The best thing about season changes is beer brews change too. Around Christmas, breweries are in the holiday spirit, and aim to accommodate their customers’ festive palates with seasonal beers. Some keep the brew consistent and release their classics every holiday season. However, some come back every year with surprises and try new recipes. Here’s a mixture of both. Remember this is seasonal and most are limited so don’t waste time and try these soon!
Anchor Christmas Ale
Anchor Brewing
Anchor Brewing Co. has been releasing a Christmas Ale for the past 43 years. This year they’ve ventured into a new recipe. The brewing company has described the ale as, “flavors of creamy bittersweet chocolate, coffee, roasted malts and toasted nuts, with a rich, smooth, velvety mouthfeel.” This beer will only be available until mid-January.
Great Lakes Christmas Ale
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
This Christmas ale is bringing the winter spice with a touch of sweetness. According to the website, the recipe includes honey, ginger, spices and cinnamon. This beer will be on tap this year also.
Wreck The Halls
Full Sail Brewing Co.
Full Sail Brewing Co. has released a bright and bold winter ale. This beer is only brewed in the winter. The company has stayed with its traditional profile of “providing elegant citrus notes balanced by a backdrop of a rich caramel malt body.”
White Christmas
Samuel Adams
Boston Brew Co. released White Christmas late October. This winter brew has a twist of orange zest.
Snow Pilot
Stevens Point Brewery
Stevens Point Brewery has a pistachio nut brown ale. The website described it as, “a blend of victory malt, caramel malt, palisade hops and savory crushed pistachio nuts.” It’s available in stores until the end of January.
Jubelale Winter Ale
Deschutes Brewery
Deschutes Brewery Co. went against the norm with their winter ale. Their brewer notes are cocoa, dried fruit and toffee. This ale has a short season and only available until December.
Winter Warmer
Lancaster Brewing
In this ale, there are “no silly spices.” Lancaster Brewing has created a full-bodied brew with malt richness.
Winter Lager
Samuel Adams
This Lager is bringing bock beer back. You are guaranteed warmth on a winter night and tastings of cinnamon, orange peel, and ginger with this beer.
10 Lords-a-Leaping
The Bruery
This beer from The Bruery Co. stays true to its name and has ten spices in its recipe. The website lists them as coriander, orange peel, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, mace, anise, dried apples, and cloves.
2XMAS Ale
Southern Tier Brewing Co.
Southern Tier Brewing Co. has a traditional winter brew and uses figs, orange peels, cardamom, cinnamon, clove and ginger root. It’s recommended that this beer is only served chilled.
Mad Elf
Troeg Co.
Tröegs Brewing brings in the cheer with their bright cherry brew. The recipe also includes raw honey, cocoa, cinnamon, clove, and allspice. This beer is only available until the end of December.
Celebration IPA
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Celebration is famous for its “intense citrus and pine aromas.” The Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. delivers a classic brew every holiday season.
