Explore Ohio’s Festive Flavors with December Beer Reviews

CLEVELAND, Ohio – A festive spirit fills the air as Ohio breweries unveil their holiday ales for December. This month, we sampled five distinct Christmas beers, each hailing from a different city across the state. With a variety of styles and flavors, these brews are expected to be available on local store shelves throughout the season.

Holiday Ales from Across Ohio

We began our tasting tour in Athens with the **Christmas Ale by Jackie O’s**, boasting an alcohol content of **6.5%**. This brew features subtle spices and a hint of sweetness from honey, balanced by a pleasant finish reminiscent of burnt toast.

Next, we ventured to Canal Winchester for **Winter Staycation from BrewDog**, a stout that weighs in at **7.5%**. This medium-bodied beer offers flavors of chocolate, complemented by soft nuttiness and notes of coconut and hazelnut, creating a smooth drinking experience without overwhelming the palate.

In Cincinnati, the **Holly Days India Pale Ale from Madtree Brewing Co.** surprised us with its unique twist; while it carries a **6.8%** alcohol content, the infusion of spruce tips provides a refreshing, yet subtle taste of pine without dominating the overall flavor profile.

Cleveland’s own **Christmas Staycation from Collision Bend Brewing Co.** showcases an amber ale at **6.8%**. While less spicy than some Christmas ales, it impresses with its smoothness and a balanced profile of malts and hops that linger pleasantly on the palate.

Finally, we sampled the **Cornelius Hoppy Holiday Lager from Land Grant Brewing Co.** in Columbus. This lager, with an alcohol content of **6%**, offers vibrant notes of grapefruit and citrus. Though it may not embody the traditional spiciness of holiday beers, its refreshing flavors make it an enjoyable option.

Our top pick for the month is the **Christmas Staycation from Collision Bend Brewing Co.**, which embodies the essence of the season with its balanced taste and smooth finish.

Local Brewery Events

In addition to sampling holiday ales, local breweries are hosting festive events this month. **Nano Brew** has reopened its **Holidayland Christmas Bar**, featuring a new Polar Pint Shack on the patio, available seven days a week through December 31. Hours vary throughout the week, with operating times extending until **2:30 a.m.** on Fridays and Saturdays.

**HiHO Brewing** will host an **Ugly Sweater Karaoke** night on **December 16**, from **19:00 to 22:00** at their location in Cuyahoga Falls. This fun event invites locals to showcase their singing talents while sporting their most festive attire.

Looking ahead, tickets for the **Winter Warmer Fest** are now on sale, scheduled for **March 7, 2024**, in Cleveland. This event promises to bring together a variety of local brews for enthusiasts to enjoy.

Additionally, **Warped Wing Brewing Co.** in Dayton is set to launch its first non-alcoholic beer, the **Zero Altitude IPA**, expanding its offerings for those seeking lighter options.

Throughout the holiday season, most of the beers featured have been sourced from Northeast Ohio retailers, including Heinen’s, Red, Wine & Brew, Acme, Giant Eagle, Mustard Seed Market, and Whole Foods. These establishments provide a wide selection of local craft beers, allowing residents to celebrate the season with unique Ohio flavors.

Cheers to a festive December filled with local brews and holiday cheer!