The Crow's Nest

Take a taste. If the blast of weekly winter chills, incessant ringing of Salvation Army Bells, screaming shoppers jousting for Princess Elsa dolls, and tree-scented candles don’t set the seasonal mood, perhaps our picks for beers will lighten it.

The Drop Dead “Gourd”-eous Pumpkin Ale

The brown ale from St. Petersburg Brew surprised with rich, pumpkin flavor. Unlike the teases of pumpkin in your latte, the immediate flavor bounces into your palette- you know it’s a pumpkin beer immediately. The lightness is almost reminiscent of a wheat beer. The nutmeg and cinnamon aren’t rich in the flavoring- in fact, the cinnamon is just the slightest twinge in aftertaste. It’s seasonal, so take a taste fast. –Amanda Starling

The Dark Woods

Cigar City Brewing’s The Dark Woods is a limited-time imperial porter. The Ale and the Witch described the brew as “oak aged, dry hopped, dark ale porter.” The beer is strong (8.8 percent) and dark, served in a chalice with very little head. It is heavy, but not as heavy as most imperial porters I’ve tried. It has a strong taste of coffee with chocolate and hops, but not too strong for religious porter and stout drinkers. I recommend The Dark Woods to craft-beer drinkers and Cigar City fans. To some, imperial porters and stouts are more of an acquired taste. To others, it is holy water from the fountains of heaven. –Caitlin Ashworth

Anderson Valley Winter Solstice

This Winter Warmer-style seasonal ale delivers a sugar-plum punch to the tastebuds. It has a warm, coffee-colored body and enough malt and fruit sweetness to satisfy a liquid-dessert craving without being overwhelming. At 6.9 percent alcohol by volume, this brew isn’t recommended for session-drinking, but it would make an ideal chaser after a slice of pecan, pumpkin or sweet potato pie. So bask in the warmth of a campfire and enjoy a pint of Winter Solstice while King Diamond’s No Presents for Christmas helps spread the holiday cheer. Merry Christmas. –Mark Wolfenbarger

Ace Pear Cider

Have you ever thought, “Hmm…I would love to get drunk but I also want the taste of a watermelon Jolly Rancher in my mouth.” Ace Pear Cider has your back. The cider is a light and sweet during every moment of taste. The predominate flavor of it is something of an artificial watermelon. While this isn’t a bad thing, it can be a little off putting having such a summer taste in the winter. But ultimately it’s a great thing- the pear cider will hit just the right spot for someone looking for a drink to remind them that they are in Florida, or that their night has ended and it’s time for dessert. –Thomas Boyd