Today’s pick is Goose Island Christmas Ale. At 5.6% alcohol by volume, it’s a little weaker than one would expect from a winter warmer/holiday ale, but don’t let that fool you. From their website:

Every year to celebrate the holiday season, we brew up our Christmas Ale, and with each year we change the recipe slightly so that you have something special and new to look forward to. Traditionally, our Christmas Ale is a complex, strong, brown ale that develops well in the bottle for up to five years.

I’ve been to Goose Island once, many years ago, and I remember quite liking the beers they brewed (I got a sampler). This beer looks like it would be no exception, and the BeerAdvocate reviews agree. They scored it 86, with 99% approval. They generally note a sweet and spicy profile, noticeably hoppy.