For today’s Advent beer pick, we’re visiting one of America’s oldest and most venerated craft breweries, Bell’s Brewery, and going with its holiday classic, Christmas Ale. It’s a 7.5% ABV specialty brewed in the style of a Scotch ale (also known as a Wee Heavy).

This traditional Scotch Ale is rich and malty with notes of caramel and a warm finish. Certain to make any occasion festive, or at least a bit more bearable. Enjoy with the company of friends and family.

Even though Bell’s dates to 1983—first as a homebrew supply store, and then brewing beer in 1985—Christmas Ale dates to only 2008. In 2017, Bell’s retooled the recipe and label for Christmas Ale, landing on the Scotch ale style. The brewery’s background on the beer says:

The basic inspiration was to create a sessionable holiday beer which would stand apart from the array of spiced, high ABV winter warmers typically introduced during the holidays. The original Christmas Ale was designed to be a beer that could be paired with food without overwhelming it. Brewed without any spices: all of the dry, toasted notes and subtle toffee flavors come from the 100% Michigan-grown, custom malted barley, In 2017, the recipe was tweaked to be more malt-forward and fuller bodied as a Scotch Ale.

Be sure to check out Bell’s recipes for Cherry Chocolate Bread and Gingerbread Cookies using Christmas Ale. Perfect baking projects for your Christmas goodies!

Find Bell’s Brewery Christmas Ale on:

• Bell’s Beer Finder
• Untappd
• BeerAdvocate
• RateBeer
• Facebook

Image credits: Top image, Bell’s Facebook page; other, website