Take it From the Tap

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DO ME A FLAVOR

New beers to cheers & brews to peruse
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STONE XOCOVEZA FOR THE HOLIDAYSIn 19 years, the return of no Stone beer has been so fervently requested as this take on Mexican hot chocolate... and the recipe came from a local homebrewer! Now, this chocolate, coffee, cinnamon and nutmeg-infused imperial milk stout will be an annual offering gifted to beer enthusiasts in six-packs

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KARL STRAUSS SIX SUITS A-HANGIN’
The sixth of 12 beers following the theme of the iconic tune “The 12 Days of Christmas” is an imperial Belgian-style brown ale aged in French Oak. The brewery describes it as having graham cracker-like flavors with a touch of wood-borne vanilla, plus peppery, yeast-infused spice.

Karl Strauss Brewing Co.

985 Santa Fe St., Pacific Beach

karlstrauss.com

ALESMITH NOEL
The last of more than two dozen specialty ales brewed for the Beer to the Rescue lupus campaign is a spiced take on AleSmith’s elegant, dark, fruit-packed Belgian strong ale, Grand Cru. The addition of wintry, holiday-friendly spices (think mulled wine and baked goods) transforms a year-round classic into a Christmas-ready instant tradition.

MISSION HOLIDAY ALE
Belgian yeast esters bring forth deep flavors of caramelized figs, raisins and even sugarplums to build the quintessential European-style yuletide delight. Dark in color and rich in its caramely, spicy complexity, it remains smooth on the palate, rendering it the perfect quaff for prolonged enjoyment from a comfy seat in front of a roaring fire.

MONKEY PAW SANTA’S PET MONKEY
In this case, Saint Nick’s faithful companion is a palate-and belly-warming imperial stout. Onyx in complexion and decadent in its rich chocolatiness, it abounds with roasted barley appeal and nuances of espresso. Forego the milk - leave Kris Kringle a glass of this instead and wait for the top-shelf gifts to come rolling in.

BENCHMARK FEISTY FLEUR
The feisty family behind this young standout brewery has elevated its Belgian-style tripel to Christmas-beer status, releasing it during the winter season as the perfect complement to family gatherings, traditional holiday feasting and nights spent caroling. Citrusy in its fruitiness, it’s a splendid alternative to traditional dark winter ales.

SOUTH PARK WINTER WARMER
Beer fans of the British bent looking to replicate the experience of nursing a proper holiday ale in a warm, inviting English pub need look no further than this traditional UK-style “Winter Warmer.” Dry and drinkable with flavors akin to toffee, currants and dark spirits, it’s deliciously evocative of English Christmas puddings.