Beer Flights
Holiday Brews
By Lee Nichols, Fri., Nov. 19, 2010
Saint Arnold
The Christmas Ale is absolutely one of my favorites. Its five different malts give it a heartiness that warms your soul. It's already out, soon to be followed by their pitch-black Winter Stout.
Shiner
Holiday Cheer, a dunkelweizen (dark wheat) flavored with Texas pecans and peaches, has really been a hit for Shiner during the past two winters. Even if you think you don't like fruit beers, give this a try.
Real Ale
Phoenixx Double ESB, a complex and hoppy winter warmer, will be out around New Year's.
Live Oak
Primus Weizenbock just hit the bars last week, featuring a bananalike flavor that I can't get enough of. Old Tree Hugger Barleywine returns in late December – at 14% alcohol, it'll definitely cut the winter chill.
Independence
Convict Hill Stout is one of the best things this Austin brewery has produced; it's a bold, dark brew.
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Pecan Porter is one of this brewery's staple tap-only beers year-round, but a whiskey-barrel-aged double version of this, scheduled for early December, has me looking at the calendar with mouthwatering anticipation.
Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery
Assuming they're finally brewing by winter, Moontower will be a malty, oak-aged imperial stout made for slow sipping.
North by Northwest Restaurant & Brewery
Look for Holiday Ale (an English-style barleywine) and Espresso Stout from one of my very favorite Austin brewers.
Lovejoys Taproom & Brewery
Old Vixen is an American-style barleywine aged in Jack Daniels whiskey barrels for six months. Very hoppy and high-alcohol. This downtown fixture also promises an imperial coffee stout made from locally roasted beans.
Rahr & Sons
This Fort Worth brewery should have its Winter Warmer bottled by the time you read this.
Lee Nichols blogs about beer at www.i-love-beer.blogspot.com.
