The Brew Site
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 … Continue reading
Brasserie Castelain is located in the north of France not far from the Belgium border, and has been brewing beer since 1926, focusing on (mostly) traditional styles. One of the hallmarks of the Castelain beers is fermentation and a six week conditioning period with lager yeast, lending a smooth and … Continue reading
It’s time to shake it up a bit with the Beer Advent Calendar today and go with something different—cider! One Tree Hard Cider is located in Spokane, Washington and crafts a variety of flavored ciders from local ingredients. One Tree produces a seasonal winter cider with its Snowglobe, with flavors … Continue reading
Today’s Advent beer selection comes from Japan and Shonan Beer, which is the beermaking division of sake brewer Kumazawa Brewing, located in Chigasaki in the Kanagawa Prefecture. Shonan is about one hour from Tokyo, and takes its name from the region which is known for surfing; established in 1996, the … Continue reading
Happy National Cocoa Day, the day that celebrates the hot cocoa beverage that’s a staple comfort drink this time of year! Hot cocoa with a bit of peppermint (or peppermint schnapps) makes for a delicious Christmas treat, so for today’s Advent beer pick I selected Grandma Van’s Candy Cane Stout … Continue reading
Located in the village of Watou in the province of West Flanders in Belgium, the Brouwerij St. Bernardus has been releasing beers under its own brand for nearly three decades; the brewery itself was founded on the site just after the second World War, originally brewing beers for the Trappist … Continue reading
Today’s Advent pick comes from Murphysboro in southern Illinois, through which the Big Muddy River lazily winds its way before joining up with the Mississippi River, and the Big Muddy Brewing Company, which has been crafting a variety of beers since 2009. Among the brewery’s offerings is its annual Winter … Continue reading
Hanukkah Sameach! Hanukkah begins today at sundown, and each year for the holiday I try to select a Hanukkah-themed beer to commemorate the Festival of Lights. This year, New York’s Shmaltz Brewing introduced its new Hanukkah Beer, featuring a new recipe for a Golden Jelly Doughnut Pastry Ale, which is … Continue reading
Today’s Advent selection takes us to Seattle, Washington, to a brewery with a maritime (and pirate) theme—the aptly named Maritime Pacific Brewing—and features its longstanding traditional holiday ale: Jolly Roger Christmas Ale. Jolly Roger is a behemoth of a beer, an English-style strong ale weighing in at 9.5% ABV which … Continue reading
In Germany and other German-speaking countries, Weihnachten is German for Christmas, and many celebrate the holiday throughout the Advent season which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. Naturally, many breweries produce a special Weihnachtsbier for the season as well. Located in Stuttgart, Germany, the Familienbrauerei Dinkelacker is no exception; … Continue reading