Holiday Cheers with Beers

Thursday, December 09, 2010



Small batch brews have been making a name for themselves over the last few years and I love the seasonal ales that have been sparking up during summer, fall and winter. Over the last few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to indulge (and over-indulge) in some Great Lakes Christmas Ale.

Christmas Ales are very festive for any holiday gathering! Here are a few others that you may consider grabbing a six pack of for your next fete.

Great Lakes Christmas Ale: While I typically just chug my beer, I’m told if you sip this stuff you can taste honey, fresh ginger and cinnamon. Yumm...But catch this one while you can – it’s only available in November and December! Shout out to my girl Lindsay who brought us some of this good stuff fresh from Cleveland, where it is brewed!

Goose Island: Well hello there Chicago beer! It’s nice to hear your name! Goose Island is a popular brewery in the Windy City that makes some delicious beers. While I am a fan of 312 (Chi-town area code), so I would recommend sipping this holiday ale. I am pretty sure I had this before and I think I’ve only spit out one beer in my life, so hey – it’s probably good!

Since we are going all local beer on this post, why not throw in the next one.

St. Nikolaus Bock Bier – Penn Brewing Company Holiday Celebration Beer: A Pittsburgh beer maker, you may only be able to find this in the Steel City. According to the Penn Brewery website, this beer is a very rich, dark bock with subtle tones of chocolate and burnt malt. Without sipping this one, I feel like I could make a sound that best describes my thoughts on its taste. Call me and I’ll sound it out for you.