What We're Drinking Now (Holiday 2022)

Warm weather is in the rearview and cool temperatures abound – winter is right around the corner, bringing with it all of the fun family get-togethers and “friendsgivings” that make the holiday season joyful.

Speaking of joy, beer is one thing that we’re thankful for during the holiday months of November and December and the lovely selections in this issue are what we’ve been imbibing recently as we head into the holiday season. So, if you’re a beer fan in Georgia these seasonal selections are sure to keep your holidays merry and bright and your glassware full of high-quality craft beer in a bevy of styles.

Read on to explore What We’re Drinking Now during the holiday months of 2022!

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Anchor Christmas Ale – Rated 88

Anchor Brewing Co.
San Francisco, CA

A yuletide classic out of San Francisco, this rich and hearty winter seasonal has been spreading holiday cheer since its inception way back in 1975. Anchor is the primogenitor of modern American craft beer, so it’s fitting that this list kicks off with a beer from the brewery that is responsible for the modern IPA (Liberty Ale). Anchor Christmas Ale delivers a smorgasbord of holiday flavors and aromas – ranging from dark chocolate, fresh coffee, toasted marshmallows and even a light touch of graham cracker. This beer is perfect for sharing with friends and family at the holidays, as it’s a real crowd-pleaser.

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Five Week Sail – Rated 87

Arches Brewing
Hapeville, GA

A strong Baltic porter from a pioneering lager-focused Georgia brewery, this rich and roasty brew tips the scales at over eight percent ABV and is chock-full of lovely flavors and aromas that fit the holiday season beautifully. Notes of plum, moderate chocolate elements and toasted malt highlight this rewarding and satisfying brew, which would pair well with a Thanksgiving feast or as a late-night snack with some of Santa’s pilfered cookies (he won’t notice, he’s already got enough on his mind).

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Holidale – Rated 93

Breckenridge Brewery
Littleton, CO

This Colorado classic is not quite as widespread as the brewery’s more readily available Christmas Ale, but this barrel-aged seasonal brew will make holiday cheer levels skyrocket after a few sips. A fairly strong and boozy creation, Breckenridge’s Holidale delivers a piquant alcohol heat alongside delectable flavors of raisins, honey, caramel and light floral notes. Gently nestle this one under the Christmas tree, and the beer fan in your life will swoon with delight – and so will you if you drink this one down too quickly!

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KBS – Rated 96

Founders Brewing Co.
Grand Rapids, MI

A formerly difficult-to-find barrel-aged creation from one of the most well-known craft breweries around, Founders KBS is now regularly available at major retailers, bottle shops and even grocery stores. While the rarer renditions of Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout still demand the label of “whale,” the baseline version is now quite accessible – which is frankly a good thing, as this beer is truly special, and deserves to be imbibed by anyone who claims to be a beer fan. Rich, velvety, chocolaty and downright delicious, Founders KBS is the perfect beer for the holidays. It’s been a long year, so why not treat yourself to one of the most sumptuous beers ever produced?

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Destress Express – Rated 94

Georgia Beer Co.
Valdosta, GA

It’s standard to leave milk and cookies for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve night, correct? Well, here’s a more adult option for the overworked Kris Kringle – leave a glass of this delightfully smooth coffee milk stout next to some cookies and it will provide a double whammy of joy for the jovial St. Nick while he completes his rounds on his busiest night of the year. This 5.6% ABV dark beer will give Santa a little “hair of the reindeer” as he busts his bowlful of jelly to get toys to all the good girls and boys, while also providing a light jolt of coffee for a quick energy burst. Don’t worry, Mr. Claus, Valdosta’s Georgia Beer Co. has your back!

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Hardywood Gingerbread Stout – Rated 92

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Richmond, VA

Christmastime brings with it many wonderful things: lovely spruce trees in front windows, thoughtful gifts from people you care about, good times with friends and family and – lest we forget – gingerbread. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery in Richmond, Virginia is known for a variety of Christmas-themed beer releases, but the one that started it all is its Gingerbread Stout. This limited holiday release conveys a smooth, velvety mouthfeel along with an intriguing flavor evolution that includes milk chocolate and vanilla, honeycomb and cinnamon all leading to an intriguing snap of ginger in the finish. A true original, this is one Christmas beer you won’t want to miss.

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Dragon’s Milk – Rated 93

New Holland Brewing Co.
Holland, MI

While the name may not be as seasonal-sounding as others on this list, this year-round release from New Holland Brewing Co. is one of its best-known brands – and for good reason. This barrel-aged beauty is a wondrous brew with a bevy of complex flavors and aromas. According to the brewery, “the term Dragon’s Milk has been used throughout the ages to describe potent ales and elixirs worthy of celebration – a reward at the end of the journey.” That seems fitting for a brew to be imbibed during the holidays, as the final few months of the year serve as a wrap-up for the year that was – and this beer is sure to put a lovely bow atop the end of 2022.

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Departed Spirit – Rated 89

Three Taverns Craft Brewery
Decatur, GA

"You will be haunted," resumed the Ghost, "by three spirits." "I—I think I'd rather not," said Scrooge.

Those lines from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol do not refer to Three Taverns’ Departed Spirit, because if they did, old Ebenezer would’ve instead said: “O such glorious news! Thank ye, Jacob; thank ye!” This aged rendition of the brewery’s Theophan the Recluse Belgian-style imperial stout was kept in eight-year-old bourbon barrels – infusing the base beer with notes of vanilla and a rich woody character. Perfect for enjoying a fun holiday evening, or pondering your Christmas past, present and future.