Thanksgiving is over which means it is officially time for the rest of the holidays. Dig out the ugly sweaters, hang your lights and get ready for a month of booze-required festivities. Whether you’re lighting a menorah or adorning a Christmas tree, a good winter beer or cider will make the occasion that much more enjoyable.
Rudy’s Cranberry Hibiscus Cider | Cider Riot!
This Portland-based cidery knows what you need this holiday season — something tasty that you can get in quantity. This seasonal release comes in two-liter bottles just like your favorite soda which might prove to make the drink even more dangerous. Named for everyone’s favorite reindeer, this cider is made with cranberry juice cold-pressed from Starvation Alley Cranberry Farms in Long Beach, Washington.
Wassail | Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
An age-old tradition, wassailing required a good wassail which is exactly what Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse in Saanich, British Columbia, provides. Forget singing for a good harvest next year, this cider will have you singing out of joy that you found this cider. This cider has the flavors of candied orange and caramel apple with hints of winter spices like cinnamon and clove that’ll make you want to curl up by a fireplace with a cup of this.
Rock the Bells Cranberry Sour | Parallel 49 Brewing
For those looking for a holiday brew that isn’t a dark ale or a hefty cider then you might want to consider Parallel 49’s cranberry sour. Feel festive and drink something delicious while you’re at it from this Vancouver, British Columbia, brewery. This tart crisp ale is perfect for a fun night in watching holiday movies or decorating cookies to help you get in the mood.
Jolly Roger Christmas Ale | Maritime Brewery
Dark ales are the favorite when it comes to the cold but Seattle mainstay Maritime’s holiday ale stands apart as a classic. A local favorite, people look forward to the release of this warming ale every winter. And while the Northwest’s winters aren’t that cold, this ale will provide anyone a little comfort during the dark, cool nights of the season. Grab a pack of these for a post-work treat at home.
Belgian Christmas Ale | pFriem Family Brewers
Hood River, Oregon, landmark pFriem suggests leaving this holiday ale out for Old Saint Nick but you might want to rethink that move once you’ve had a sip of this brew. This ale has hints of chocolate and toffee with a little citrus zest. Enjoy this brew with a hearty dinner or better yet with a chocolate dessert before you pass out with a food coma.
Santa’s Private Reserve | Rogue Ales & Spirits
Oregon drinks titan Rogue Ales promises its dark ale will put any “grinch” in the holiday spirit. This year’s brew has flavors of tangerines and boysenberries making this delicious drink even easier to go down the hatch. Pour a glass of this and gather around a table full of cookies and make this sweet drink that much sweeter.
