Taking a break from our usual Barrel-Aged December, we round up five festive beers that'll help make the holidays go down a lot easier. We span styles to appreciate the mostly-local lineup and their different seasonal inspirations while narrowing down our picks for what to bring to that work holiday party or extended family gathering. Also, we're learning language from musicians, we find a beer more rare than King Henry II, Ryan's inventing the next red hot beer gift, and Craig becomes a sometimes-seasonal Beer'd Al.

Beers Reviewed

Goldfinger Brewing - Winter Beer (Rye Lager)

Art History Brewing - Wenceslas (Bohemian-Style Dark Lager)

Hop Butcher for the World - Holiday Train (IPA w/ Rooibos tea, ginger, cinnamon, almonds, pistachios, and orange peel)

Brouwerij St.Bernardus - Christmas Ale (Winter Ale)

Pipeworks Brewing Company - Rudolph vs. Unicorn (Imperial Stout w/ peppermint, vanilla, cacao nibs, and lactose)