Celebrate the Holidays with Good Cheer and Even Better Beer

The chaos of the holidays can be enough to drive even the most laid-back person into a frenzy. Which is why it’s important to find a way to create balance during the madness of the season. And what better way to do that than by taking the time to kick back with a delightful seasonal craft beer?

The following are a few of our favorite winter brews – guaranteed to have you feeling extra merry and bright.

Samuel Adams Winter Lager (5.6% ABV)

This rich, bock-style beer is ideal for a cold winter’s night. Spiced with cinnamon, ginger and orange peel, the Sam Adams Winter Lager features excellent drinkability with a deep flavor and malty finish that will please both lager and IPA lovers alike.

Old Man Winter, Southern Tier Brewing Company (7.5% ABV)

Southern Tier Brewing Company’s Old Man Winter is rich with roasted grains, malts and hops. It features a bold flavor with a complex finish that lingers nicely on the palette. But be forewarned: the smooth drinkability can be deceptive, so you’ll want to pace yourself – or risk feeling the wrath of Old Man Winter.

Merry Monks, Weyerbacher Brewing Company (9.3% ABV)

Another seasonal favorite that packs quite a punch, Merry Monks is a Belgian-style Tripel that combines pilsner malt with an Abbey yeast strain. With notes of spice, banana and pear, this brew features a sweet beginning followed by a spicy finish.

Samuel Adams White Christmas (5.8% ABV)

White Christmas is a unique brew that combines the flavor of crisp wheat with traditional warming spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg and orange peel. The distinctive combination creates a nice contrast that makes for a refreshing, flavorful winter brew.

Last Snow, Funky Buddha (6.4% ABV)

Located in Boca Raton, Florida, Funky Buddha Brewery released the Last Snow Coconut and Coffee Porter as an ode to winter in the Sunshine State. This porter is a rich, creamy mix of coconut and freshly roasted coffee, with notes of brown sugar, sweet malt and molasses. Often referred to as ‘liquid Almond Joy’, Funky Buddha’s Last Snow is truly a treat for the taste buds.

Celebration, Sierra Nevada (6.8% ABV)

Sierra Nevada prides itself in offering one of the earliest examples of an American-style IPA – and one of the few hop-forward holiday brews – with the Celebration Ale. Known for its intense citrus and pine aromas, Celebration lacks the spices that are common in many winter warmers, yet maintains a bold, intense flavor thanks to the variety of bittering and finishing hops featured in this crowd-pleasing IPA.