Ease the stress of the holidays with a festive beer. Whether beer plays the perfect complement for a holiday feast or the saving grace at a grating family reunion, try adding fizzy flavor to this season’s traditions.
And remember: even at the most casual of gatherings, attempt to drink good holiday beer from appropriate glassware.
Just as the flavors in wine are affected by the shape of the glass it’s served in, so are the flavors in beer. Generally, stemmed glasses are good vehicles. For both the Highland Cold Mountain Winter Ale and the Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, pint glasses or tumblers would suffice, too.
When the chaos of the mall or the thousandth rendition of “Santa Baby” get to be too much, relax and grab a refreshing winter brew.
It will make for one tasty break.
Highland Cold Mountain Winter Ale (5.8 percent ABV)— <y winter pick this year is this 2011 ale by Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, N.C.
Highland Cold Mountain Winter Ale
Though the brewing recipe for this beer varies year-to-year, this is generally a malty beer with subtle spiciness. The 2011 version contains hazelnut, raspberry and cranberry extract, along with vanilla beans and cinnamon sticks—pouring a deep, rich amber color with a roast-y smell, with the hazelnut and raspberry scents coming forward.
Vanilla really comes through at the beginning of the sip, with an almost caramel-esque and crisp, fruity after taste.
Though the beer is lightly hopped, there is no forward hop flavor to the beer.
Try pairing Highland Cold Mountain Winter Ale with either a dessert dish, like apple pie.
The brew’s fruity finish would make an excellent pair to a Christmas turkey or a succulent pork loin.
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale (6.8 percent ABV) — If a malty, fruity beer sounds as appetizing as stocking coal, consider a hoppier beverage.
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
While hops are often associated with summer beer, there are a few winter options for hopheads.
One widely available hopped winter brew is the Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, which is brewed especially for the holidays. It’s a bright golden ale that smells piney and citrusy.
It tastes of sharp, bitter hops with the pine notes from the nose resonating in the taste.
Celebration Ale, like many IPAs, pairs well with several different dishes.
Seafood dishes such as salmon and shrimp would work well with the hop flavor in this beer, as would poultry and sharp or spicy cheeses.
