What We're Drinking Now: Beer Recommendations Holiday 2024

Are you a beer enthusiast looking for your next hoppy adventure? Look no further! We've scoured the United States to bring you the finest craft beers from all corners of the country. Whether you're in New England, the Midwest, the Southeast, the Rocky Mountains, the Southwest or on the West Coast, we've got you covered. Let's embark on a flavorful journey and savor the fresh brews that are the toast of the country during the fall months.

Disclaimer: It's impossible for our judges to review every single beer released by the nearly 10,000 breweries in the U.S. each week. As such, while this story serves as a peek at some of the best beers released recently that have scored highly in our Official Review, it also features beers that rank highly on other beer reviewing platforms, beer that have medaled in recent competitions or have been burning up message boards and forums with immense hype. If you're in the regions where these beers are available, we hope they become What You're Drinking Now!

Midwest Region - Cincinnati, Ohio

Holiday Bubbles by Rhinegeist Brewery

Untappd score: ⭐4.00 out of 5

ABV: 6.2%

Bubbles from Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati, Ohio is a popular series of fruited sour ales that have spanned flavors ranging from apple, raspberry, tart cherry and blood orange. This holiday seasonal version delivers notes of cranberry and vanilla alongside standard winter warmer-style spices such as nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon.

 Sitting at a supple 6.2% ABV, this spritzy fruited sour serves as a palate-cleanser for those that don’t want to imbibe heavy winter warmers, overly spiced seasonal holiday ales or boozy, barrel-aged stouts this time of year.

Furthermore, this sprightly and effervescent sour ale would be a perfect accompaniment to a New Year’s Eve celebration and could serve as a champagne replacement for those who don’t enjoy that type of “bubbly.”

West Coast Region - San Diego, California

Corylus by Pure Project Brewing

The Beer Connoisseur® score: 97

ABV: 12.6%

Pure Project Brewing in San Diego, California is known for a plethora of top-flight brews, but this holiday season we’ve curled up by our fireplace with a delectable barrel-aged imperial stout that’s been aged 15 months in Cutwater Bourbon barrels: Pure Project’s Corylus.

This rotating release has long been revered as one of Pure Project’s crown jewels, and this year’s addition certainly underscores that point as well. With a bevy of delightful aromas and flavors, it’s no wonder that our judge Randy Scorby raved about it: “This is a tremendously well-brewed beer that made me long for a snowy day and a fire crackling in the fireplace. The richness and complexity of the aroma and flavor keep you coming back for more. When you pop the cap on this world-class brew, make sure that you have plenty of time left in the day to enjoy it.”

New England Region - Boston, Massachusetts

Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale by The Boston Beer Co.

The Beer Connoisseur® score: 94

ABV: 5.9%

A beloved holiday seasonal from one of the most important craft breweries of all time, it’s shocking to recall that Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale was actually shelved for a number of years by The Boston Beer Co. before it made its triumphant return a few years ago.

A delectable spiced winter ale, this beer practically begs to be paired with a holiday meal or – better yet – with cookies that were meant for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve night. Hey, you deserve a treat just as much as the man in red, right?

With an intoxicating bouquet that “balances sweet toffee and rich, dark caramel notes with subtle holiday spices like ginger and orange peel,” according to the brewery, this beer is an exceptional addition to the holiday beer shelf for all.

Imported - Andechs, Germany

Andechser Weissbier Dunkel by Kloster Andechs

The Beer Connoisseur® score: 98

ABV: 5.0%

Dark beers are usually all the rage as temperatures begin to drop and holiday shopping becomes a required part of our daily routine. As such, this top-flight Dunkel from Kloster Andechs, a famed German brewery located in, fittingly, Andechs, is a great choice if you’re looking for an authentic German style to enjoy during the holidays.

German beers are known for their extreme purity since, legally, they are only allowed to have four ingredients: water, hops, yeast and barley. So, when it comes to dark beers, a clean, smooth German lager such as Andechser Weissbier Dunkel is surely an excellent choice alongside holiday revelry – or a rich Thanksgiving meal.

Mid-Atlantic Region - Washington D.C.

Dad Strength IPA by Dad Strength Brewing

The Beer Connoisseur® score: 92

ABV: 2.9%

Normally, the holidays are not associated with cutting calories. Instead, the holiday and winter months are reserved for enjoying caloric, heavy meals filled with rich meats and comfort food sides that taste brilliant and make you feel good.

So why not cut some calories and carbs with your beer pairing? Dad Strength Brewing in Washington D.C. is aiming to aid you in that cause. With an ABV below 3% and under 100 calories, Dad Strength IPA is a crushable, smooth-drinking hoppy ale that will pair well with a variety of holidays meals.

You also won’t feel too bad about slamming a few of these since they’ll likely be the least caloric thing you imbibe when you’re enjoying a holiday feast with family, friends and loved ones.

Southwest Region - Oklahoma City, OK

Not the Gumdrop Buttons! by Prairie Artisan Ales

Untappd score: ⭐4.05 out of 5

ABV: 9.5%

A brand-new release from Prairie Artisan Ales in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, this tremendously flavorful seasonal brew is an imperial milk stout brewed with vanilla, coffee and finished off with gingerbread flavor – making this a perfect brew to pair with gingerbread cookies or to imbibe while building a gingerbread house with the little ones.

While this beer’s name comes from the famous scene from the original Shrek, this beer is all holiday cheer, and while it sits at a hefty 9.5% ABV – meaning you’ll likely be limited to one of these bad boys in a sitting – this would serve as a perfect capstone to a night sipping brews and trading stories by a bonfire. Just don’t forget the chestnuts for roasting or corn for popping!

Photos Courtesy Respective Breweries