Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale

This was one of the bottles that we opened and decided we probably shouldn't have aged from Christmas time until April.  It has fresh hops and those aren't so good for aging.  It smelled quite hoppy, but the flavor was a little funky.  It probably would have been much better fresh - we'll try again next year.

See what Sierra Nevada has to say.

See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Shiner Holiday Cheer

Cheer was quite sweet.  The fruit flavor in it was artificial tasting and not particularly delicious.  I like their label but I wouldn't call this cheer in a bottle.

See what Shiner has to say about this beer.

See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale

Normally Lagunitas does a Brown Shugga' for Christmas.  This year they sucked and didn't do it.  The result was this beer.  It was a decent beer, but nothing compared to their Brown Shugga'.  I'd still suggest it, though it wasn't very holiday season tasting.

Check out Lagunitas site for more info on their beers.

See what Rate Beer has to say about this one.

Anchor Brewing Christmas (Our Special) Ale

I've also seen this beer referred to as "Our Special Ale."  This beer was ok.  It was nicely spiced and totally sessionable for a nice holiday beer.

See what Anchor has to say about this beer.

See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Great Divide Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti

I love Great Divide.  I think I say that every time I drink one of their beers.  Yet another beer consumed on birthday, hence no poured picture.  The beer was quite dark and thick.  It drank like a delicious tar.  The description includes a dash of cayenne, and while I hate chili beers, I either didn't notice that hint or didn't mind at all.  Definitely one I recommend! 

Check out Great Divide's beer info.

See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Elysian Split Shot

I drank this beer in celebration of my birthday.  I was generous and shared with the husband and a friend.  I instantly regretted being generous since I wanted all of the deliciousness contained in this bottle for myself. The coffee flavor was perfect.  I could not have dreamed of a better espresso milk stout. Sadly, I did not grab a pic of the beer poured, just the bottle the next morning.  But I do love that label - it's so pretty!

My guess is this is going to be pretty limited since Elysian brewed it specifically for Seattle Beer Week.  

Visit Elysian's site for more info.

Check Rate Beer to see if it's close to you!

Southern Tier Pumking

Pumking may be one of my favorite pumpkin beers. I highly suggest you get one when you see them again next year.  They come out in August so be on the look out!

Beer Advocate thinks this is exceptional.

Here's what Southern Tier has to say.