We've mentioned ad nauseum our love for the holiday season. Now that its over we're feeling a little depressed. Lifting our lulled spirits however is the fact that some of our favorite holiday beers are still around! Here are the beers that we're drinking while reliving the joyful memories of opening that wort chiller that was left for us under the tree by Santa because we were really good beer chicks this year.
Samichlaus Bier - originally brewed by Hurlimann Brewery Rheinfelden, Switzerland Want a little warming up on a cold winter night? Only want to have one seasonal ale? This one is it. Samichlaus ("Santa Claus" in Swiss-German dialect) is brewed every year on December 6th, St. Nicholas' Day. The delicious lager is then matured an entire year before being released the following December. At 14% alcohol by volume, this beer was once the world's strongest lager and has been listed in The Guinness Book of Records. But don't shy away. Samichlaus has a smooth creaminess with brandy, cherry flavors and spice. Yum.
Deus Brut de Flandres - Brouwerij Bosteels - Buggenhout, Belgium This beer isn't necessarily a winter ale, but if you want to bring a fabulous gift that nobody other than a beer aficionado would know, or you want something special to lift your post holiday blues, the Deus Brut des Flandres is the way to go. This divine drink combines the best of two production methods. Using techniques developed over centuries of brewing, first the beer is brewed in Belgium, then the ale is matured and refined in the champagne region of France, using ancestral Champagne making techniques. This beer makes us want to celebrate.
Deschutes Jubelale - Bend, Oregon Hailing from the Northwest US brewing mecca, Jubelale calls itself an "apres ski brew." Perfect for a gathering of family and friends, Jubelale is a strong festive ale characterized by a large malty body balanced with hop bitterness. Jubelale is available around the first of October through the holidays.
Unibroue Quelque Chose - Chambly, Quebec This is really cool. Quelque Chose is strong cherry ale that is to be consumed hot! You can pop the cork and warm it in a hot water bath on the stove or pour it in a microwave safe dish (the horror) and pop it in the microwave for 2 minutes. Warm, sweet, tart and still effervescent this beer is amazing sitting by the fire, winding up the evening, a perfect after dinner drink. "Quelque Chose" is a popular French-Canadian expression that is used like "That's something!"
