A Beery Christmas To Me

We all know the wonderful selection of brews that the holidays bring, but it gets even better when that selection enters your home and makes itself cozy in your fridge. A couple trips down the beer aisle and some generous gifts from friends around the country have lead to a fridge full of holiday cheer and new beers I have yet to try. Here’s what I have in the fridge for Christmas.

We’ll tackle this list from the left to right.

Firestone Walker Double Barrel Ale-I’ve heard good things about Firestone Walker and it wasn’t until recently that I tried their Reserve. Generally, they steal the show at festivals with their barrel aging and blending of beers. To me it seems like a wine or bourbon makers take on brewing beer and their Reserve is fantastic, so I look forward to trying this one. Big ups to “El Nacho Grande” Dan in Pennsylvania for sending me a Christmas pack of 6 beers that included this one. Also in the pack were Lost Coast’s Alley Cat and Great White, Alaska’s Amber Lager, St. Stan’s Red Sky Ale, and Sequoia’s Moto Brew Black Lager.

Great Divide Brewing Co. Yeti Imperial Stout- What can I say but “Fantastic.” Black, rich, sweet, and incredibly big. I place this beer up there with the imperial stouts by Stone and North Coast. Another Christmas gift (two four-packs), this one came from Dave in Denver. Originally the plan was for the oak aged version, but Dave doesn’t drink beer (I’m working on him), and made an honest mistake. Either way, incredible gift Dave.

Moylan’s White Christmas Belgian Style Wit- The wife and I have friends in Novato, where Moylan’s brewpub is located. We occasionally stop in for what is always good brews and good food. Unfortunately, this comes at a high price and I always felt the places came off as a little pretentious, but it is in Marin County, so what can you expect? Haven’t tried this one yet, but have high hopes for it. Thankfully, Moylan’s beers leave the pretension at the pub and go down smooth at home.

Affligem Noel - I know absolutely nothing about this beer, and that is why I chose it. I was talking to Wes while browsing the beer aisle and had the choice between this and Full Sail’s Wrecked the Halls. Full Sail is a decent brewery but Wes didn’t seem to excited about the beer when he had it so I went with something new. Seems it is brewed by the same folks that brew Heineken. I’ll try not to think about that when I bring this with me for Christmas dinner to the in-laws.

Lagunitas’ Lumpy Gravy- Part 2 in the 8 part Zappa series from Lagunitas. Kill Ugly Radio was fantastic, so I expect another good showing with this one. All I know is the alcohol content is labeled as 7.2%. I will share more when I know more.

Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome Ale - Always a favorite of the holidays. I don’t think I really need to say more. Looking forward to see what is in store for this year. If you’ve never had a Sam Smith’s Winter Welcome, go out and start a tradition.

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale - Now this is a beer that can spark a debate. There are some who love Celebration Ale. I know of at least one pub that stocks old kegs to drink the following year, and year after that, and year after that, etc. until, well, there are no more kegs. Others think Sierra Nevada has sold it’s soul to the man, compromising quality brewing for profits. I have to admit, I fell in the latter bunch for a few years. Maybe it was overexposure to the Pale Ale, but Sierra Nevada lost me for a few years. Recently I’ve come back. Still, I look for other options to the Pale Ale, but I was excited to see Celebration Ale this year. My mother-in-law must have noticed and bought me a case of it. To be fair, I said we’d keep it at her house. I may have smuggled a few back to my fridge, but there are still a handful left for Christmas day.

Well, there you go. I hope you can bring home a few holiday inspired beverages and have a Merry Christmas.