Atlanta’s craft breweries are in the giving mood this holiday season. The beer makers have responded to the cold, dark days with fittingly similar brews, as stouts, porters, and brown ales have officially replaced the summer’s hoppy and citrus-infused flavors.
Whether it’s a last-minute gift, a way to combat the gloomy weather, or a means of surviving upcoming family gatherings, there are lots of reasons to try these local winter seasonals.
Photograph courtesy of Reformation Brewery
Reformation Brewery’s Scout the Storyteller
Reformation calls this winter beer a “festive stout,” and it’s easy to see why. Made with fresh ginger, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, this limited edition offering is just about as close as you can—or may want to—get to drinking a gingerbread house. The beer is available at the brewery and in cans throughout metro Atlanta while supplies last. 500 Arnold Mill Way, Woodstock, 678-341-0828
Photograph courtesy of Sweetwater Brewing Co.
SweetWater Brewing Company’s Festive Ale
SweetWater brews this limited release ale only one day per year, but rest assured the beer—which is hoppier than a typical winter stout, but still contains festive spices such as cinnamon and mace—is available through December. Find it at liquor and grocery stores throughout Atlanta, as well as at select locations around the Southeast. 195 Ottley Drive NE, 404-691-2537
Photograph courtesy of Creature Comforts
Creature Comforts Brewing Co.’s Koko Buni
Creature Comforts’s answer to the standard milk porter, this winter seasonal is rich in flavor and brewed with coconut, cocoa nibs, and coffee sourced from Athens-based roaster 1000 Faces. The beer is available in both Athens and Atlanta from now through February. 271 W. Hancock Avenue, Athens, 706-410-1043
Photograph courtesy of Arches Brewing
Arches Brewing’s Winter’s Night
Arches’ take on the Munich Dunkel has exactly the type of smooth, malt-heavy flavor you’d expect from a traditional European lager. The beer, which packs a respectable-yet-palatable ABV of 5.5 percent, is the perfect way to end—or start—a long, cozy evening. The Winter’s Night is available at select restaurants and package stores throughout the city, including Hampton + Hudson, Leon’s Full Service, and My Friend’s Growler Shop. 3361 Dogwood Drive, Hapeville, 678-653-2739
Photograph courtesy of Monday Night Brewing
Monday Night Brewing’s Cinnamon Cocoa Drafty Kilt
A wintertime revision to a year-round favorite, this chocolate and spice-infused scotch ale is available starting on December 21. You can try pick up cans of this seasonal offering at the brewery, where it will also served on draft. 670 Trabert Avenue NW, 404-352-7703
Photograph courtesy of Wild Heaven Beer
Wild Heaven Beer’s Ode to Mercy
Filled with coffee, oak, and hints of citrus, this brown ale is the perfect companion to a warm wintertime dinner—the brewery suggests pairing it with a hearty dish such as prime rib or Kielbasa. Wild Heaven’s taproom will be pouring the seasonal brew well into January, and four-pack cans are available citywide. 135 Maple Street, Decatur, 404-997-8589
