Take a break from Champagne at the start of the new year and sip on something a little hoppier when the ball drops. Craft Brewers all over the U.S. make decadent brews perfectly suited to ring in 2018 with a warm, sparkling welcome.
Anchor’s Christmas Ale
Released annually since 1975, America’s oldest craft brewery never disappoints with their holiday ale, perfectly suited for the December and January months. Boasting rich aromas of molasses and wood, this beer goes down easily with flavors of roasted caramel and cacao resting atop hints of toasted nuts. Save a few of these treats after Christmas to welcome the new year with open arms.
The Lost Abbey Judgment Day
What better way to bring in the new year than by tempting fate by sipping on Judgment Day? A quadruple from California’s The Lost Abbey, this beer is dark and intense, with notes of roasted malt overwhelming the nose. Deep sweetness, raisin, plum, and vanilla dance on the palate on the first sip. Be sure to fill your glass to keep judgment at bay in 2018.
Allagash Interlude
This Belgian-style ale is nothing if not a delightful indulgence and a worthy replacement to champagne this New Year’s Eve. The Saison yeast builds the flavor profile of a traditional Belgian, while the Brettanomyces yeast lends flavors of graham cracker and bread crust. Pear and apricot notes dazzle the tongue before its dry finish envelopes the palate.
Anderson Valley Blood Orange Gose
Tart and refreshing, this wheat ale is brewed with sea salt and coriander in the traditional German style, and taken to new heights with the addition of blood orange. Strong citrus notes and orange flavors give this gose a champagne-like flavor, making it an excellent stand-in for a brut as 2018 makes its grand entrance.
Oxbow Brewing Company’s Bobasa
Made in the ever-popularizing Bière de Champagne style, Bobasa is a Bière de Garde blended with a farmhouse ale. Aged in the bottle for another 8 months, this brew has an amazing effervescence and zest, with flavors of sweet fruit, peated grape, and a tart finish. Truly the perfect union of beer and champagne, there are few better options to enjoy while the fireworks sparkle at the end of 2017.
