Holiday beer picks from the experts at Bottlecraft

There’s no better time than the holidays to sit back, crack open a nice cold one and enjoy these tasty holiday beers with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a gift for the beer aficionado in your life or something to serve with your holiday dinner, these three picks from the experts at Bottlecraft should make your list.

Brouwerij Huyghe "Delirium Noël” - Belgian Winter Ale

Many will recognize Delirium Tremens, the Belgian strong blond ale that was once banned in the U.S. due to its pink elephant mascot which was thought to encourage binge drinking. Delirium Noël is the sister seasonal winter ale. It pours dark amber, with aromas of caramel malt, fruit and spices. Upon tasting it, you'll find flavors of baking spices, vanilla, apricot and the slight alcohol bitterness. Noël finishes sweet and spicy, and at 10% abv, you’ll only need one.

St. Bernardus "Christmas Ale” - Quadruple

St. Bernardus Christmas Ale is a dark, seasonal beer, full of wintery character and flavors that's brewed every year for the holiday season. It’s an intensely dark beer with a full, yet slightly fruity flavor, overflowing with the tastes of winter and zesty seasonal aromas. Anise notes are complemented by hints of creamy caramel and fire-roasted chestnuts. The zest shows no signs of abating, pushing through to a magnificent finish of dried fruits and chocolate. Just like all St. Bernardus beers, this brew bears the imprint of the unique St. Bernardus yeast (dating back to 1946), that gives it its own special complexity. Simply stated, St. Bernardus Christmas Ale is the perfect degustation beer to warm your heart and bring a glow to your loved ones on a cold winter night. Pair it with chocolate or desserts for optimal enjoyment!

Port Brewing “Santa’s Little Helper” - Imperial Stout

Santa knows who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. This is one seriously naughty, but nice beer. Santa’s Little Helper, Port Brewing's Imperial Stout, starts with an emphasis on dark cocoa and roasted coffee aromatics. The finish lends hints of sweet crystal malt, warming tones of alcohol and a touch of hops, making a perfect accompaniment to leftover fruit cake and sugar cookies.

All beers listed are available at one of Bottlecraft’s four San Diego locations: Little Italy, North Park, Liberty Station and Oceanside. For more information, visit bottlecraft.com.