We’ve come to the end of another holiday season. I hope you’ve enjoyed our picks for holiday beers and gift ideas as much as we’ve enjoyed bringing them to you.

Join us again November 1, 2009 when the Real Beer Holiday Blog will be back for another season of the best in beer for the holidays. If you run across another winter or holiday beer for us or a killer beer gift, feel free to drop us a line and we’ll save it for next time. Until then, Cheers!

Brewed once a year by Left Hand Brewing to fight cabin fever, this spiced strong ale uses all natural ingredients, including crushed cinnamon, honey, chopped ginger, orange zest, cardamon & cloves. Deep red in color, this medium-bodied beer is a winter warmer – enjoy on a cold night in front of the fireplace. Get it while it lasts!

Style: Strong Spice Ale
Color: Brown/Deep Red
ABV: 8.6%
IBUs: 16
Plato: 18.5
Malt: Premium Pale 2-Row, Munich, Crystal & Chocolate
Hops: Magnum and Saaz

Flying Dog’s K-9 Cruiser Winter Ale is the psycho in the pack. K-9 Cruiser is a dark, sweet and malty winter warmer that will captivate any adventurous craft brew drinker. A true Flying Dog original, K-9 Cruiser is the perfect brew to warm you up in those cold winter months.

ABV: 6.4%
Plato: 16
IBU’s: 30
Specialty Malts: 50/60L Crystal Malt, Chocolate Malt, Oats, Munich Malt
Hops: Millennium, U.S. Saaz

Le Baladin Noel, from Italy’s Birreria Baladin, is brewed in the tradition of an ancient winter warmer. A strong complex beer that will keep you warm during the cold months of winter and accompany any festivities.

Le Baladin Noel’s is an ale with an incredible complexity of aromas: flowery of rose, hint of dried fruits, caramel tasting, banana, cherry, plum, toffee, cocoa, licorice and peppery notes. Excellent with black chocolate, a glass of Nöel is perfect for a special night.

Otter Creek Winter Ale became available in November and will continue to be around through January. The new special release is a smooth brown ale, with a touch of raspberry. Rich and toasty with a warming body and light hops, this will be a malty and perfectly fruited beer- very appealing and comforting. Just right for wintertime.