Remember Clippy? “It looks like you’re writing a letter,” observed the anthropomorphized Microsoft paperclip. “Would you like help?”

At that time, Clippy was mocked. Letter writing was still worthy of one’s time and effort. Same for picking up pennies. In 2024? Both communication and currency have devalued to the point that we prefer not to bother. We pass by pennies while letting AI generate, spellcheck and autocorrect our thoughts.

Here’s my two cents: These small sacrifices are adding up “bigly”. Screw Clippy, get sippy. Ditch generative AI and let beer be your writing aide.

Proven Results

“I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy,” quipped 20th century poet Dorothy Parker, perfectly encapsulating our dilemma. Outsource the creative work to a machine, or lubricate one’s mind and let it hum?

There is always something newsworthy taking place in the beer industry. That's why we dedicate Monday of each week to publishing the top stories from the previous week in our Industry News e-newsletter. Here you'll find a compilation of all the news we've covered since the last issue, with links to the full stories.

Industry & People

Spoetzl Brewery To Build On-Premises Cocktail Lounge & Restaurant

The holidays are a joyful time, and their return also marks the return of us here at The Beer Connoisseur. So come one, come all and welcome – to the 75th edition of The Beer Connoisseur Magazine!

This issue has terrific stories aplenty that will appeal to a wide range of beer fans – from dark beer aficionados to lagerheads.

Issue 75 kicks off with an intriguing editorial from Jim Dykstra, who decries the use of AI slop in creative fields and lifts up the stuff that helped the Founding Fathers frame the Constitution and create the United States of America. I’m talking, of course, about beer!

Then, it’s an intriguing piece delivering seven terrific Thanksgiving recipes alongside corresponding beer pairings that will have even your most curmudgeonly uncle beaming with happiness.

Next up is our bi-monthly What We’re Drinking Now column, with some terrific holiday seasonals mentioned, including some top-tier Christmas Ales that will be available soon, if they aren’t already.

Speaking of Christmas Beers, our next piece delivers an Advent calendar’s worth of the famed seasonal style in advance of the Christmas season. These tremendously interesting, flavorful and festive beers are sure to have you thanking your lucky stars you’re on the “nice” list.

The holiday season is a time for joy, warmth and sharing memorable moments with loved ones—and what better way to elevate that festive cheer than with a great Christmas beer in hand? Whether you’re gathering around the fireplace or hosting a lively holiday party, the right brew can make all the difference.

From spiced ales brimming with seasonal flavors to bold, rich stouts perfect for cold winter nights, our comprehensive list of the 25 best Christmas beers has something for everyone. So, sit back, relax and explore the flavors that will make your holidays merry and bright!

The Holiday Tradition Of Christmas Beers

The tradition of Christmas beers dates back centuries, originating in Europe when breweries crafted special brews to celebrate the festive season. These holiday beers were often richer, darker and spiced, meant to be shared during winter feasts and gatherings. 

In Belgium, Norway and England, breweries used to release limited-edition brews with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Over time, this tradition spread globally, with many breweries now offering their own seasonal interpretations. 

Today, Christmas beers continue to bring people together, embodying the spirit of the holidays and adding an extra touch of warmth and cheer to festive celebrations.

Judging Process
Our reviews are conducted in a single-blind tasting format. This method provides the best opportunity to rely on facts and to avoid favoritism, insuring a level playing field for all brewers. It serves both the industry and the consumer to have unbiased and objective scores from qualified experts. To best implement this approach, the Judges Review is open to those with established experience as a Master Cicerone® from the Cicerone® Certification Program or as a judge that has accomplished the rank of National or higher from the Beer Judge Certification Program. In the single-blind tasting format, judges are presented with a chilled, properly poured beer and given its style category. Scoring is then done on the following basis using a 100-point scale:

Score Breakdown:
100 to 96: World Class – You need this beer in your life.
95 to 91: Exceptional – Don’t hesitate.
90 to 86: Very Good – A brew to savor.
85 to 75: Average – Somewhat unimpressive.
74 and below: Not Recommended – Just walk away.

We saddled up with the masterminds behind the highest-rated brews and asked them about the inspiration behind the recipes. Follow the links below to the individual Q & A's, or you may access Q & A's from all editions here.

Holiday 2024, Issue 75

De Proef Brouwerij Brewmaster Dirk Naudts and Professor of Brewing Saskia Waerniers Talk Green's Gluten Free Dry-Hopped Lager

Doppelbock, a strong, malty beer with deep roots in German brewing, is much more than just a drink—it’s a symbol of craftsmanship and history. Known for its rich flavors and high alcohol content, this beloved style has been savored for centuries. But how did doppelbock come to be, and what makes it stand out from other beers?

Here, we will cover everything about the Doppelbock beer style including its history, origin of the name, characteristics, attributes, types, how to store and serve, food pairing suggestions, popular Doppelbock beers and brands around the world and a lengthy list of FAQs.

The History Of Doppelbock

Doppelbock, a strong German lager, traces its origins back to the 17th century when it was first brewed by the Paulaner monks in Munich. These monks created Doppelbock as a nourishing, strong drink to sustain themselves during their Lenten fasts as solid food was not allowed. Originally called “Salvator,” which means "Savior" in Latin, this beer quickly became a staple for the monks, offering both sustenance and flavor.

Thanksgiving is all about coming together with loved ones, savoring a delicious meal, and reflecting on what we’re grateful for—and what better way to enhance the holiday spirit than by incorporating beer into your Thanksgiving feast?

Here, we’ll guide you through seven fantastic meal ideas that pair perfectly with your favorite brews. From appetizers to dessert, these beer-inspired tips will help you create a memorable holiday spread. Whether it’s your first time hosting Thanksgiving or you’re simply looking for fresh ideas, this guide will ensure your Thanksgiving is filled with warmth, great flavors, and good cheer.

The History And Meaning Of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving traces its roots back to the early 17th century when Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a feast in 1621 to celebrate a successful harvest. The Pilgrims, who had endured a harsh winter after arriving in Plymouth, Massachusetts, were aided by the Wampanoag people (indigenous people), who taught them how to grow local crops like corn and squash. This historic gathering is often considered the origin of Thanksgiving, although it was not an official holiday at the time.

Few beers have captured the hearts of both casual drinkers and beer connoisseurs alike quite like Modelo beer has. From its humble beginnings in Mexico to its rise as one of the most beloved beer brands worldwide, Modelo has become synonymous with quality, craftsmanship and a rich brewing tradition. Whether you're enjoying a crisp, refreshing Modelo Especial with a lightly hoppy character or savoring the bold, malty flavors of Modelo Negra, this brand offers something for every palate.

In this story, we’ll uncover the fascinating history of Modelo, explore its wide variety of offerings, and provide a detailed taste guide to help you fully appreciate every sip of this iconic beer.

History of Modelo Beer

The story of Modelo beer is one steeped in tradition and cultural significance, tracing its roots back to the early 20th century. Over the decades, this beloved Mexican beer has evolved from a local favorite into a global icon, known for its quality, distinct taste and the proud heritage it represents. 

The journey of Modelo's growth highlights the brand's perseverance and commitment to excellence, which lays the foundation for its success in both domestic and international markets.

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 country during the fall months.

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, while this story serves as a peek at some of the best beers released recently that have scored highly in our Official Review, it also features beers that rank highly on other beer reviewing platforms, beer that 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!

Midwest Region - Cincinnati, Ohio

Holiday Bubbles by Rhinegeist Brewery

Untappd score: ⭐4.00 out of 5