+1
A holiday beer is something that is a special season gift from the brewery to its customers. SNCA certainly applies. In Belgium, many of the seasonal offerings are just cranked up versions of their flagship beer, often a bit darker or fuller in body as well. The BJCP guidelines cover a certain subset of these type of beers that fit a well-defined profile, but that doesn’t mean that’s all there is to those type of beers.
To be honest, my winter warmer is my favorite! But I really like Summit Winter Ale, SNCA, and Ridgeway Brewing’s Bad Elf series. The latter of those are not spiced beers. Rather, they are moderate to high gravity English winter beers (think strong brown ale).
The reason I discovered SN celebration was b/c in was in a specialty beer store, and some guy walked in and ask the clerk if they had any in stock. They didn’t have of it in stock and the walked out looking very disapointed. Five minutes later another guy that had nothing to do with the first person walked in and asked for it again and reacted in much the same way. Me and the clerk looked at each other and we were both thinking we needed to try some soon.
I have never had the Celebration, and may not ever; although it amazes me that someone would consider an over hopped IPA the best Christmas ale.
Not to ruffel any feathers. It just does not compute!!!
Why not? I’d much rather have that than the weirdly spiced Anchor OSA. And if you’ve never had it, how can you say it’s over hopped?
Blue Mountain’s Lights Out is a nice holiday ale
Not to harp on robertwoodson (because I think I know what you’re saying) but I did want to mention that this overhopped beer (Celebration) is hop perfection whereas I agree that some of the new overhopped beers have traded their flavor/drinkability for bragging rights (i.e. mine has more hops than yours). If you haven’t had celebration you should try it. That said, I like OSA usually.
I wasn’t aware that there was any excuse for you ;D
Celebration is damn good stuff.
I just found out 2-Below isn’t the best…
Just a hoppy Fat Tire.
I’m really enjoying Winter Fish right now. The other night it was Alaskan Winter. Last week or two it was Doggie Claws. Celebration is great, but I haven’t this year’s. Which is best? I don’t know, it depends on my mood. 
It may not be categorized as a “Christmas style beer”, but my favorite beer to drink at Christmas time is Gulden Draak. Try it and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
Delerium Noel… if nothing else, it’s got the best Xmas glass of all!
Stille Nacht.
I had a couple last night at a bar and was underwhelmed. Just not that great of a beer.
No reason to be disappointed by the facts.
SN Celebration Ale is definitely one of my favorites. I also like the Bad Elf series when I can find it.
Hey, when did Denny St. Hubbins come along? I liked the old hippie photo better. ;D 