Winter/Christmas Beers

[dantzig]

Of all of the seasonal varieties, Christmas/winter beers are by far my favorite. I love the rich mix of malts, hops, and spices and they're usually higher than average on the ABV to provide that nice warming effect.

As such, I've been making it a point to drink every winter/Christmas beer that I can get my hands on. So far, here is my list in order of preference:

1. Schlafly Christmas Ale - Everything a good winter beer should be. 8% ABV but you can't even tell. Excellent balance of flavors.
2. Breckenridge Christmas Ale - Almost as good as the Schlafly but with more malt and less hops.
3. Sam Adams Winter Lager - I usually don't like lagers but this is an exception. A bit low on the ABV but nice flavor.
4. Boulevard Nutcracker Ale - Especially good on tap and readily available where I live, this is a staple for me.
5. Rogue Santa's Private Reserve - Quite hoppy but with a lower ABV. This is one of my favorite beers from Rogue but I prefer other Christmas beers for the price.
6. Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale - This is a very good beer but is far too hoppy for a winter/Christmas beer, IMO. I'd like this more in the spring or summer.

What are your favorite winter/Christmas beers?

[newcigarz]

Originally Posted by dantzig

6. Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale

I just picked up a 12 pk of this. Very good IMHO.

[newcigarz]

I also love the stores this time of year, beacuse they do alot of sampler/gift packs. Got a nice sampler of Sammy Smiths with a pint glass.

[tnip23]

I have had the sam adams-not much going on there imho, the rogue-ok,but i did not find it very hoppy, and the sierra nevada, very hoppy but also balanced, i like it in moderation. here are a few others i like.
1. Troeg's mad elf(harrisburg,pa) a belgian triple style (11%) brewed with cherries and honey. very good this year, in moderation of course.
2. Clipper City Winter Storm (baltimore) an imperial esb, very hoppy it grows on you.
3. Snow Goose winter ale (baltimore) haven't had it this year. in the past it's been an excellent example at times of what a winter ale should be, a hoppy strong ale. it's also had it's down times as the brewery has changed brewers.

[burninator]

I had last year's SN Celebration. It was really good, though I don't usually drink pales, especially ones that hoppy. I'm with you, though. I usually like a beer like that in the warmer months.

Drinking a Sam Adams Winter Lager right now. I understand it's exceptionally good compared to offerings from previous years. I have to say this is really good. I'm a fan of wheat lagers, and this one delivers the malty flavor that I love in a good beer, particularly this time of year.

I'm looking forward to trying the "Festive" from Sweetwater in the next couple of weeks.

[newmanium79]

Originally Posted by dantzig

3. Sam Adams Winter Lager - I usually don't like lagers but this is an exception. A bit low on the ABV but nice flavor.

I too enjoy this beer! Just picked some up. the others I've never seen nor heard of, but now you have me googling them!! You may have just given me some ideas for the hotel after the xmas party im going to this saturday night.

[Stick]

Great Lakes Christmas Ale is excellent, but I'd have to say my favorite is Three Floyd's Alpha Klaus. It's hoppy and pine-needly.

[jdbwolverines]

Leinenkugel Big Butt - it a really malty and flavorful doppelbock

[carbonbased_al]

Only tried the Sam Adams Winter lager, and the Smuttynose Holiday release. Neither had me jumping through hoops to be honest.

[AAlmeter]

Samiclaus (sp?) and Ayinger Celebrator (not really a Christmas beer, but the bar I frequent always gets it for Christmass)

The SN Celebration is pretty good too.

I'm looking forward to trying the Great lakes, i like a lot of their beers.

[TEAK]

Full Moon Ale, its Blue Moon Ale's winter ale. Pretty tasty stuff, its odd but you are supposed to drink it with an orange wedge in it.

[kas]

Troeg's is definitely good. I've had some at my brother's in Reading, Pa. He drives to Harrisburg just to buy the stuff. Have also had Snow Goose when I lived in Md. Very nice as well.

Originally Posted by tnip23

I have had the sam adams-not much going on there imho, the rogue-ok,but i did not find it very hoppy, and the sierra nevada, very hoppy but also balanced, i like it in moderation. here are a few others i like.
1. Troeg's mad elf(harrisburg,pa) a belgian triple style (11%) brewed with cherries and honey. very good this year, in moderation of course.
2. Clipper City Winter Storm (baltimore) an imperial esb, very hoppy it grows on you.
3. Snow Goose winter ale (baltimore) haven't had it this year. in the past it's been an excellent example at times of what a winter ale should be, a hoppy strong ale. it's also had it's down times as the brewery has changed brewers.

[awsmith4]

Sweetwater Festive Ale is one of my yearly favorites

[RJT]

Originally Posted by TEAK

Full Moon Ale, its Blue Moon Ale's winter ale. Pretty tasty stuff, its odd but you are supposed to drink it with an orange wedge in it.

Also like the Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale that comes out around Halloween thru Christmas.

[Cheeto]

I picked up a six-pack of Shiner's Dunkelweizen today, it's their winter beer, I think. Haven't tried it yet though.