The Best Beers to Enjoy at Christmas
Christmas—my favorite time of year to enjoy beers that are old favorites and visit local breweries to try something new. This time of year, I love drinking beers that have spicy, nutty, biscuity, sweet flavors. They go so well with the other flavors that accompany the holidays—mulled wine, roasted meats, dried fruits, shortbread. While there are tons of beer styles that pair well with typical holiday foods and flavors, these are my favorites.
Bock (and Doppelbock)
You don’t see a ton of Bocks at your typical American craft breweries, but they’re one of the most classic beer styles, with a variety of sub-styles (Maibock, Eisbock, Weizenbock, to name few). For the holidays, I prefer a Dunkel Bock or Doppelbock. Dunkel Bock dates back to the 14th century and remains a quintessential German lager. Bocks are deeply malty and full of toasty and caramel notes, all balanced by a remarkably smooth, clean finish.
My favorite commercial example: Prost Brewing Bock
Dark Czech Lager (Tmavé)
In Denver, we’re lucky to have Cohesion Brewing crafting some of the best Czech lagers around. Every beer they make is delicious and meticulously brewed (and served). Tmavé is a dark Czech lager that has rich malt flavors, like toffee and a touch dark chocolate, with a light finish. It’s equally refreshing and comforting, perfect for this time of year.
My favorite commercial example: Cohesion Brewing Tmavé
Belgian Dubbel
Dubbel is my absolute favorite beer style to enjoy at Christmas. For me, there’s nothing more fitting than enjoying a Belgian Trappist beer that’s a blend of orange, peach, apricot and toffee flavors. Though strong, it’s endlessly refreshing and its slight bitterness keeps you wanting more. It pairs wonderfully with most Christmas foods, too. Chimay has been brewing their version since 1862.
My favorite commercial example: Chimay Première (Rouge)
Flanders Red Ale
I drink Flanders Red Ales throughout the year because they’re delicious, but they taste especially festive during the holidays. It is a sweet, fruity ale with a complex sourness from its mixed fermentation and many months in oak casks. Its beautiful ruby hue matches the Christmas decor and its fruity, tart flavor helps it cut through the sweetness of many holiday treats while also complementing the dried fruits that are ever-present this time of year.
My favorite commercial example: Duchesse de Bourgogne
Happy Holidays!
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