The Holidays aren’t complete without the cheers and beers of the season. This week, let’s take a look at the Holiday Beers, what makes them different, and one you surely need to try.
Holiday beers. These aren’t just your normal run of the mill, everyday brews. These are something special. Most are made with more ABV (alcohol by volume) for starters. The beers go anywhere from 7 to 12% ABV.
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“With higher ABV, these beers are meant to be savored, not quaffed, and thus consumed over a longer period of time,” said Chris Barry, CEO of Coolaz.
Savor these treasures, especially because they only come around for a few months, once a year.
Popular holiday flavors include peppermint, nutmeg, and cinnamon, flavors we don’t necessarily get other times of the year. So, when making the best holiday beer, you still want to taste the actual beer, so go light.
Why are these beers only out for certain months of the year? Flavors and seasons. Craft beers share our seasons. Each one having something special about the season we are in. Also, Pumpkin beer is big in the fall seasons and does trail through to Christmas.
Holiday beers shouldn’t be served ice cold.
“While 45°F is warm enough to release the distinctive aromas and flavors of a hearty holiday beer, he says, someone living in more temperate southern climates might enjoy the beer a bit cooler, especially since it will warm up in the glass with each satisfying sip” according to Gary Glancy of Craftbeer.com
More and more brewers are coming out with holiday styles, so we have dozens of flavors and types to choose from.
Try my favorite, Santa’s Private Reserve by Rogue Ales. Red ale which has the weird yet crisp taste of a Christmas Tree.
Monkeys Fighting Robots own Matt Sarbo is a fan of the Winter Lager by Sam Adams.
Finally, If you’re into the dark and rich, go for Sleigh’r by Ninkasi. Super malty, and helps you ring in the Christmas spirit at 7.2%
All the websites I have linked, tell you the information about the beer, as well as when you can get it. Most are through December or January, so get to drinking!
Happy Holidays Beer Snobs!
Have a craft beer and enjoy the season.
