Holiday Beer recommendations
Everyone has their favorite brews this time of year. When it is biting cold out, I generally go for a strong beer. I like spiced beers on occasion – Anchor makes “Our Special Ale” each year and I usually try one.
Sierra Celebration is always a good hop fix with enough malt to really make it a quaffable treat. Buying the 12 pack at the local market is cost effective and makes it a top 5 choice to stock with holiday guests coming over.
Avec Les Bons Voeux is a Brasserie Dupont release each year with “best wishes” from the brewery. This farmhouse Saison comes in at 9.5 % abv and is bursting with carbonation and fruitiness. Notes of black pepper, hops and sweet spices make this a perfect holiday beer. Only select retailers and Flying Saucers will even have this one!
N’Ice Chouffe from Brasserie d’Achouffe is another good one if you can get it. This beer should be readily available in TN and NC. Texas Saucer are just now really getting Chouffe beers. This dark Belgian strong ale comes in over 10% and goes down like a tawny port with fruity aromas and dark fruit flavors.
I seem to crave an Imperial Stout during the holidays & one of my favorites is North Coast Old Rasputin which can be found in most markets. Avery Czar is still around, Rogue XS Imperial Stout is big and expensive and Oskar Blue Ten Fiddy is in some markets – canned beer – Yeehaw.
I also like Breckenridge Christmas from our amigos in Denver, CO, Full Sail Wassail from the fine folks in Hood River, OR, Pyramid SnoCap & Avery Jubilation. Oh yeah, if your pallet can take it, buy a sixer of Hop Wallop from Victory. It is a hophead holiday beer for sure.
Happy Holidays
