Tis the season, folks – I can’t believe it’s already here and we’re wrapping up another year. With that comes one of the most underrated aspects of the season. We know about all the treats, but how about those beers, baby?!?! Outside of Oktoberfest/pumpkin season, Christmas brings the best selection of seasonal beers. I love it – Leinenkugels Snowdrift Vanilla Porter, New Belgium’s Accumulation, Yuengling’s Hershey’s Porter. I can’t get enough, and yes, I’m even enough of a basic bitch to turn up a few Sam Adams Winter Lagers! Actually, now that I stop to think about it, that was the Christmas beer that started it all for me.
Anyway, I got together with Brittany Fernandez and Pat Artus recently to film some beer reviews for the upcoming SoBros Network Holiday Special, and I figured I’d share my thoughts on a few of the beers I tried with ’em behind the scenes. I also got my hands on the Hutton & Smith Christmas release and am just generally stoked to talk about that one as well. Maybe you’ll find something you want to try on my list – let’s give it a go, shall we?
New Beers to Try This Holiday Season
Harpoon’s Winter Warmer – Harpoon offered up a stinker in the fall beer category with the Dunkin’ beers (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, head to our YouTube page and watch the fall beer tasting), but they have totally redeemed themselves with this one. It’s one of the best holiday beers I’ve ever had. It’s malty and formidable, but it has the nicest subtle holiday spice to it…cinnamon and nutmeg…that makes it a light and enjoyable drink. It’ll sneak up on you if you’re not careful.
Hutton & Smith’s Cruxmas – See what I wrote about Harpoon’s Winter Warmer, and then raise it with hints of vanilla and chocolate and a much more full-bodied (you can read that as ‘heavy’ if you want – fair warning) experience. A solid addition to any holiday rotation, but we should know by now that Hutton & Smith never disappoint.
Abita Christmas Ale – I think I was higher on this one than Brittany and Pat were, but I’m a sucker for a good, rich, and Earthy brown ale. This beer has Christmas tree vibes like no other beer I’ve ever had, and I was a huge fan of it. If you’re wanting something to get you out of the sweet-and-spice that is all over the place this time of year, Abita’s Christmas Ale is your beer.
Brooklyn Brewery’s Winter IPA – Another brewery that isn’t going to let you down, I love what Brooklyn Brewery did with their Winter IPA. IPAs rule – I know they’re not for everyone, but it’s probably my favorite beer (that, or a good Oktoberfest). In this one, you’re really going to get the juniper notes, which make for an excellent complement in an IPA. But, I think it’s the subtle blood orange flavor that gives it a little zest that makes it stand out.
Be sure to tune in to the SoBros Network’s Holiday Special, airing LIVE on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube on Tuesday 12/6/22 at 8PM CST! See our very own Brittany Fernandez sit down with Pat Artus of Quick Sixer Podcast to try some of the holiday beers mentioned in this very article.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley.
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