The idea of holly jolly holidays—where Santa kisses babies and families gather for cordial conversations around candlelit tables—only exists in movies and Campbell’s soup commercials. In real life, you’re entering survival mode as your woke cousin yells about politics with your drunk uncle (drunkle) in a Santa suit. We’ve got a little remedy to take the edge off: beer. Give yourself or that special someone jolly in a bottle this year with seven seasonal Chicago brews. We can’t promise a happier holiday, but conveniently, most of these limited-editions come in large-format packaging, and we won’t judge if you keep them to yourself.
Most are sold at Binny’s unless otherwise noted, but supporting your local corner store is highly encouraged. As seasonals tend to go fast, call ahead first. Retail prices are listed but could differ per location.
Arcade Brewery Winter Slayer oat wine ale
9.1 percent ABV, 22-ounce bomber, $10.99
For those of you who think there’s absolutely nothing metal about oatmeal raisin cookies, think again, because this beery confection, with notes of winter fruit and molasses on the nose, is here to slay your holiday fears with heroic abandon.
Spiteful Brewing Jingle Balls winter ale
7.6 percent ABV, 22-ounce bomber, $8.99
Cinnamon, nutmeg, a touch of banana bread aromas—the only thing this winter warmer’s missing is the sadistic gratification of biting off the head of a grinning gingerbread man.
Illuminated Brew Works Pazuzu’s Pedals farmhouse porter
6.3 percent ABV, 25-ounce bottle, $8.99
There’s just something about the holidays that brings out those head-spinning demonic beings in all of us. But armed with black cardamom and toasted sesame aromas and bitter baker’s chocolate and smoked sage flavors, this devil’s brew should play nicely with your inner demons. Find it at Bottles & Cans, The Beer Temple, Warehouse Liquors, Vas Foremost Liquors and West Lakeview Liquors.
Off Color Brewing Hellbroth Danish-style American wild ale
6.3 percent ABV, 25-ounce bottle, $15.99
With tart cranberries that are prickly on the tongue, this thirst-quenching concoction is like a citrus-honey cup of tea at your sweet ole grandma’s house—if your sweet ole grandma is a low-key metalhead. You can also find this one at the Logan Square brewery’s bottle shop (3925 W. Dickens Ave.).
Hop Butcher for the World/DryHop Brewers Milkstachio pistachio milk stout
5.8 percent ABV, four 16-ounce cans, $12.99
Disguise your disdain for the holidays just like this collaboration has disguised a fancy pistachio-dusted dark chocolate truffle filled with creamy ganache as a beer. Draft Magazine included the stuff in its top 25 beers of the year, and you can also get a 32-ounce can of it (pictured) for $9 at DryHop (3155 N. Broadway).
Middle Brow Beer Co. Ad Astra salted scotch ale
8.1 percent ABV, 12-ounce bottles (4-pack), $8.99
Auntie Hilda’s salty sweet honey-glazed ham is the redemptive force that keeps hungry relatives showing up against their will. But consider staying home this year because this smokey, caramely sudser is the liquid equivalent (and not lacking in holiday spirit, as some proceeds of the collaboration beer with indie rock band Deerhunter benefit the Anti-Cruelty Society).
Forbidden Root Fig Dubbel
7.1 percent ABV, 22-ounce bomber, $9.99
Perhaps you don’t give a fig, but the West Town brewery gave several pounds of them to produce this creamy wine-like ale, full of pear essence and tannic goodness from fig foliage. Get it around town or straight from the source (1746 W. Chicago Ave.).
@OhItsHeather & @redeyeeatdrink on Twitter | Instagram
For more Eat & Drink news, click here.
![Four years into cannabis legalization in Illinois, celebrations of the April 20 informal weed holiday known as 420 are getting bigger and more widespread. Named for the time of day a group of friends met to get high, 420 has become a chance for marijuana users to publicly share a previously illegal drug and the counter-cultural atmosphere surrounding it. The main event in downtown Chicago likely will be the second annual 420 Sesh Fest, at Green Rose Dispensary. The party will include live music, a magic show, carnival games, food trucks, pop ups, and product discounts. It also will feature Grammy-nominated […]](https://www.chicagotribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ctc-l-Illinois-marijuana_175925141.jpg?w=546 "Four years into cannabis legalization in Illinois, celebrations of the April 20 informal weed holiday known as 420 are getting bigger and more widespread. Named for the time of day a group of friends met to get high, 420 has become a chance for marijuana users to publicly share a previously illegal drug and the counter-cultural atmosphere surrounding it. The main event in downtown Chicago likely will be the second annual 420 Sesh Fest, at Green Rose Dispensary. The party will include live music, a magic show, carnival games, food trucks, pop ups, and product discounts. It also will feature Grammy-nominated […]")
