‘Tis the season to start drinking. Do we really need a reason? It’s the coziest time of the year and Christmas is right around the corner. Why not bring in the holiday cheer with some seasonal Christmas beers? (Hey, we rhymed!)
So grab your best Santa hat and cozy up next to the fire — or the video of a Yule Log you found on Youtube — and crack open of these festive ales (or stouts).
12 Christmas Beers That Will Make Your Holiday More Jolly
1. Rogue Santa’s Private Reserve (8.34% ABV)
Rogue Ales and Spirits, Newport, OR
We decided to kick off our beer list with a beer so good it could even get the Grinch into the holiday spirit. Every year, Rogue Ales and Spirits comes out with a Santa’s Private Reserve, courtesy of St. Nick himself. (Turns out Kris Kringle is quite the brewmaster.) This year’s brew is a peppermint bark milk stout. And, rumor has it, the peppermint bark is fresh off the trees from the North Pole. Available here.
2. Boulevard Snow & Tell (6.3% ABV)
Boulevard Brewing Company, Kansas City, MO
Snow & Tell is a Scotch Ale, with hints of toffee and caramel and a subtle spiciness. One sip of this Christmas beer and you’ll be able to see snow all around you… unless if you live in Southern California. It’s available exclusively in their Fall 2020 sample pack.
3. Breckenridge Holidale (10.7% ABV)
Breckenridge Brewery, Littleton, CO
In need of a gift this season? Well Holidale may be the perfect choice. Breckenridge aged this beer in whiskey barrels to give it a toasted biscuit flavor with hints of caramel. It’s the perfect way to tell someone you’re thinking about them, or if you drink enough of it, forgetting about them. Available here.
4. Golden Road Christmas Cart (6.0% ABV)
Golden Road Brewing, Los Angeles, CA
Whatever a Christmas cart is, we want it. This ale is a special holiday fruit version of the classic Golden Road “Cart.” If you love something sweet, tart, and full of spices, then this is the beer for you. If not, we definitely don’t recommend eating the potpourri.
5. Great Lakes Christmas Ale (7.5% ABV)
Great Lakes Brewing Co., Cleveland, OH
Looking for a beer that will match your ugly Christmas sweater? Well, according to Great Lakes Brewing Co., their Christmas Ale is the perfect compliment. Its flavor features a blend of honey and holiday spices, something we know Santa would approve of, because we asked him and he said yes. Available here.
6. St. Bernardus Christmas Ale (10.0% ABV)
St. Bernardus Brewery, Watou, Belgium
This dark ale tastes just like a fruitcake. Except this is one you don’t want to catapult off the side of a mountain. Now excuse us because we have to finish sanding this thing before Christmas Day.
Available here.
7. Delirium Noël (Christmas)(10.0% ABV)
Huyghe Brewery, Melle, Belgium
Delirium is known for their high ABV brews and their Noël ale keeps that reputation going. Noël is very spicy and slightly bitter, but good things come to those who wait. The aftertaste brings in a sweetness, just like the upcoming New Year or at least the thought of getting through this one. Available here.
8. Anchor Christmas Ale (7.0% ABV)
Anchor Brewing, San Francisco, CA
If you want to go for something classic, then the Anchor Christmas Ale is the one for you. Anchor first brewed their annual ale in 1975, and it was the first ale of its kind since Prohibition. This smooth Christmas beer has flavors of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers. It’s s’mores in a bottle, without the fire and the accidental burning of your hair. Available here.
9. Tröegs Mad Elf Ale (11.0% ABV)
Tröegs Independent Brewing, Hershey, PA
We aren’t even at the highest ABV yet, but Mad Elf Ale lives up to its name. Enjoy this Belgian ale that has hints of cherry, honey, and cocoa, and it won’t be long until your inner elf ends up on the naughty list. Available here.
10. Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale (6.8% ABV)
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, CA
This IPA is the hoppy twist you need this holiday season. Celebration Ale is a bold version of a classic seasonal ale. It features a unique aroma of citrus and pine. No need for a Christmas candle this year. Simply crack open one of these and bring the forest to you, without all of the pine needles to sweep up and the wax to digest. Available here.
11. Samuel Smith Winter Welcome (6.0% ABV)
Samuel Smith Old Brewery, Tadcaster, United Kingdom
We couldn’t make a list about beer without bringing the U.K. into the conversation. This Yorkshire seasonal beer is a caramel malt. Plus it’s certified vegan in case you were worried about that. Available here.
12. Scaldis Noël (12.0% ABV)
Dubuisson Brewery, Hainaut, Belgium
Scaldis Noël closes out our list with an impressive ABV of 12.0%. It features a caramel malt, with a full, fruity taste. This beer is brewed in limited volumes so get it before we drink it all! Available here.
Katie is a fierce competitor when it comes to trivia and can often be found at bar trivia/pub quiz nights around L.A. She hates losing. Just ask her ex-teammates and ex-friends.
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