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Winter Beer

One of the best things about the holiday season - at least for beer lovers - is the abundance of season-specific beers. Though these specialty beers have always been a part of brewing lore throughout the centuries, they are gaining a much wider audience these days, thanks in large part to the ever-increasing presence of craft breweries in the US and around the world.

Holiday brews are identified in varying ways. But no matter what name is given to these cheery brews, they all share common traits: bigger, bolder body and malt character, with fruit and/or spice flavors. Clearly, holiday beers are the contrast to lighter summertime beers.

In short, these winter seasonal specialty beers, with their rich body and warming finish are a great accompaniment to the food and the friendship that is celebrated during this cold season. And for the full effect, they are best served lightly chilled in a wine glass or brandy snifter.