Beer and Cheer: Santa's Private Reserve

Santa's Private Reserve
Rogue Ales
Newport, Oregon

If you've been bad this year, Santa will bring you a six-pack of Miller Chill. If you've been good, he'll put a bomber bottle of Santa's Private Reserve in your stocking.

The perfect present for any hop-head, this dark red beer from Rogue Ales in Oregon is a far cry from the traditional malty winter warmers that many breweries release in the colder months. Heavy on the hops, but with a slight roasty nose, it has a fantastic bite and a head as fluffy and white as old Saint Nick's beard. - 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.