Wreck the Halls

Wreck the Halls, originally uploaded by Ben McLeod.

Wreck the Halls, from Full Sail
Season: Christmas/Holiday/ Yule/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Thanksgiving/Black Friday
ABV: 6.5%

A hoppy holiday ale that makes me hoppy - err, happy.

This holiday ale is surprisingly hoppy, with a malty kick in the ass! Seriously. The smell and initial taste is all hops, but then it warms into a strong malt finish. It doesn't leave a strong aftertaste, which always makes me go back for more.

Yummy!

Harvest Wet Hop Ale

Harvest Wet Hop Ale, originally uploaded by Ben McLeod.

13th Release Harvest Wet Hop Ale, from Sierra Nevada
Season: Fresh Hop
ABV: 6.7%

A beautifully bitter, copper ale with the most amazing head. Seriously. Look at the stuff! It's creamy.

I'd love to try this on a nitro tap!

Snow Cap

Snow Cap, originally uploaded by Ben McLeod.

Snow Cap, from Pyramid
Season: Winter
ABV: 7%

A classic winter ale that's dark and malty.

And at half the price of other craft beers, it fits my budget rather nicely!

Wet Hop Ale

Wet Hop Ale, originally uploaded by Ben McLeod.

Wet Hop Ale, from Rogue
Season: Fresh Hop
ABV: 6.4%

More fresh hop goodness - this time from the ever-wonderful Rogue Brewery who grew their own hops for this beautiful amber-colored ale.

It has a nice balance between the malts and the hops, creating an almost-Oktoberfest-type ale.

Hop Trip

Deschutes' Hop Trip, originally uploaded by Ben McLeod.

Hop Trip, from Deschutes
Season: Fresh Hop
ABV: 5.5%

A wonderful, seasonal treat.

It has a yummy, creamy, fresh citrus hop, without being crazy-bitter.

Wassail

Full Sail Wassail, originally uploaded by Ben McLeod.

Wassail, from Full Sail
Season: Winter
ABV: 7%

A yummy winter concoction full of spices and malts without too many of any.

Something to warm the body after a chilly day.

Oktoberfest

Bayern Oktoberfest, originally uploaded by Ben McLeod.

Oktoberfest, from Bayern
Season: Oktoberfest
ABV: 6%

A well-rounded Oktoberfest-style ale. It starts sweet and malty and ends on a refreshing, hoppy bitter note.

I liked it so much, I forgot to shoot it until the very last sip of the very last beer of the six-pack...