Avon Brewing Co.’s Christmas MiraCLE
Why we love it: Sitting down with a fresh pour of this gold medal-winning blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and local honey ($8) feels like winning a major award. “It’s Christmas in a glass,” says Mathias Hauck, head brewer and owner. “It’s one of the best beers in the area.” Try this: The bourbon barrel-aged Christmas MiraCLE ($10), which sat in Cleveland Whiskey barrels for nine months, will be tapped this year. Various Locations, 440-937-1816, avonbrewingcompany.com
Blue Monkey Brewing Co.’s Merry Monkey Christmas Ale
Why we love it: An exclusive to this North Royalton brewery’s taproom, the flavors of honey, imported cinnamon and ginger root will have you going bananas for this seasonal glass of Christmas flavor ($7). Try this: Want to hang around for more beer without having to leave for dinner? Blue Monkey welcomes you to have your own food delivered to the taproom or bring a snack. 5540 Wallings Road, North Royalton, 440-628-9152, bluemonkeybrewing.com
Boss Dog Brewing Co.’s Uncle Knuckle’s Christmas Ale
Why we love it: This brewery is a Cleveland Heights favorite, and its Christmas Ale ($6.50) is no exception. This beer lends itself to the classic spiced flavors of Christmas like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Try this: Visit on the weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Browns Brunch, featuring dishes like the Stefanski Special, Polish kielbasa, coleslaw and fries with barbecue sauce ($12). 2179 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-2337, bossdogbrewing.com
Broadview Brewing Co.’s Holiday in Belgium
Why we love it: It’s the best of both worlds at this Broadview Heights brewery, where you can enjoy the classic Holiday in Belgium ($7) for a darker taste or, for those who prefer something on the lighter side, the Milk and Cookies Golden Ale ($7) is a new holiday offering this year. Try this: Visit the brewery Dec. 15 to enjoy a night of farmhouse porch decor making with a complimentary pint of beer. 4001-A Towpath Road, Broadview Heights, 440-627-6017, broadviewbrewingcompany.com
Collision Bend Brewing Co.’s 8 Crazy NightsWhy we love it: This blend of honey, pressed apples and spices ($5.50-$11.99) is available all winter and celebrates the traditions of Hanukkah with a nod to the comedic stylings of Adam Sandler. “It’s a little lighter in flavor than traditional Christmas beers,” says Michael Grano, founder of Collision Bend. Try this: Host your wedding festivities by booking your reception or rehearsal dinner with food, beer and great views of the Flats. 1250 River Road, Cleveland, 216-237-7879, collisionbendbrewery.com
Cornerstone Brewing’s Xmas Ale
Why we love it: This brewery caters to the East and West sides of Cleveland. You can snag a glass of its classic spiced holiday ale ($6) at its flagship Berea location or its 2009-opened Madison brewery. Each boasts a unique lineup of both beer and food. Try this: Enjoy all the bar food favorites from brewer's pretzels ($9.99) to buffalo chicken dip ($10.99) to fried pickles ($8.99). For dinner, enjoy the lemon basil salmon ($17.99). Various Locations, cornerstonebrewing.com
Fat Head’s Brewery’s Pimp My Sleigh
Why we love it: Why deck the halls when you can pimp out a sleigh? The Belgian blend ($7), loved regionally, boasts deep red color thanks to the fruit, spice and fig blend from this famed brewery that got its start in Pittsburgh (but we’ll overlook that in the spirit of Christmas). Try this: Fat Heads is doling out twice the joy this season. For some holiday variety, also pick up the Holly Jolly Christmas Ale ($6.50), which is on the sweeter side. Various Locations, 216-898-0242, fatheads.com
Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s Christmas Ale
Why we love it: The OG that started it all. This Cleveland gem ($12.99) celebrates 30 years this season, and we’re willing to bet that Saint Nick himself will take an extra stop in The Land to snag a glass (it’s not drinking and driving if the reindeer are in charge). Try this: If you just can't get enough, try the Christmas Ale Burger ($20), two patties on brioche filled up with pepper jack cheese, pickled red onion and Christmas Ale glaze. 2516 Market Ave., Cleveland, 216-771-4404, greatlakesbrewing.com
Hoppin’ Frog Brewery’s Frosted Frog Christmas Ale
Why we love it: For 14 years now, Hoppin’ Frog has been named to the top 100 brewers in the world. Its signature holiday ale ($8) is a mix of dark beer flavor with holiday spice, capturing what the brand calls the “essence of Christmas.” Try this: Hop on over for a Sunday brunch at the tasting room with offerings like the jalapeno cheddar biscuits and gravy ($11) or the breakfast burger ($16) with brewer-suggested beer pairings.1680 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, 234-525-3764, hoppinfrog.com
Market Garden Brewery’s Festivus Holiday Ale
Why we love it: Calling all Seinfeld fans, this brewpub has been serving up this nod to the show about nothing ($7) since its inception in 2011, adding a little twist to Christmas. “We caramelize some of the unfermented beer," says head brewer Andy Tveekrem. “The caramelization gives it a little extra smoothness.” Try this: Come in and drink some beer, see the Festivus pole and air your grievances to all who will listen.1946 West 25th St., Cleveland, 216-621-4000, marketgardenbrewery.com
Masthead Brewing Co.’s Sleigh All Day IPA
Why we love it: Just like trimming the tree and baking cookies for Santa, this beer ($6-$11.99 )is all the best parts of Christmas. With hops, spruce tips and a malt base, this is the perfect drink to crack open by the fire or around the Christmas Eve dinner table. Try this: Make Masthead part of a night on the town. The 300-seat brewery features Neapolitan-style pizzas ($11-$15) that will make you forget about the cold weather raging outside.1261 Superior Ave., Cleveland, 216-206-6176, mastheadbrewing.com
Platform Brewing’s South Pole Elf
Why we love it: This blend ($7) is naughty and nice with sweet cookie spice that ensures the South Pole has come to play. A crowd favorite from the company’s 2014-opened tap room, with more than 100 seats and a couple dozen house favorites, there’s plenty of room to come in and celebrate. Try this: Grab a bite to eat, too, such as the Knotty By Nature Bavarian Pretzel ($10) or a Smokehouse Flatbread pizza ($12). 4125 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-202-1386, platformbeer.co
Railroad Brewing Co.’s Santa Sighting
Why we love it: This 7.2% ABV blend of Belgian yeast, ginger, vanilla and cinnamon ($7) will have you thinking you saw the man in red flying high over the city. This blend of holiday tradition coupled with a kid-friendly brewery atmosphere makes for the perfect holiday night. Try this: Visit Railroad Brewing Co. and get into the holiday spirit at the same time on Dec. 3 at Brewer’s Eve in Lorain. 1010 Center Road, Avon, 440-723-8234, railroadbrewingcompany.com
Saucy Brew Works' Three Ho’s Christmas Ale
Why we love it: Jolly and red like St. Nick himself, the Three Ho’s ale ($7) at this Cleveland favorite brewery is loaded with holiday flavor composed of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Just spicy enough for a good time that won’t land you on the naughty list. Try this: If spice isn’t your favorite flavor, try the best-selling Juicy ASAP ($6) or Love you, Bye ($8) for something a bit lighter and fruitier. 12885 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-666-2568, saucybrewworks.com
Schnitz Ale Brewery’s Elise Navidad Winter Ale
Why we love it: Named for one of the owner’s daughters, Elise Navidad ($6)is something sweet. Heavy on the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s a personal taste preference of head brewer Jerome Moore. “You just play around with spices and try to think of what is good,” he says. “We didn’t put a lot of ginger in it because I’m not a huge fan.” Try this: Book space for your Christmas gathering at this Parma brewery, where you can share Elise Navidad with a side of German style fare with friends. 5729 Pearl Road, Parma, 440-340-4353, schnitzalebrewery.com
Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.’s 12 Dogs of Christmas
Why we love it: This refreshing treat ($12.99) should be enjoyed far longer than just 12 days. Honey, spices and “Santa’s secret recipe” make this sweet holiday blend available both in bottles and on draft at The Taphouse just outside of Akron’s downtown. Try this: Not sure what to try? Sample four on-tap beers in a flight served on a bone fit for the Thirsty Dog itself. 587 Grant St., Akron, 234-571-1456, thirstydog.com
