Holiday Ales
Christmas is, without a doubt, going to look very different this year. Some traditions will have to be curbed, while some new ones created. However, this doesn’t mean you have to forgo the Christmas ales. If anything, this is the one bright spot of the whole ordeal – you get the whole six-pack all to yourself! We know, this isn’t very much in the spirit of Christmas, but we all deserve to be a little selfish in 2020, right?
We’ve compiled a list of a few of our favorite holiday ales for you to try this year, ranging from light to heavy, and sweet to bitter.
2020 marks the 25th anniversary of HIBERNATION ALE, Great Divide Brewing’s celebrated winter tradition since 1995. A classic English-style old ale, they forewent the holiday spices in favor of a robust, dry-hopped ale featuring a malty richness balanced with a complex hop profile. Hearty and warming in character, when winter approaches, it’s time for Hiberation.
ABV: 8.7%
The Ninkasi Sleigh’r is your new favorite après-ski. Under its frothy head is a deep, chocolatey malt flavor that’s sweet and warm, with a lasting bitterness. Like a toasty fire on a dark night. An Alt ferments with Ale yeast at colder lagering temperatures. This effect gives Alts a more refined, crisp lager-like flavor than traditional ales. The Alt has been “Ninkasified” raising the ABV and IBUs. Sleigh’r has a deep, toasted malt flavor that finishes dry and balanced.
ABV: 7.2%
This white IPA is a direct revolt against the longstanding tradition of brewing dark beers for the winter. Crafted with Mosaic and Amarillo hop varietals—and a bit of wheat—this IPA will keep your long nights glowing blizzard white.
ABV: 6.2%
German brewers were onto something centuries ago when they created rich bock beers for the winter. Samuel Admas version is spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and orange peel for a deep flavor and malty finish that will warm you on a cold winter night.
ABV: 5.6%
The start of Celebration season is a festive event. Once the first fresh hops arrive from harvest, the party begins! Celebration was first brewed Celebration in 1981, blazing the path for American-style IPAs and offering a new take on holiday beers, which are often spiced and sweet. Famous for its citrus and pine aromas, Celebration is bold and intense, featuring Cascade, Centennial and Chinook hops—honoring everything at Sierra Nevada.
ABV: 6.8%
Brewed with well water (the original well, sunk in 1758, is still in use with the hard water is drawn from 85 feet underground), the gently roasted organic chocolate malt and organic cocoa impart a delicious, smooth and creamy character, with inviting deep flavours and a delightful finish –
ABV: 5%
We know this one doesn’t qualify as an ale, but we wanted to include something for all of our gluten-free and non-beer loving friends.
Full of magic and wonder, shake with gentle care, and watch the cider glitter with flair! It’s going to be hard to keep this one on the shelf, thanks to the help of our little friend, Tipsy the Elf! Put on your GO-TO holiday tunes and pop open the magic, trust us, One Tree has delivered yet another classic!
ABV: 6.8%
