Beer and Cheer: Alaskan Winter Ale

Alaskan Winter Ale
Alaskan Brewing Company
Juneau, Alaska

Get ready for something different when you drink one of these, something different and something delicious. Although I normally don't like fruit-flavored beers, pine needles are a different story, and that's what the company says goes into this ale. The distinctive taste is very clean and seems to complement the malts, giving the beer a honey-like feel. Although it doesn't pack the punch of the big winter warmers, I buy it whenever I can find it, just like it's distant cousin, Alaskan Smoked Porter. - Jonathan Shikes

Craft breweries in Colorado and across the country make seasonal beers all year round, but the best of the best come out in the final three months. To see reviews of my other favorites, check out our Booze News blog archive.