I am usually a wine drinker, but sometimes nothing hits the spot like a cold beer. Right now is my favorite time of year for a cold beer because there are a lot of seasonal brews out there. My absolute favorite is Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale.
(Image: The Perfectly Happy Man)
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale is a rich, creamy, and robust brew with an intense seasonal aroma. I don’t think this is a beer you can drink a whole 6 pack of, rather a beer that you can pair with food and enjoy the experience. It is a strong beer and would pair very well with turkey or a steak. You can pick it up in our area at Wegman’s or Costco or on draft at Fire Works Pizza in Arlington.
Sweetwater Tavern also brews many seasonal ales that you can enjoy at the restaurant or take home in your very own growler. Some of Sweetwater’s seasonal varieties include Happy Trails Christmas Ale, Sidewinder Holiday Bock, and St. Nick’s Weizenbock.
If you aren’t a beer drinker, there are many varieties out there that you will probably warm up to. Samuel Adams has a Winter Lager that is an easy one to try. It has a hint of citrus and flavors of ginger and cinnamon. Samuel Adams Winter Lager pairs well with Thai food or other spicy dishes which also makes it one of my favorites.
Samuel Adams also offers many other seasonal brews including Old Fezziwig Ale, Holiday Porter, and Cranberry Lambic. You can try all of these in the Samuel Adams Winter Classics Variety pack available at many grocery stores.
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Whatever your favorite beer, there is sure to be a seasonal ale out there that you will enjoy. Try one while they are still available, the holidays usually come and go in a flash.
-Liz Stevenson