Best Christmas Beers To Try This Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with a cold beer in hand? Christmas beers, also known as winter warmers or holiday ales, are a special category of brews that are perfect for the season. These beers are often made with warming spices, rich malts, and a hint of sweetness, making them the perfect companion for cozying up by the fire or enjoying with friends and family.

With so many great Christmas beers out there, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've put together a list of the best Christmas beers to try this holiday season. From classic winter warmers to more modern takes on the style, these beers are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Traditional Christmas Beers

When it comes to traditional Christmas beers, there are a few styles that stand out. These beers are often made with a focus on warming spices, rich malts, and a hint of sweetness.

Some popular traditional Christmas beers include:

• Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome: This English ale is a classic example of a winter warmer, with a rich, malty flavor and a hint of spices.
• Anchor Christmas Ale: This San Francisco-based brewery has been making a Christmas ale since 1975, and it's a perennial favorite among beer enthusiasts. The beer features a complex blend of spices and a rich, malty flavor.
• Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale: This California-based brewery's Christmas ale is a bit more modern in style, with a focus on citrusy hops and a crisp, refreshing flavor.

Belgian Christmas Beers

Belgian brewers are known for their creative and delicious takes on traditional beer styles, and Christmas beers are no exception. These beers often feature complex blends of spices and a focus on yeast-driven flavors.

Some popular Belgian Christmas beers include:

• Westvleteren 12: This quadrupel-style ale is brewed by the Trappist monks at the St. Sixtus Abbey in Belgium. It features a rich, complex flavor with notes of dark fruit, spices, and a hint of sweetness.
• St. Bernardus Christmas Ale: This Belgian brewery's Christmas ale is a bit more straightforward in style, with a focus on rich malts and a hint of spices.
• Gouden Carolus Christmas: This Belgian brewery's Christmas ale is a bit more modern in style, with a focus on citrusy hops and a crisp, refreshing flavor.

Modern Christmas Beers

In recent years, breweries have started to experiment with new and innovative takes on the traditional Christmas beer style. These beers often feature unique ingredients and flavor combinations.

Some popular modern Christmas beers include:

• Dogfish Head Olde School Barleywine: This Delaware-based brewery's barleywine is a bit of a departure from traditional Christmas beers, with a focus on rich, complex flavors and a hint of hops.
• The Bruery's 6 Geese a-Laying: This California-based brewery's Christmas ale is a bit more experimental in style, with a focus on unique ingredients like gooseberries and a hint of spices.
• Stone Brewing's Xocoveza: This California-based brewery's winter ale is a bit of a departure from traditional Christmas beers, with a focus on rich, complex flavors and a hint of spices.

Christmas Beer Food Pairings

One of the best things about Christmas beers is the way they pair with holiday foods. From roasted meats to sweet treats, there's a Christmas beer to pair with just about anything.

Some popular Christmas beer food pairings include:

• Roasted turkey or ham with a rich, malty Christmas ale like Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome
• Sweet treats like gingerbread or sugar cookies with a spicy, warming Christmas ale like Anchor Christmas Ale
• Rich, savory dishes like beef stew or lamb shanks with a complex, hoppy Christmas ale like Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale

Conclusion

With so many great Christmas beers out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you're a fan of traditional winter warmers or more modern takes on the style, there's a Christmas beer out there for you. So why not try something new this holiday season? Grab a few bottles or cans of your favorite Christmas beers and get ready to toast the season in style!

We'd love to hear from you! What's your favorite Christmas beer? Let us know in the comments below.