Ohio Breweries Unveil Unique Christmas Ales for the Season

CLEVELAND, Ohio – A wave of festive cheer is evident in Ohio’s craft beer scene as local breweries launch their distinctive Christmas ales for December. This month, five different beers from various cities across the state have been reviewed, showcasing a range of styles and flavor profiles. All selections are readily available at local retail outlets, allowing beer enthusiasts to explore the seasonal offerings.

Exploring Diverse Flavors

The featured Christmas ales include:

1. **Jackie O’s Christmas Ale** (Athens) – With an alcohol content of **6.5%**, this brew offers a subtle spice with hints of honey, adding a touch of sweetness. The finish presents a pleasant note of burnt toast that enhances the overall tasting experience.

2. **BrewDog Winter Staycation** (Canal Winchester) – This stout, at **7.5%**, brings forth flavors of chocolate combined with soft nuttiness. The infusion of coconut and hazelnut creates a medium-bodied beer that is smooth rather than overwhelming.

3. **Madtree Brewing Co. Holly Days** (Cincinnati) – An India Pale Ale featuring spruce tips, this beverage has an alcohol content of **6.8%**. It emphasizes a balance of hops and pine without being overpowering, making it a refined choice for the holiday season.

4. **Collision Bend Brewing Co. Christmas Staycation** (Cleveland) – This amber ale, with a **6.8%** ABV, is characterized by its smoothness and clean taste. The spices linger pleasantly on the palate, achieving a balanced flavor profile between malts and hops.

5. **Land Grant Brewing Co. Cornelius Hoppy Holiday Lager** (Columbus) – At **6%**, this lager pays homage to Yukon Cornelius from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” While it lacks traditional holiday spices, it bursts with grapefruit, citrus, and pine flavors, offering a unique take on the seasonal lager.

The standout choice from this month’s selection is Collision Bend’s **Christmas Staycation**. Its balanced flavor and smooth finish have earned it a commendable mention among local brews.

Festive Events and New Offerings

In addition to the beer reviews, several breweries are hosting festive events and launching new products this holiday season:

– **Nano Brew** is bringing back its **Holidayland Christmas Bar**, featuring a new **Polar Pint Shack** on the patio. The bar operates daily until December 31, with hours varying throughout the week.

– **HiHO Brewing** will host **Ugly Sweater Karaoke** on **December 16** from **19:00 to 22:00** at their Cuyahoga Falls location.

– Tickets for the **Winter Warmer Fest**, scheduled for **March 7, 2024**, in Cleveland are now available. This event promises to be a highlight for beer lovers.

– **Warped Wing Brewing Co.** from Dayton is set to launch its first non-alcoholic beer, **Zero Altitude IPA**, broadening its product line for a diverse audience.

Most of the beers reviewed are sourced from Northeast Ohio retail outlets, including Heinen’s, Red, Wine & Brew, Acme, Giant Eagle, Mustard Seed Market, and Whole Foods. Each of these breweries contributes to a vibrant local craft beer culture, making Ohio an exciting destination for seasonal brews this Christmas.