I think most people associate ‘holiday/christmas/winter’ beers as being over-the-top, spicy, dark!, and too heavy…gross! (usually in the tone of someone’s nagging girlfriend). And a lot of them are.

But lets get to the point. Here’s a ‘holiday/christmas/winter/CELEBRATION‘ beer that isn’t any of those things…

“A special ale for the holidays. Featuring the first hops of the growing season, this pioneering IPA is full of complex flavors and aromas from the generous use of whole cone American hops”

This beer is simply the best. Hands down. The perfect companion for the holidays. No thrills, no shrills, no “oh my god my husband has to try this! Let me go find him!” beer. No, not that. The label might get the weak hearted but…this IS the holiday beer for the traditional holiday beer tired and trodden.

Don’t get me wrong…I love the occasional malty, spiced ale that I knowingly can only get one time a year. Saying that though, you have to admit that this has to be the most popular time of year (season-wise) for novice beer drinkers to finally build up some courage, go out on the dance floor and actually try something ‘heavy’. And at the end of the day that’s a good thing.

But the Celebration Ale is basically a well-rounded West Coast IPA…nice, subtle but chewy malt bill with a healthy hop backbone. Really forward, fruity aroma. Great lacing. Clocks in around 6.8% ABV. A pleasant and casual change of pace around this busy time of year…

As a hop head this probably comes without saying, but it’s always nice to see a good, robust IPA take the winter spotlight as THE holiday beer to enjoy.

image courtesy of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Pick up a sixer. It will probably cost you anywhere from $7-$10 and will definitely be a much better gift than that scratch ticket you were thinking of getting for your next Yankee swap.