What We’re Drinking Now, Holiday 2023

Are you a beer enthusiast looking for your next hoppy adventure? Look no further! We’ve scoured the United States to bring you the finest craft beers from all corners of the country. Whether you’re in New England, the Midwest, the Southeast, the Rocky Mountains, the Southwest or on the West Coast, we’ve got you covered. Let’s embark on a flavorful journey and savor the fresh brews that are the toast of the region this holiday season.

Disclaimer: It’s impossible for our judges to review every single beer released by the nearly 10,000 breweries in the U.S. each week. As such, this story serves as a peek at some of the best beers released recently that have scored highly on other beer reviewing platforms, have medaled in recent competitions or have been burning up message boards and forums with immense hype. If you’re in the regions where these beers are available, we hope they become What You’re Drinking Now!

New England Region – Woodbridge, Connecticut
Fuzzy Baby Ducks by New England Brewing Co.

BeerAdvocate user score: 4.45 out of 5
BeerAdvocate rating: 98 out of 100

ABV: 6.2%

Fuzzy Baby Ducks IPA from New England Brewing Co. is a refreshing brew that serves as ode to Citra hops, using nothing but this flavorful hop variety to craft a beer that boasts big, tropical notes of mango, papaya and zesty citrus. Join the ranks of eager beer fans lining up to sample this delightful creation.

This lovely hazy IPA is perhaps the best-known beer from this Woodbridge, Connecticut brewery, which is known for its entertaining cartoonish beer labels and high-quality hoppy brews.

Available on a rotating basis, make sure to nab this cutely named brew ASAP, as quantities are limited and it tends to sell out quickly among the brewery’s myriad offerings.

Southeast Region – Charlotte, North Carolina
Elegant Destruction by Heist Brewery

Untappd score: 4.35 out of 5

ABV: 13.9%

Elegant Destruction is a double barrel-aged imperial stout born from Heist Brewery‘s very first batch in January 2022. Aged first in a Heaven Hill Bourbon Barrel for 11 months, it’s then transferred to a toasted French Cognac Barrel for an additional 9 months of finishing. The result is a luxurious and complex stout that’s a must-try for enthusiasts.

Released in tandem with Elegant Violence, another BA imperial stout, this one is sure to sell out quickly (if it hasn’t already). If you’re based in NC or in the Southeast, aim to nab a bottle of this whale if you can!

Midwest Region – Rochester, Minnesota
Galaxy Otter by Forager Brewery (second from left)

Untappd score: 4.57 out of 5

ABV: 13.4%

This eminently complex English barleywine from Forager Brewery in Rochester, Minnesota has been aged in a variety of barrels and represents the pinnacle of the brewery’s extremely limited barrel-aged concoctions.

According to the brewery: “We love crafting Barleywine from simple ingredients with complex mashing and fermentation procedures. Extended barrel aging allowed this massive English style Barleywine to develop from chaotic singular components to a cohesive unit of layered decadence. One malt, one hop, one yeast and years of patience yielded this mahogany diamond in the swirling clouds of BIL everything. Three 26-month-old barrels were blended for this batch: a 30-gallon Rock Filter barrel, a Blanton’s barrel and a Buffalo Trace barrel.”

A beautifully complex and tremendously rare barrel-aged offering, this one might already be sold out, but check with the brewery if you’re in the area, as this one is certainly worth seeking out.

Rocky Mountains Region – Sparks, Nevada
Hops in a Can by Revision Brewing Co.

BeerAdvocate user score: 4.05 out of 5
BeerAdvocate rating: 90 out of 100

ABV: 10.5%

Hops in a Can by Revision Brewing Co. is a hop lover’s dream come true! When you crack open a can of this brew, prepare for an aromatic explosion that’s simply irresistible. Crafted with a blend of Citra, Simcoe, Amarillo and Mosaic hops, this triple IPA offers luscious, resiny and sweet citrusy hop flavors that will leave your taste buds in awe. With this brew, Revision takes hazy, hoppy beers to a whole new level. So, gather your friends and get ready to savor the extraordinary with every sip.

A rotating release, it’s definitely best to nab this one at your earliest opportunity, as its amazing aromas and flavors alongside its impressive alcohol strength (10.5% ABV) will surely make it a favorite of locals and tourists alike.

Southwest Region – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Monument Magic by Bow & Arrow Brewing Co.

Untappd score: 3.9 out of 5

ABV: 7.0%

Monument Magic is a West Coast IPA crafted by Bow & Arrow Brewing Co., showcasing an epic load of Centennial, Cascade and Azacca hops. This brew bursts with tropical and citrus vibes, accompanied by a piney grapefruit flavor. You can find it on draft and in cans, so don’t miss the chance to savor this Southwest gem.

Bow & Arrow is an up-and-coming brewery in Albuquerque, and its gorgeous interior design is both stylish and inviting – making it a must-visit spot if you’re in the Land of Enchantment (which is New Mexico’s state nickname, of course).

West Coast Region – Bend, Oregon
Cheers to the Land by Crux Fermentation Project

Untappd score: 3.9 out of 5

ABV: 7.0%

“Cheers to the Land is a throwback West Coast IPA featuring all-Oregon ingredients,” per Crux Fermentation Project in Bend, Oregon. “A crisp and clean foundation is laid by Salmon-safe barley grown in Northeast Oregon and malted by Gold Rush Malt in Baker City, while Centennial hops from Goschie Farms in Silverton and Cascade hops from Crosby Hop Farm in Woodburn bring all the classic grapefruit, orange and resinous flavors we’ve come to love from these old-school Oregon hops.”

To join in the celebration, check out the beer release and tapping events happening across Oregon, from Baker City to Astoria. The official release date for the beer and cider is October 10, and you can purchase limited-edition cans from select breweries.

In conclusion, the U.S. is a treasure trove of craft beer, and these selections from across the nation are just a taste of the diverse and exciting world of craft brewing. Whether you’re in the mood for a hoppy ale, a rich stout or a classic West Coast IPA, there’s something here for every beer lover this holiday season. So, embark on your beer-tasting journey and explore the flavors that make each region unique as the new year approaches. Cheers to the terrific craft beer scene!