This time of year might be my favorite time for beer. First the Oktoberfests roll through then all the winter and Christmas Ales hit the shelves. Of course, the always highly anticipated Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale is in (but won’t be here for long!). Here are some more seasonals you might want to try before they are gone:
Gouden Carolus Noel: Brewed for Christmas by the Anker brewery of Mechelen, established in 1369. It is a Spiced Christmas Belgium Dark Ale, a little maltier than other beers of the same variety but the same hoppy, spicy, high-alcohol flavor you expect.
Delirium Noel: A Spiced Christmas Belgium Strong Dark Ale from Belgium brewed by Brouwerji Huyghe during the holiday season only. This is a hoppy beer with a kick of spice that the Belgium Christmas ales are known for. The finish is long and fruity.
Full Moon Winter Ale, brewed by Coors Brewing Co., is a Belgium-style pale ale. This is smooth, easy-drinking beer that’s a little spicy, a little malty (on the nose), and a little hoppy. Perfect for those who might want to slightly bigger beer for the cold months, but nothing too outside the box. 6 packs $7.99
Boulevard Nutcracker Ale, brewed by the Boulevard Brewing Co. out of Colorado, is a classic winter ale. It’s amber in color with a sweet malty aroma. There is a good hop bite, a nice spicy kick that’s not over powering, and good clean finish. 6 packs $8.49
Sam Adams Winter Lager has a deep brown co or and spicy aroma of ginger and cinnamon. This is a full-flavored, medium-bodied lager that is very drinkable thanks to its low ABV. 6 packs $8.19 12 packs $14.99
Anchor Brewery Merry Christmas and Happy New Year has a dark ruby colored pour with a billowy head. Cloves and cinnamon on the nose with mild hops, caramel, and dried fruit on the palate. This beer comes in magnum sized bottles so be prepared to share this one with a friend. 1.5 mL $13.09
Sam Adams Imperial Pilsner is not exactly a winter beer but is brewed in celebration of Hallertau Mittelfrueh hops, which are harvested every autumn. This is beer lover’s beer. More specifically, this is hop lover’s beer. Quite possibly one of the hoppiest beers in the world, but remains well balanced and easily drinkable. Serve it with food, preferably something spicy. 4 packs $9.79
Leinenkugel’s Fireside Nut Brown is the first seasonal beer for the 141 year old Leinenkugel Brewing Company from in Chippewa Falls, Wis. This nut brown lager has a maple aroma and a pronounced chocolate, caramel and hazelnut flavor This beer just tastes like Christmas! 6 packs $7.69
Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale is a seasonal Anheuser-Busch favorite. It is exactly what you expect: pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon and nutmeg abound. Nice body with good malts and, of course, a sweet finish. 6 packs $7.39
