Must try holiday beers

Mad Elf--Troegs
Ill-Tempered Gnome--Oakshire Brewing

 

Just had a Southern Tier 2XMAS last night. i feel like if you had to describe what Christmas tastes like, this would be it

 

I look forward to Goose Island's Christmas Brown Ale every year. I usually buy a case it's so good. It appears that they are replacing it with a new brown ale, Sixth Day. I just had it last week and I'm still buying a case! It's brewed in Chicago under the watchful eye of their brewmasters, and I am loving it like Christmas morning.

 

Great Lakes - Christmas Ale
Indeed - Old Friend
Boulevard - Nutcracker Ale

 

Corsendonk Christmas Ale rocks!!

 

So it's November, meaning that every brewery out there is wheeling out their special limited-time "Holiday Beer." Which one is the best in your opinion?

Are there any ones that I need to try? I live in the mid-west, tri-state area (Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois) if that helps.

 

Sierra Nevada Celebration does it for me. Spice rack beers don't do much for me, so a lot of the Christmas brews don't make their way to my fridge.

It's not a Christmas beer, but Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout is a very solid winter offering - and after the first of the year Founder's Imperial Stout should start hitting - also great.

 

I'm sure its not the best, but the best that I have had so far this year has been Anchor's Our Special Ale (Christmas Ale). Its spiced, but not overly, dark and rich but easy to drink all night, and I think I taste sassafras in it this year. Maybe I'm crazy...

 

Rogue Santa's Private Reserve. Harpoon Winter Warmer.

 

I like GL Christmas Ale or Sweetwater Festive Ale. I have some SN Celebration to try....

 

While I look forward to SN's Celebration and Anchors Our Special Ale every year, it's Sam's Old Fezziwig that is my favorite. Can't wait to buy to buy a whole 12 pack to just get two Fezziwigs again (Sarcasm? Yes.) but it is getting a little old. For the love of God and all that I hold holy, why can't we get Old Fezziwig in six packs or even 12 packs? Jim?

 

I really liked the new Kasteel Winter Ale, though initially it took me by surprise. I was expecting a Belgian strong ale of sorts, but what this is is actually closer to an Imperial English Porter- lots of coffee/chocolate character, fruity esters like dates and berries, nice lean body. Pretty elegant for the strength, too; I had no idea it was 11% until after the fact, and wouldn't have believed it if you told me at the time. Definitely one for a chilly winter night.

 

I too look forward to Old Fezziwig every holiday season, however as stated above you have to buy a twelve pack just to get two of them. I also enjoy Alesmith's Yulesmith winter and Sam Smiths Winter Welcome.

 

I bought some Old Fezziwegs without the rest of the pack because some places here do singles or mix packs. Don't have that by you? I used to enjoy the Sam Winter mix but this year's didn't seem too great, what with the cherry bock and no holiday porter.

 

The one that you have in your hand right now!
Otherwise I'll 2nd the emotion for SN Celebration Ale.
Lagunitas Brown Shugga has finally made an appearance in western WI
Just not sure about the tenure of it's availability.
Lakefronts' Holiday Spice is the creme de le creme that I'm waiting for.

 

I am a fan of hibernator by long trail. It just brings me back to the good ol' days.

 

Some places around here will sell singles but will not let you break open a brewery's pre-packaged offerings. The one place that does allow that is about 45 minutes each way and, as of right now, I don't need the Fezzi's that badly. Yet.

 

New Holland Cabin Fever - criminally underrated
Celebration of course
Andersen Valley Winter Solstice

Really excited to try my bottle of Ommegang Adoration too I have high hopes.

 

Special release aside, I am split between SN Celebration and Deschutes Jubelale

 

I just had Ommegang Adoration for the first time this year. I forgot how great that beer is! And this time it's available in 4 packs......