breweries

ATLANTA, GA — SweetWater Brewing just dropped the mic with Big Trip Double IPA—the bigger, bolder, hoppier sequel to everyone’s favorite road-trip sipper, Daytrip IPA.

Picture this: You loved the bright, juicy citrus vibes of Daytrip… now crank it up to 9% ABV and let your taste buds buckle up for the Big Trip. We’re talking explosive tropical aromas, smooth-as-hell citrus punch, and zero of that heavy, sticky malt bomb you sometimes get with imperial IPAs. It’s powerful, it’s drinkable, and it’s ready to send you on a flavor adventure without the hangover regrets (well… maybe a little one).

“Double IPAs are still crushing it as the #2 craft style down here in the Southeast,” says Evan Woolard, our Senior Brand Manager who’s basically living the dream. “Daytrip blew up because it’s hop-forward but easy to crush. So we said, ‘Let’s double down—more flavor, more ABV, more fun.’ Big Trip is all about that SweetWater magic: big taste that still goes down smooth, whether you’re a hop-head or just here for the good times.”

We loaded this beast with a killer hop squad—Mosaic, Idaho 7, Sultana, Citra, and El Dorado—for that juicy, tropical explosion, balanced on a clean base of 2-row, Pilsner, and wheat malts. No syrupy sweetness, just pure, refreshing hop bliss.
Grab it in 19.2 oz tall boys (because nothing says ‘weekend ready’ like a big can) or convenient 6-packs of 12 oz cans. It’s rolling out nationwide—hit up your local taproom, liquor store, grocery, corner gas station, wherever cold beer lives.

“Those big 19.2 oz cans are straight-up dominating the high-ABV game,” Evan adds with a grin. “Tall singles and six-packs make up like 80% of sales for stuff this strong in the Southeast, so we’re leaning all the way in. Big Trip builds right on Daytrip’s success and gives fans more of what they crave.”

Find Big Trip near you across the Southeast (and beyond)—check the SweetWater beer finder on the site. Swing by sweetwaterbrew.com for the full scoop, crack one open, and let’s toast to epic trips, big flavors, and zero regrets.

More about Sweetwater Brewing
SweetWater Brewing Company, Atlanta’s trailblazing craft beer powerhouse, traces its roots back to the early ’90s when founders Freddy Bensch and Kevin McNerney swapped college textbooks for keg-washing gigs in Colorado. Inspired by West Coast brewing vibes, they honed their skills at the American Brewers Guild before heading south to launch SweetWater in 1997—just in time for Atlanta’s Olympic buzz. Named after the scenic Sweetwater Creek, the brewery started small. Still, it grew hop by hop, expanding facilities in 2004, throwing its first 420 Fest in 2005, and cranking up production with a massive $19 million upgrade in 2012. Today, as part of Tilray Brands and ranking among the top 10 U.S. craft breweries, SweetWater champions waterway conservation through partnerships like the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, blending bold brews with an eco-friendly ethos for over 25 years of frothy innovation.

When it comes to SweetWater’s top beers, the legendary 420 Extra Pale Ale steals the show as the flagship sipper—a crisp, citrusy West Coast-style pale ale clocking in at 5.7% ABV, brewed on April 20, 1997, and packed with piney hops that keep fans coming back for more. Hot on its heels is the SweetWater IPA, a bold 6.3% ABV powerhouse bursting with grapefruit and tropical notes, alongside fan-favorites like the 420 Strain G13 IPA, a dank, resinous double IPA homage to cannabis culture at 6% ABV. Don’t miss seasonal stars like Blue, a refreshing blueberry wheat ale, or the newer Daytrip IPA and its high-octane sibling Big Trip Double IPA at 9% ABV—each delivering smooth, flavor-forward profiles that make SweetWater a go-to for craft enthusiasts craving that perfect pour.

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Hamilton and Sharonville, Ohio – Third Eye Brewing Company, the multi-award-winning craft brewery with locations in Hamilton and Sharonville, Ohio, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 2026 releases of two exceptional barrel-aged beers that captivated judges and enthusiasts at the 2025 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer (FOBAB): Kelly’s Private Stache and Celestial Reserve (originally known as Dow’s 65th Birthday Blend).

These limited-edition offerings showcase the brewery’s mastery of barrel-aging and blending, building on Third Eye’s reputation as one of the most decorated breweries in the region — including U.S. Open Beer Championship and  Great American Beer Festival Brewery of the Year titles and consistent national recognition.

Kelly’s Private Stache – a rich, complex barrel-aged barleywine – earned a Silver Medal in the Barleywine/Wheatwine category at the prestigious 2025 FOBAB in Chicago. This English-style barleywine is meticulously aged in select bourbon barrels, delivering layers of deep caramel, vanilla, dark fruit, and oak character with a velvety mouthfeel and warming finish. A brewer-selected blend of the finest barrels, it represents the pinnacle of Third Eye’s expertise in extended barrel maturation.

Celestial Reserve, previously released as “Dow’s 65th Birthday Blend” at FOBAB(Festival of Barrel Aged Beers) in honor of Dow Scoggins (founder of the U.S. Open Beer Championship), claimed the Gold Medal in the Blended Beer category at FOBAB 2025. This masterful blend combines carefully aged barrels to create a harmonious, luxurious beer with profound depth, notes of dark chocolate, roasted malt, subtle fruit, and refined barrel influence. The 2026 edition elevates this already legendary blend, offering collectors and aficionados a celestial experience in every pour.
“These beers represent the heart of what we do at Third Eye — pushing boundaries with patience, creativity, and uncompromising quality,” said the Third Eye Brewing team. “Winning silver and gold at FOBAB is a tremendous honor, and we’re excited to share the next chapter of these exceptional beers with our loyal fans and the craft beer community.”

The 2026 editions of Kelly’s Private Stache and Celestial Reserve will be available in limited bottle and draft formats starting in early 2026 at both Third Eye taprooms (11276 Chester Road, Sharonville, OH 45246 and 850 S. Erie Blvd., Hamilton, OH 45011), as well as select retail partners. Quantities are extremely limited — fans are encouraged to visit the taprooms or follow Third Eye on social media for release details, events, and bottle sale announcements.

Join Third Eye Brewing in celebrating these award-winning masterpieces and experience the magic of barrel-aged excellence. Cheers to opening your mind’s eye, one extraordinary pour at a time!

About Third Eye Brewing Company
Founded with a mission to help everyone open their “mind’s eye” to new possibilities one pint at a time, Third Eye Brewing Company has quickly become Ohio’s premier craft brewery. With taprooms in Sharonville (opened 2020) and Hamilton (opened 2023), the brewery boasts an award-winning lineup of innovative beers, a full kitchen, and a welcoming atmosphere. Third Eye has earned numerous accolades, including Great American Beer Festival Brewery of the Year (2023 and 2025), Grand National Champion at the U.S. Open Beer Championship (2024), and consistent medals across national competitions.

January 8 marks National English Toffee Day, a delightful occasion dedicated to honoring one of America’s beloved confections. This day celebrates the rich, buttery sweetness of English toffee, a treat that has captivated taste buds for generations with its crunchy texture and caramelized flavors. While toffee itself might conjure images of sticky candies or indulgent desserts like sticky toffee pudding, it’s also a flavor profile that appears in unexpected places—like craft beer. Enter Founders Backwoods Bastard, a bourbon barrel-aged Scotch ale that captures toffee-like notes through its masterful brewing, making it an ideal “beer of the day” to toast this holiday.

The Origins and Joy of National English Toffee Day
National English Toffee Day, observed annually on January 8, shines a spotlight on the American variant of this classic British sweet. English toffee is traditionally made from sugar, butter, and often almonds or other nuts, cooked to a hard crack stage for that signature snap. Though its exact origins are murky, toffee has roots in 19th-century England, evolving into a staple treat in the U.S. where it’s often coated in chocolate for extra decadence. The day encourages indulgence—whether baking homemade batches, sharing store-bought favorites, or incorporating toffee into recipes like puddings and ice creams.

Celebrations are simple yet satisfying: Many mark the occasion by enjoying toffee in its purest form or experimenting with it in baked goods. It’s a reminder of how this humble candy brings warmth and nostalgia, especially during the winter months. For beer enthusiasts, extending the festivities to include brews with complementary flavors adds a modern twist, bridging the gap between confectionery and craft beverages.

Founders Backwoods Bastard: A Barrel-Aged Masterpiece
At the heart of today’s pairing is Founders Backwoods Bastard, a standout offering from Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This beer starts as the brewery’s flagship Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale—a robust, malty brew with an 8.5% ABV and rich sweetness from imported malts—but elevates it through aging in oak bourbon barrels for about a year. The result? A potent 11% ABV elixir with 50 IBUs, blending the warmth of Scotch ale with the nuanced depth of bourbon.

Key ingredients include Nugget and Willamette hops for a subtle earthy spice, alongside Abbey and Crystal malts that contribute to its deep caramel backbone. The barrel-aging process infuses oaky vanilla, whiskey undertones, and a smoky complexity, creating a sip that’s both bold and balanced. Tasters often note aromas of single malt scotch, roasted malts, dried fruits like figs, and a hint of dark fruit, all wrapped in a velvety mouthfeel. Available year-round in bottles and on draft, it’s earned a perfect 100 rating on RateBeer, cementing its status as a cult favorite since its debut around 2007.
Visually striking in its packaging, the beer pours a deep mahogany with a creamy head, inviting you to savor its layers.

The Toffee Connection: Where Beer Meets Candy
What ties Founders Backwoods Bastard to National English Toffee Day? It’s all in the flavor profile. While the beer doesn’t contain actual toffee, the Crystal malts and barrel aging impart prominent notes of sweet caramel and buttery richness—reminiscent of English toffee’s core essence. These toffee-like undertones mingle with vanilla and spice, evoking the sensation of biting into a piece of homemade toffee or drizzling caramel sauce over a warm pudding.

For an ultimate experience, pair a chilled glass of Backwoods Bastard with actual toffee treats. The beer’s warming alcohol and subtle smoke cut through the candy’s sweetness, creating a harmonious balance. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or a toffee lover, this combination elevates the holiday, proving that flavors can transcend categories.

As we raise a glass (or unwrap a candy) on this January 8, 2026, let’s appreciate how traditions like National English Toffee Day inspire creative pairings. Founders Backwoods Bastard isn’t just a beer—it’s a flavorful bridge to confectionery bliss, perfect for toasting the sweeter side of life.

 Top 10 Beers in America – Ales  Lagers  Specialty  Barrel Aged

San Diego, CA – January 6, 2026 – San Diego Brewing Company, one of San Diego’s original craft breweries and a beloved fixture since 1993, is thrilled to announce the release of Montezuma’s Haze IPA, a bold and juicy New England-style hazy IPA that pays homage to the rich history and vibrant spirit of the region.

Brewed with a generous blend of tropical hops including Citra, Mosaic, and El Dorado, Montezuma’s Haze IPA delivers explosive notes of pineapple, mango, and citrus, wrapped in a soft, pillowy mouthfeel with a signature hazy glow. At 6.8% ABV, this unfiltered brew offers low bitterness and maximum drinkability—perfect for San Diego’s year-round sunshine and craft beer enthusiasts seeking the next big haze.

“Inspired by the legendary Aztec emperor and the adventurous soul of San Diego, Montezuma’s Haze is our take on the hazy IPA craze that’s sweeping the nation,” said Head Brewer at San Diego Brewing Company. “We focused on creating a beer that’s bursting with fruit-forward flavors while staying true to our roots in crafting delicious, hoppy brews.”

Montezuma’s Haze IPA is now available on draft  at the San Diego Brewing Company brewpub located at 10450 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92120. Join us  at the brewpub, featuring special pours, food pairings, and live music. Follow @SanDiegoBrewing on social media for updates and events.

About San Diego Brewing Company
Established in 1993, San Diego Brewing Company stands as one of San Diego’s original craft breweries and a beloved brewpub in the heart of Mission Valley. Renowned for its award-winning house-brewed beers—with a strong emphasis on bold, hop-forward IPAs—crafted in small batches using time-honored recipes and premium ingredients without preservatives or adjuncts, the brewery pairs its exceptional taps with a full restaurant menu featuring elevated pub fare, vegetarian options, and dog-friendly outdoor seating. Under recent passionate new ownership committed to preserving its legacy while innovating for the future, San Diego Brewing Company continues to be a go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking authentic San Diego craft beer experiences.

Top 10 Barrel-Aged Imperial Stouts (Over 12.5% ABV)

In the world of craft beer, few styles command as much reverence and anticipation as barrel-aged imperial stouts exceeding 12.5% ABV. These massive, inky-black powerhouses combine the deep roast, dark chocolate, espresso, and caramelized malt of a classic Russian imperial stout with the transformative magic of extended aging in bourbon, rye, rum, or other spirit barrels. The result is a velvety, boozy symphony of vanilla, oak, toasted coconut, dried fruit, and warm whiskey notes that often hides its formidable strength behind remarkable balance and complexity. From iconic annual releases like Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Stout (17.4% ABV) and Firestone Walker Parabola (14.1% ABV) to ultra-limited gems from breweries such as Toppling Goliath, Side Project, Bottle Logic, and Revolution, these beers represent the pinnacle of the style. As winter settles in, they offer profound warmth and depth, rewarding patient sippers with layers of flavor that evolve in the glass—and often in the cellar—for years to come.

1) Monochrome Brewing’s Eigengrau – Illinois
Monochrome Brewing’s Eigengrau (around 14.5% ABV) has quickly risen to acclaim from this young Illinois brewery, earning a gold medal at FoBAB for its sophisticated blend aged in premium barrels like Four Roses, Willett, and vanilla bourbon. It delivers rich roast, complex barrel tannins, and deep chocolate-oak integration in a clean, non-adjunct style that’s elegant and highly regarded.
Address: 2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608
Website: https://www.monochromebrewing.com

2) Toppling Goliath’s Assassin barrel-aged variants – Iowa
Toppling Goliath’s Assassin barrel-aged variants stand out as some of the most coveted and highest-rated barrel-aged imperial stouts, often earning scores in the upper 4.0s on platforms like Untappd and BeerAdvocate. The 2025 vintage and variants like Double Barrel Assassin (around 14.9% ABV) deliver an intensely rich fudge-like chocolate base layered with bold bourbon warmth, oak, and sometimes apple brandy or rye influences for added complexity. Aged for over a year—sometimes nearing two—in premium barrels, these ultra-limited releases are true “whales” known for their smooth yet deadly depth and balance.
Address: 1600 Prosperity Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
Website: https://www.tgbrews.com

3) Revolution Brewing’s Deth’s Tar – Illinois
Revolution Brewing’s Deth’s Tar (Barrel-Aged) is a Chicago classic at 14.8% ABV, where oatmeal contributes a silky, tar-like thickness to a base of deep roast, dark chocolate, and caramel. Aged in bourbon barrels for a full year, it integrates notes of vanilla, toasted coconut, and subtle warmth, making it viscous, roasty, and deceptively drinkable despite its strength—consistently scoring in the mid-4.0s and a staple for stout enthusiasts.
Address: 3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Website: https://revbrew.com

4) Oskar Blues’ Barrel-Aged Ten FIDY – Colorado
Oskar Blues’ Barrel-Aged Ten FIDY offers accessible excellence around 12.5-12.9% ABV, transforming the base stout with bourbon barrel aging that brings espresso, burnt sugar, rich chocolate, and smooth oak-vanilla notes. Widely available in cans, it’s balanced, warming, and highly rated (often 4.4+), serving as a gateway to bigger barrel-aged experiences with its robust yet approachable profile.
Address: 1640 S Sunset St, Longmont, CO 80501
Website: https://oskarblues.com

5) Goose Island’s Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Stout – Illinois
Goose Island’s Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Stout pushes the boundaries with its extraordinary 17.4% ABV, achieved through double aging in freshly emptied Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond bourbon barrels. This results in a masterclass of toasted marshmallow, warm vanilla, pronounced oak, and intense bourbon character that’s boozy yet remarkably balanced and layered, earning high praise with ratings around 4.5 on Untappd and 97 on BeerAdvocate. It’s a standout in the iconic lineup, celebrating pure barrel complexity.
Address: 1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612
Website: https://www.gooseisland.com

6) Riverlands Brewing’s Tranquil – Illinois
Riverlands Brewing’s Tranquil 2025 continues their award-winning barrel-aged program with a clean, bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout (typically 13-14.5%+ ABV range based on prior releases). It emphasizes elegant dark chocolate, oak, and subtle warmth without adjuncts, resulting in a refined, balanced pour that’s a standout from this St. Charles gem.
Address: 1860 Dean St, Unit A, St. Charles, IL 60174
Website: https://www.riverlandsbrewing.com

7) Mikerphone Brewing’s Sir Blends A-Lot #5 – Illinois
Mikerphone Brewing’s Sir Blends A-Lot #5 clocks in at a hefty 15.75% ABV as a masterful blend of ultra-long-aged stouts (32-40 months) in top-tier barrels like Weller, Willett, and Buffalo Trace. The result is profound depth with woody tannins, vanilla, espresso, dark fruit, and chocolate, hiding its strength behind silky smoothness and earning strong ratings for its blending artistry.
Address: 121 Garlisch Dr, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Website: https://www.mikerphonebrewing.com

8) Firestone Walker’s Parabola – California
Firestone Walker’s Parabola is a legendary bourbon barrel-aged Russian imperial stout that has been captivating beer enthusiasts since its debut in 2010, consistently ranking among the world’s elite barrel-aged offerings with its impenetrable black pour and soaring strength around 14.1% ABV in recent vintages. Each annual release spends a full year maturing in premium bourbon barrels—such as the exquisite 12-year Elijah Craig and 11-year Henry McKenna selections for the 2025 edition—imparting profound layers of black cherry, dark chocolate fudge, roasted coffee, vanilla, charred oak, and subtle bourbon warmth, all balanced in a velvety, full-bodied texture that hides its potency behind elegant complexity and a silky finish.
Address: 1400 Ramada Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Website: https://www.firestonewalker.com

9) Verboten Brewing & Barrel Project – Colorado
Verboten Brewing & Barrel Project’s Others in Darkness series is a celebrated barrel-aged imperial stout that showcases the brewery’s mastery of dark, high-ABV beers, often pushing 13-15% ABV with variants like the massive 14.5% anniversary release. The base version spends a full year (or more in special blends) in premium barrels—typically Colorado small-batch bourbon, with creative twists including rye whiskey, rum, cognac, or multi-barrel finishes—yielding rich layers of dark chocolate, vanilla, oak, licorice, dark fruits, and subtle warmth that hide its strength behind a velvety, viscous body.
Address: 127 E 5th St, Loveland, CO 80537
Website: https://verbotenbrewing.com

10) River North Brewing’s Double Barrel Aged Shadowman – Colorado
River North Brewing’s Double Barrel Aged Shadowman reaches extreme heights at up to 20.4% ABV in recent releases, sequentially aged in whiskey and single malt barrels for massive layers of chocolate, roast, caramel, and oak. It’s one of the strongest and most complex out there, demanding slow sipping for its warming, viscous intensity.
Address: 6021 Washington St, Unit A, Denver, CO 80216
Website: https://www.rivernorthbrewery.com

10) Rhinegeist’s Rye Barrel Aged Night Whale – Ohio
Rhinegeist’s Rye Barrel Aged Night Whale brings aggressive spice and char from rye whiskey barrels to a massive base around 15.7% ABV, balancing herbal rye notes with cocoa, vanilla, roast, and oak. It’s a bold, balanced beast from Cincinnati that stands out for its intensity and integration.
Address: 1910 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Website: https://rhinegeist.com

 

 

 Top 10 Beers in America – Ales  Lagers  Specialty  Barrel Aged

Nothing says “Merry Christmas” quite like cracking open a frosty American craft beer brewed just for the holidays! From coast to coast, U.S. brewers unleash seasonal magic with spiced winter warmers bursting with cinnamon, ginger, and honey—like the legendary Great Lakes Christmas Ale from Ohio—or hoppy rebels such as Sierra Nevada’s Celebration IPA, delivering piney freshness without a single nutmeg in sight. Whether you’re toasting with Tröegs Mad Elf’s cherry-honey buzz in Pennsylvania, sipping Deschutes Jubelale’s malty coziness in Oregon, or diving into bold barrel-aged gems, these festive brews turn any holiday gathering into a jolly celebration. Grab ’em fresh while they last—cheers to the most wonderful (and boozy) time of the year! Top 12 Christmas Beers of 2025.

The 12 Beers of Christmas
1. Great Lakes Brewing Co. Christmas Ale (Cleveland, OH)
From the pioneering craft brewery Great Lakes Brewing Co. in Cleveland, Ohio—Ohio’s first brewpub established in 1988—this iconic winter warmer is a full-bodied ale at 7.5% ABV, bursting with fresh honey, cinnamon, and ginger for a festive, spiced profile that’s become the gold standard for American Christmas beers, perfect for wassailing through the holidays.
Address: 2516 Market Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
Website: https://www.greatlakesbrewing.com

2. Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale (Chico, CA)
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., founded in Chico, California, in 1980 and a cornerstone of the American craft beer revolution, crafts this fresh-hop IPA at 6.8% ABV using freshly picked hops rushed from the fields, delivering bold citrus, pine, and grapefruit notes balanced by rich caramel malt—a crisp, hop-forward holiday classic that defies spiced traditions.
Address: 1075 E 20th St, Chico, CA 95928
Website: https://sierranevada.com

3. Tröegs Mad Elf (Hershey, PA)
Tröegs Independent Brewing, based in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and known for innovative craft beers since 1997, brews this legendary Belgian-style strong ale at 11% ABV with a ruby glow from five varieties of tree-ripened cherries, Pennsylvania honey, chocolate malt, and spicy yeast notes of cinnamon, clove, and allspice—a mischievous, dangerously drinkable holiday treat.
Address: 200 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033
Website: https://troegs.com

4. Deschutes Jubelale (Bend, OR)
Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon, a Pacific Northwest powerhouse since 1988, releases this festive English-style winter warmer at 6.7% ABV with a deep garnet hue, robust malt character, hints of toffee, dusted cocoa, and subtle spices, featuring annual artist-designed labels that make each year’s Jubelale a collectible cozy companion for the season.
Address: 901 SW Simpson Ave, Bend, OR 97702
Website: https://www.deschutesbrewery.com

5. Bell’s Christmas Ale (Comstock, MI)
Bell’s Brewery, an independent Michigan favorite from Comstock (with roots in Kalamazoo), specializes in malt-forward beers and offers this traditional Scotch Ale at 7.5% ABV, rich with caramel and toffee notes, a warm finish, and no added spices—focusing purely on hearty malt for a smooth, approachable holiday sipper ideal for gatherings.
Address: 8938 Krum Ave, Comstock, MI 49053
Website: https://www.bellsbeer.com

6. Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig (Boston, MA)
From the Boston Beer Company, makers of Samuel Adams in Boston, Massachusetts, this spiced winter warmer at around 5.9% ABV draws inspiration from the jolly Dickens character, blending cinnamon, ginger, and orange peel with caramel and toffee malts for a bold, nostalgic “Christmas cookie” of a beer that’s festive and full-bodied.
Address: 30 Germania St, Boston, MA 02130
Website: https://www.samueladams.com

7. Revolution Fistmas (Chicago, IL)
Revolution Brewing, Chicago’s largest independent craft brewery, steeps this holiday red ale at 6.5% ABV with ginger root and orange peel, using specialty malts for a deep red hue and aromas of fresh-baked bread, caramel, and stone fruits—a fun, approachable Midwest favorite brimming with seasonal cheer.
Address: 3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Website: https://revbrew.com

Fat Head’s Holly Jolly (Middleburg Heights, OH)
Fat Head’s Brewery & Saloon, a bold Ohio craft staple headquartered in Middleburg Heights, brews this spiced amber ale at 7.5% ABV with sweet malt, local honey, ginger, and cinnamon for a smooth, medium-bodied taste of the season—inspired by a jolly tale, it’s perfect for fireside sipping and holiday inspiration.
Address: 17450 Engle Lake Dr, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Website: https://fatheads.com

8. 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale – Thirsty Dog Brewing (Akron, OH)
Thirsty Dog Brewing Company in Akron, Ohio, crafts this beloved holiday ale at 8.3% ABV, spiced with honey, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a touch of Santa’s secret recipe for a malty, warmly festive profile that’s become an Ohio tradition for celebrating the 12 days with canine-inspired cheer.
Address: 529 Grant St, Akron, OH 44311
Website: https://thirstydog.com

9. Victory Merry Monkey Ale (Downingtown, PA)
Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, twists their Golden Monkey tripel into this Belgian-style holiday ale at 10% ABV, infused with cranberry, orange peel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes gingerbread notes for a spicy, fruity, high-ABV sipper that’s merry, smooth, and perfect for gathering ’round the fire.
Address: 3127 Lower Valley Rd, Parkesburg, PA 19365 (main production/taproom; original Downingtown location also active)
Website: https://www.victorybeer.com

10. Anderson Valley Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale (Boonville, CA)
Anderson Valley Brewing Company, nestled in Boonville, California, and famous for unique boontling-inspired beers, brews this classic winter warmer at 6.9% ABV with a deep amber hue, creamy mouthfeel, caramel sweetness, hints of toffee, spice, and a silky finish—lifting spirits like a cozy solstice celebration.
Address: 17700 CA-253, Boonville, CA 95415
Website: https://avbc.com

11. Shiner Holiday Cheer (Shiner, TX)
Spoetzl Brewery, the historic “Little Brewery” in Shiner, Texas—founded in 1909 as the Shiner Brewing Association and Texas’s oldest independent brewery—crafts this unique Old World Dunkelweizen at 5.4% ABV, infused with ripe Texas peaches and roasted pecans atop a base of malted barley and wheat, delivering sweet peach-forward notes balanced by caramel malts, subtle nuttiness, and a smooth kräusened finish for a distinctly Southern holiday twist.
Address: 603 E Brewery St, Shiner, TX 77984
Website: https://shiner.com

12. Breckenridge Christmas Ale (Breckenridge, CO)
Breckenridge Brewery, founded in the Colorado mountain town of Breckenridge in 1990 and now part of the Tilray family while keeping its craft spirit alive, brews this classic American winter warmer at 7.4% ABV with a rich amber-copper pour, layers of caramel and chocolate malts, subtle roasted notes, and a balanced hop finish—delivering straightforward holiday coziness without heavy spices, ideal for snowy nights by the fire.
Address: 600 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Website: https://www.breckbrew.com 

Top 10 Beer Festivals in America plus a few more: Click Here!

Nestled in the rolling hills of Fairview, North Carolina—just 15 minutes from downtown Asheville—Whistle Hop Brewing Company stands as a train-themed oasis for beer lovers, families, and adventure seekers. Established in 2015, this destination brewery has earned accolades, including topping Yelp’s list of North Carolina’s best breweries in 2022, thanks to its innovative brews, whimsical setting, and family-friendly vibe. But who’s steering this locomotive of craft beer excellence?

The Owners: A Passion for Rails and Ales

Whistle Hop was born from the vision of  Tom Miceli, and his dad, rail enthusiasts and homebrewers transformed a passion for railroads into a thriving business. They sourced retired train cars to create an immersive taproom, blending Asheville’s craft beer scene with Western North Carolina’s storied rail history. Under their stewardship, the brewery has grown into a 3-acre haven, emphasizing local ingredients and experimental techniques while honoring traditional brewing methods. Their commitment to community shines through in sustainable practices and a welcoming atmosphere that draws locals and tourists alike.

The Brewery: A Train Car Taproom with Mountain Views

At the heart of Whistle Hop is its iconic setup: two historic retired train cars repurposed into a cozy indoor taproom and bar. Patrons can sip inside the original boxcars, complete with ladder-access seating for an elevated perch, or relax on a sprawling deck overlooking Cane Creek Valley’s misty mountains. The railroad theme extends outdoors with a vintage caboose featuring a cupola for intimate, high-up beer sessions—imagine toasting with a pint while feeling like a brakeman on a scenic route. This unique fusion of industrial nostalgia and natural beauty makes Whistle Hop more than a brewery; it’s a playground where “drinking outside the box” takes on literal meaning.

The Beers: Flavorful Rides from Saison to Stout

Whistle Hop’s lineup is as dynamic as a cross-country rail journey, with a dozen or so rotating taps showcasing handcrafted ales and lagers using high-quality, often locally sourced ingredients. Standouts include:

• Honey Fig Saison: A light, effervescent farmhouse ale infused with regional honey and figs for a sweet-tart twist.
• Banana Wheat: A fruity hefeweizen with ripe banana notes, perfect for sunny afternoons.
• Chimperial DIPA: A bold, imperial double IPA bursting with citrus and pine from heavy hopping.
• SOB (South of the Border) Porter: A rich, chocolatey porter spiced with Mexican chocolate and chili for a smoky kick.
• Raspberry Cream Ale: A creamy, berry-forward summer crusher that’s refreshingly smooth.

The brewery loves experimentation—think meads and non-traditional flavors—ensuring every visit offers a fresh track to explore.

Activities: Fun for All Ages (and Tails)
Whistle Hop isn’t just about the brew; it’s a full-station stop for entertainment. The 3-acre grounds buzz with live music on weekends, farmers markets, and a rotating fleet of local food trucks serving everything from BBQ to vegan bites. Families flock to the dedicated kids’ area with playgrounds, while adults (and pups—it’s dog-friendly!) unwind at cornhole, giant Jenga, mini golf, and bocce ball courts. Cozy up by the massive industrial oil-drum fire pit as dusk falls, or join trivia nights and yoga sessions. Open daily with hours from noon to 10 p.m. on weekends, it’s the ultimate spot to uncouple from daily stress.

Whether you’re a beer geek, train buff, or just chasing good vibes, Whistle Hop Brewing Company chugs along as Fairview’s must-visit gem. Next stop: Your new favorite pour. All aboard!

More about Whistle Hop Brewing
Whistle Hop Brewing Company, Fairview, North Carolina’s cherished train-car brewery, continues to chug forward under the visionary leadership of owner and head brewer Tom Miceli, who, alongside his wife Gina and family, transformed retired railroad relics into a craft beer haven since opening in 2016. Set on three scenic acres just minutes from Asheville, Whistle Hop pours a dynamic array of award-winning beers—from the citrusy Pale By Rail Pale Ale and bold Chai White IPA to innovative infusions like the spiced South of the Border Porter and Honey Fig Saison—directly from two historic boxcars and a restored red caboose, complete with ladder-access seating and panoramic views of Cane Creek Valley. A true community engine, the brewery fuels good times with live music, farmers markets, food trucks, dog-friendly grounds, and family activities like mini golf and bocce, earning its spot as one of the state’s top destinations for all aboard flavor and fun. Website: https://whistlehop.com/  

Fritz Maytag (born Frederick Louis Maytag III on December 9, 1937) is an American businessman, brewer, and philanthropist best known for single-handedly rescuing and revitalizing Anchor Brewing Company, thereby playing a pivotal role in launching the modern American craft beer movement.

A great-grandson of Frederick Louis Maytag, founder of the Maytag appliance corporation, Fritz grew up in Iowa but moved to California to attend Stanford University, where he earned a degree in American literature in 1960. Rather than join the family appliance business, he pursued interests in photography, writing, and eventually food and beverage.

In 1965, at the age of 27, Maytag visited Anchor Brewing Company in San Francisco—a tiny, nearly bankrupt 69-year-old brewery that was on the verge of closing. At the time, Anchor was producing a mediocre steam beer using outdated equipment and was down to its last few customers. Impressed by the unique style of Anchor Steam Beer (a California common beer fermented with lager yeast at ale temperatures), Maytag bought 51% of the struggling company for less than $10,000. By 1969, facing imminent closure, he purchased the remaining shares and became sole owner.

Under Maytag’s stewardship beginning in 1965, Anchor underwent a complete transformation:

Anchor Steam Beer
In 1965, Anchor Brewing was down to producing 800 barrels a year (tiny even for the 1960s). The equipment was ancient, the beer was inconsistent, and the owners were about to shut the doors forever. After Fritz bought the brewery, he spent the next decade doing the following:

Threw out adjuncts (corn/rice) out the window → went 100% barley malt
Brought back open fermentation in the original shallow wooden tanks
Re-perfected the quirky warm lager fermentation
Started bottle-conditioning every single bottle with live yeast
Kept the old copper brewhouse from 1934

By the early 1970s, Anchor Steam was suddenly the best, most flavorful beer most Americans had ever tasted.

Story of Liberty Ale 
The beer was originally brewed as a one-off to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Paul Revere’s famous ride (April 18, 1775), when Revere warned colonists that “the British are coming.” Maytag wanted to commemorate an iconic moment in American independence, so he named the beer Liberty Ale.

At the time, American beer was dominated by bland, mass-produced light lagers (Budweiser, Miller, Coors, etc.). Almost no one in the U.S. was brewing aggressively hopped ales in the English tradition, and Cascade hops — the distinctly American hops with bold citrus and pine notes — were brand new and largely untested.

Maytag decided to brew an all-malt, top-fermented ale using only Cascade hops — not just in the boil, but also by dry-hopping the beer (adding hops after fermentation to maximize aroma without extra bitterness). This combination was radical in 1975.

These innovations made Anchor the template for the thousands of craft breweries that followed. Many early craft brewing pioneers (including Ken Grossman of Sierra Nevada and Jim Koch of Samuel Adams) have cited Maytag and Anchor as direct inspirations.

Anchor Christmas Ale 1975 – The Original That Started It All
(Perfect for Google searches like “first Christmas beer,” “Anchor Christmas Ale history,” or “best holiday beer”)
In 1975, Fritz Maytag dropped a total game-changer: the very first modern American Christmas Ale.

Style: Rich, deep-amber spiced ale
ABV: ~6%
Malts: All-malt recipe with a kiss of crystal malt for caramel sweetness
The magic: A top-secret blend of holiday spices (think cinnamon, ginger, fresh spruce tips, maybe some orange peel and nutmeg – nobody knows for sure except Fritz) added after fermentation so the aromas pop without turning it into potpourri
Hops: Just enough to balance, never the star – this beer is all about malt + spice harmony
Finish: Bottle-conditioned (live yeast in every bottle) for super-fine natural carbonation and a creamy, long-lasting head

Taste? Picture warm caramel, fresh-baked gingerbread, pine needles from the Christmas tree you just brought inside, and a cozy hug in a glass. In 1975, when every other beer in America was thin yellow fizz, this was a revelation.

The legendary label
Fritz hand-drew the very first Christmas tree label himself – a simple, elegant line drawing with tiny ornaments that looked like something out of a Victorian storybook. No flashy colors, no gimmicks, just pure class. People started saving the bottles the moment they saw it.
Released in tiny batches right before Thanksgiving, it sold out instantly in San Francisco and became an overnight collector’s item. For years, Anchor was literally the only brewery in the country making a Christmas beer.
That 1975 bottle? It wasn’t just a seasonal release – it was the spark that launched America’s entire holiday beer tradition. Every spiced winter warmer you see on shelves today owes a pint to this one.

Anchor Distilling
Beyond beer, Maytag also revived Anchor Distilling (now part of the brewery’s portfolio) in 1993, producing small-batch rye whiskey, genever, and other spirits—again using traditional methods and helping spark the American craft distilling movement.

Anchor Today
In 2010, after 45 years of ownership, Fritz Maytag sold Anchor Brewing Company to Keith Greggor and Tony Foglio of Griffin Group, a San Francisco-based beverage investment firm. Seven years later, in 2017, Anchor was acquired by Sapporo Holdings of Japan. In 2023, Anchor was closed and bought again. Hopefully, soon we will see Anchor Steam again.

Maytag’s legacy is profound: Anchor Steam Beer remains one of the most iconic American beers, and Fritz is universally regarded as the “godfather of craft beer.” He has received lifetime achievement awards from the Brewers Association, the James Beard Foundation, and numerous other organizations.

Now in his late 80s, Fritz Maytag lives quietly in Northern California, still passionate about food, fermentation, and traditional craftsmanship. His 1965 decision to save a tiny, failing brewery is widely credited with igniting the revolution that turned America from the land of bland industrial lager into the world’s most vibrant and diverse beer culture.

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LISBON FALLS, Maine – Remember when Blue Ox Malthouse launched that slick online merch shop earlier this year? Well, hold onto your mash paddles, because they just turned it up to 11. Starting Black Friday, you can now grab their ridiculous-good, floor-malted grains straight to your doorstep in convenient 5-lb bags.

We’re talking ten absolute bangers ready to level-up your next brew day:

• Yankee Pilsner
• Vyenna (yes, with a Y, because Maine does what it wants)
• Dark Munich
• Caramel 60
• Roasted Barley
• Chit
• Wheat
• Chocolate Rye
• Special Moxie (tastes like childhood soda grew up and got cool)
• Maplewood Smoked (because bacon beer is a lifestyle)

“Blue Ox started because we love farmers, beer, and not letting good grain go to waste,” said Joe Rinaldo, the guy who basically gets paid to talk about malt all day. “Now every garage brewer, porch-sipper, and basement fermenter can get the same award-winning malt that the pros fight over. More malt in more hands = happier planet and tastier beer.”

Grab your bags right now at: blueoxmalthouse.com/merch-house

(Pro brewers, distillers, and bakers – don’t worry, we still love you the most. Hit up the main site or email sales@blueoxmalthouse.com for pallets, truckloads.)

ABOUT BLUE OX MALTHOUSE
Started in 2013 by Joel Alex – a guy who went from homebrewing in his kitchen to literally building Maine’s first malt house – Blue Ox is now the biggest dedicated floor-malting operation outside of Europe. They’re on a mission to make craft beer and spirits even craftier by hooking up Maine farmers with brewers who actually care where their grain comes from. Old-school floor malting, new-school flavor, zero shortcuts none. Come for the malt, stay for the revolution.

Raise a glass and go shop: blueoxmalthouse.com

Fun Beer Facts, Breweries and More: Click Here