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
