Once winter settles in, I am a sucker for a good holiday ale. But much like pumpkin spice can overwhelm our October tastebuds, I find holiday beers can become redundant as well: malty, rich, packed with the flavors of ginger, cinnamon, or clove. That is why I was pleased to discover one of my six brews from the Swarthmore CO-OP holiday sampler was a unique, light, and refreshing pilsner from Oregonian Rogue Brewery. The winter-inspired pilsner, Yellow Snow, was brewed with spruce tips lending a piney, citrusy crispness. If a pilsner is not your jam, then perhaps a cranberry-orange kettle soured ale from Love City Brewing or a Linvilla Orchards hard apple cider from Ship Bottom Brewery might put some jingle in your bell this holiday season. We all could use a little extra cheer this year. So, cheers to, to good health and a hoppy holiday!
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