13 Best Craft Beers for Winter Holiday Celebrations

What better way to toast to the season than with a glass of craft beer? Many breweries offer seasonal brews that embrace the flavors of winter, from spicy, malty ales to bold, hoppy IPAs. These craft beers are made to pair perfectly with hearty meals, sweet desserts, and the joyful atmosphere of the season. Let me show you these exceptional craft beers that are ideal for your winter holiday festivities. From renowned brewers to local favorites, these beers are sure to bring holiday cheer to your gatherings.

Bell’s Christmas Ale

Bell’s Christmas Ale is a warm, spiced beer that truly encapsulates the essence of the holiday season. Brewed with a combination of caramel malts and a blend of festive spices like ginger and cinnamon, this spiced ale offers a rich and aromatic profile perfect for winter celebrations. With an ABV of 7.5%, it’s strong enough to provide warmth without overpowering the palate. The malt-forward flavor is complemented by a subtle sweetness, making it a great pairing for holiday treats like gingerbread cookies or pecan pie. This seasonal favorite brings a cozy feeling with each sip, evoking images of snow-covered nights and festive gatherings. Whether you’re sitting by the fire or enjoying a holiday dinner, Bell’s Christmas Ale adds an extra touch of cheer.

Great Lakes Brewing Company Christmas Ale

A holiday staple in the craft beer world, Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Christmas Ale is an absolute must for winter festivities. This spiced amber ale, with an ABV of 7.5%, is brewed with honey, cinnamon, and ginger, giving it a warming, sweet-spicy flavor profile that’s ideal for colder weather. Its smooth malt backbone is balanced with the warmth of the spices, creating a beer that feels both comforting and celebratory. This beer is perfect for pairing with rich winter stews, roasted meats, and even sugary holiday desserts like fruitcake. The combination of flavors evokes the holiday spirit, making it a top choice for toasting with friends and family. If you’re looking for a beer that fits seamlessly into the festive season, this one is hard to beat.

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale

Sierra Nevada’s Celebration Ale is a perfect winter seasonal brew that captures the essence of the holidays with its robust flavor profile. This India Pale Ale (IPA) offers a complex blend of pine, citrus, and caramel, making it a great choice for those who appreciate bold, hop-forward beers. With an ABV of 6.8%, it’s strong enough to enjoy with hearty winter dishes but not overwhelming. Its crisp finish pairs well with both turkey and festive appetizers. The use of Cascade and Centennial hops gives it a festive aroma reminiscent of a winter forest. This beer is a reliable crowd-pleaser, especially for fans of hoppy brews.

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA

For those who enjoy a balanced and well-rounded IPA, Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA is a must-try during the holidays. This brew, with an ABV of 6%, features an impressive blend of earthy hops and malt sweetness that provides a smooth drinking experience. The 60-minute boil method gives the beer a full-bodied flavor without being overly bitter, making it a great pairing for both light appetizers and richer dishes like prime rib. Its moderate bitterness is balanced by a hint of citrus and pine, evoking the feeling of crisp winter nights. Whether shared by the fireplace or served at a holiday dinner, this beer is versatile and enjoyable.

Founders Breakfast Stout

Founders Breakfast Stout is a rich, full-bodied stout that’s perfect for cozy winter mornings or post-dinner indulgence. With an ABV of 8.3%, it’s packed with roasted coffee and chocolate flavors, reminiscent of a holiday dessert. The addition of oatmeal lends a creamy texture, creating a smooth mouthfeel that pairs perfectly with a variety of seasonal treats. Notes of vanilla and brown sugar emerge as the beer warms, making it an excellent companion to rich holiday desserts like pecan pie or chocolate cake. For those who enjoy strong, dark beers, this stout provides the warmth and depth needed for a festive gathering.

The Alchemist Heady Topper

Known as one of the most sought-after beers in the craft world, The Alchemist’s Heady Topper is a double IPA that delivers an explosion of tropical fruit flavors balanced with a sturdy malt backbone. With an ABV of 8%, Heady Topper features notes of pineapple, mango, and grapefruit, offering a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of winter foods. It has a smooth, silky mouthfeel and a bit of bitterness that lingers without overwhelming the palate. This beer pairs beautifully with salty snacks or grilled meats, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a bold IPA during the holiday season. Its limited availability only adds to its charm, making it a special treat for any holiday celebration.

Sam Adams Winter Lager

Sam Adams Winter Lager is a traditional winter beer that features a deep malt profile with rich caramel and toasty flavors. This bock-style beer, with an ABV of 5.6%, has a smooth, full-bodied mouthfeel that makes it perfect for colder months. The addition of spices like cinnamon and ginger adds complexity without overpowering the malt character. This brew pairs wonderfully with hearty winter dishes like roasted meats, sausages, or even a savory bread pudding. Its warming qualities and balanced flavor make it a crowd-pleasing choice for any holiday celebration.

New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin

New Belgium’s Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin is a unique seasonal offering that blends the flavors of pumpkin and spice with a touch of heat. With an ABV of 6.4%, this spiced beer includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of chili peppers, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their holiday beer. The pumpkin flavor adds a subtle sweetness, while the spices give it a rich, comforting finish. This beer pairs beautifully with rich, creamy dishes like mashed potatoes or pumpkin pie. It’s an adventurous and memorable option for those seeking a more unconventional holiday brew.

Stone Brewing Xocoveza

Stone Brewing’s Xocoveza is a mocha stout that combines flavors of chocolate, coffee, vanilla, cinnamon, and a touch of chili, making it a festive and rich winter offering. With an ABV of 8.1%, this beer offers a dessert-like experience in a glass, perfect for sipping by the fire. The deep, roasty flavors are complemented by a slight warmth from the chili, which adds a unique twist to the traditional stout profile. Its complexity makes it an excellent choice for pairing with dark chocolate, spiced cookies, or even a charcuterie board with bold cheeses. Xocoveza is ideal for those looking to enjoy a flavorful and indulgent beer during the winter holidays.

Shiner Holiday Cheer

Shiner’s Holiday Cheer is a fruit-forward ale with an ABV of 5.4%, featuring peach and pecan flavors that bring a Southern flair to the holiday season. This smooth amber beer is lightly spiced, with hints of toasty malt, making it an ideal complement to savory and sweet dishes alike. The peach and pecan notes are subtle but provide a refreshing contrast to the heavier, spiced winter ales. Whether enjoyed with roasted meats or served alongside a pecan pie, this beer brings warmth and joy to the celebration. It’s a great option for those seeking a fruitier, lighter alternative during the holiday season.

Lagunitas Brown Shugga’

Lagunitas’ Brown Shugga’ is a strong, malty ale with a rich, caramel sweetness and a kick of hop bitterness. With an ABV of 9.9%, it’s a bold beer that stands up to the heavy, rich flavors often found in winter holiday dishes. The beer’s complex malt profile is balanced by a hoppy finish, making it an excellent pairing for roasted meats or strong cheeses. Its high alcohol content and warming qualities make it a great choice for sipping slowly by the fire. The deep amber color and rich body of this beer make it visually appealing and perfect for festive occasions.

Deschutes Jubelale

Deschutes Jubelale is a winter warmer that offers a rich, malty flavor with notes of toffee, caramel, and a hint of spice. With an ABV of 6.7%, this seasonal beer is a perfect choice for colder nights and winter gatherings. The deep, amber color and full-bodied mouthfeel make it a standout beer for holiday dinners or casual celebrations. It pairs wonderfully with roast meats, hearty stews, or even a cheese platter with sharp cheeses. Its well-balanced flavor profile and subtle spicing make it a great all-around winter beer.

Victory Wintertime Stout

Victory Brewing Company’s Wintertime Stout is the ideal brew for those who crave a rich, full-bodied stout to accompany their winter celebrations. This dark, robust beer boasts a deep chocolate flavor complemented by notes of espresso, roasted malt, and a hint of winter spices. With an ABV of 7.5%, it’s the perfect strength for sipping by the fire after a festive meal. The bold bitterness from the roasted malt balances beautifully with the beer’s smooth, creamy mouthfeel, creating a warming sensation that’s perfect for cold evenings. This stout pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like braised meats or creamy winter stews, as well as decadent desserts like chocolate torte or cheesecake.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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