2012 Beer Advent Calendar

Traveling along side St. Nicholas was The Krampus, a horned creature with one human foot and one cloved goat hoof. (Click image above for full review)

Buffalo Sweat is the stout you want to have in the can. In it’s own right, the stout is malty and sweet, and it’s light enough to enjoy year round. (Click image above for full review)

Gnar-Gnar Lumpkin, the shreddingist snowman this side of Nantucket Sound, likes nothing better than catching a wave on his board…a Cisco wave that is, cold, fresh, and wicked cool!(Click image above for full review)

I am a fan of some spiced beers, I enjoy seeking out new seasonal beers, and I really enjoy trying anything new. When I was on the hunt for a Christmas beer to review for this series, I was looking for something that I had not yet tried – which can sometimes be a challenge.(Click image above for full review)

Traveling down memory lane, I first sampled Redhook Winterhook in 2006 with @CraftBeerEd and @ThirstyNoBeard. We were pleasantly surprised to discover the smooth malty Winterhook, which was absent of the traditional winter spices. (Click image above for full review)

Every year around Olympia WA we have a tradition of drinking a great beer that comes out once a year. We look and can’t wait for the Fish Tale Brewing Organic Winterfish.(Click image above for full review)

If you’ve never had anything from Schell’s, you have no idea what you’re missing out on, which is why I’m going to tell you. Nestled in the hills of New Ulm, MN, Schell’s has been cranking out awesome beers for the last 150+ years, at least 5 of which I can vouch for.(Click image above for full review)

Last year Sean and I decided to pick up the pack and try our luck at tasting all 8 of the tasty brews while each night lighting a candle (which sits on top of the empty beer bottle) and learn a little about Chanukah..(Click image above for full review)

The Phantom Punch Winter Stout is the third installment of their new seasonal line, and each one seems to be getting better. The stout packs an extra little punch at 6.8% ABV, so it will help you keep warm in the cold winter months…..(Click image above for full review)

This is a fantastic seasonal selection from Montana’s first craft brewery that serves as a signal that winter is here – at least by the temperatures, flying snow, and the start of ski season. It’s dark brown color, ruby highlights and biscuit colored head suggest you’re in for…(Click image above for full review)

This year’s offering is 5 Golden Rings, a strong golden Belgian Ale brewed with pineapple juice and spices. This year marks the first departure in base style from a dark ale, perhaps to give a special nod to the most climactic verse in the song.(Click image above for full review)

Winter Warlock only comes out to play during the latter months of the year and lasts through the holidays and throughout the winter. This classic dark brew is a regional favorite that many look forward to sharing every year. The colder months…(Click image above for full review)

Pouring the beer into my newly acquired Anderson Valley Brewing Company ‘can glass’, I found the aroma familiar but couldn’t place it immediately.(Click image above for full review)

I haven’t had a Newcastle in quite some time, the Brown ale was one of my “stepping stones” into the craft beer world and I occasionally sample the seasonals …(Click image above for full review)

When I think about Christmas beers, my thoughts always drift toward Belgian ales. Some of the best winter beers brewed are Belgian Christmas ales, and Corsendonk Christmas Ale is one of the best of those beers.(Click image above for full review)

Boulevard is the largest craft brewery in the Midwest (great plains). They make many good beers and since this is their Christmas offering, I chose it for the “31 Beers of December”.(Click image above for full review)

This is my most highly anticipated winter seasonal, and the beer that sold me on barrel aging. In the past you used to have to make a special trip out to the coast to get some…(Click image above for full review)

Prelude has long been one of my favorite winter beers. I drank Prelude in college while others were drinking the cheapest beer they could find. When I saw Shipyard was releasing a Bourbon Barrel Aged version of Prelude I knew I had to try it. Fortunately Bier Cellar in Portland was able to put a bottle aside for me…(Click image above for full review)

My family tradition for Christmas is to make tamales. Actually, most holidays are just an excuse for us to spend the day cooking, eating, and of course…drinking. But with Christmas, it’s always tamales. Popping open a beer, we prepare the masa—a German Pils floral tones and subtle …(Click image above for full review)

CIB Brewery in Carson, Iowa is less than an hour away from me, and it is a year-old (they celebrate their first anniversary on Dec. 22) nano producing interesting beers flying well under the radar. It’s the perfect brewery to highlight. CIB (Chef’s in Black) is a father-son affair putting out high-alcohol, farmhouse-style beers ranging from a double amber ale and quadruple brown to a breakfast stout and this beer: Cheri Tart..(Click image above for full review)

I chose this beer because today is the end of the world apparently…but if you’re reading this…I guess not! We should promise ourselves in this “new beggining” to be kind and generous to one another, as well as ourselves.  You can start by treating yourself to beers like this. (Click image above for full review)