Five Below: Five Beers That Won't Break the Bank This Christmas

by Jane Adams

    I am a big fan of craft beer. In fact, over this past Thanksgiving weekend, I went to Westy's Beer Distributor in Mechanicsburg, PA and marveled at the many selections with the same gleam of awe as if I was meandering through a fine art museum. As I stood there and pondered the numerous appealing choices facing me, I was struck by the thought that, although immensely tempted, perhaps I didn't want to blow all my holiday cash on these specialty brews.

    In past years I have splurged for a single case of beer for Christmas and have sometimes paid over $50; but rarely more.

        But with the recent increase in craft beer and holiday selections offered by smaller American breweries, I really feel there is little need to splurge in the same manner as years past and pump the profits of some far-off obscure Belgium monastery or international beer importer. This year I have decided to limit my selections to cases under $35 and support American Breweries... and I figure this decision will be mutually beneficial financially.
       
        For the holidays ~ in my personal opinion ~ you don't want anything too alcoholic, as well as anything too dark or too heavy. I prefer something fruity, but not too much so; something that's sweet, but doesn't taste like grape soda. I lean towards a holiday beer that is not so heavy that it makes me feel bloated after a heavy grazing or a holiday meal, and I absolutely prefer one that doesn't make me too loopy to talk to long lost relatives.   

    So with my preferential parameters set, here are my picks for this holiday season ~ five American beers that should cost you less than thirty-five bucks a case. And of course, rest assured that I have personally taste-tested each one for quality control!

Session American Lager or Black Lager
Full Sail Independent Brewing Company - OREGON

Smooth and easy to drink. 

Served in cute little retro bottles, this non-assuming beer has won numerous awards, including Top Beer of 2013 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. 

And with playful little pictures of a rock, paper, or scissors under each cap, drinking entertainment abounds. 

A bargain at about $30 a case.

Flying Dog Underdog Amber Ale Cans
MARYLAND

Okay, I never thought I would say this but... "I am becoming increasingly enamored of craft beer in cans." There. I said it.

Portable, easy to transport, they fit in the cooler easier alongside the side dishes and leftovers, and best yet, they don't break on the long trip to Grandma's house.  

This beer is not too fizzy, yet has ample malty flavor and body. It has sturdy six-pack holders and interesting graphics by renowned illustrator, Ralph Steadman, who collaborated with Hunter S. Thompson.

Magic Hat No. 9 Cans
VERMONT. 

Again, an excellent pick in cans. This apricot wheat ale is a whole lot lighter and clearer than most wheat ales, but goes down well with anything.

Yuengling Porter
PENNSYLVANIA

A lesser known, but much more seasoned and older cousin of Yuengling Lager, this Porter is smooth and easy to drink. It has a lower alcohol content than many holiday beers and is a  bargain for around $25 a case.

Sly Fox Brewing Company Holiday Ale Cans
PENNSYLVANIA

Flavored with nutmeg and cinnamon, with undertones of ginger, has medium carbonation, and exudes smells that remind one of the holidays.

Honorable Mention...

Troeg's La Grave
PENNSYLVANIA

Okay, so this one is probably cheating. The actual case is about $60, but 4-packs are available for about $15 each. Looks like a champagne bottle with the fancy cork and the Belgium ale has a higher carbonation and alcohol content which makes it feel more like a special holiday treat. A good beer to save for a special occasion.

Al's Small Growler.

Al's of Hampden has smaller growlers of only 32 oz. each, which equals two pints. It's a perfect way to taste test a smaller batch of an unusual beer for less than $20 a growler.

And If You Can Find Them...

Uinta  HooDoo
UTAH

One of my absolute favorites, and again, it's hard to find.  

Evidently Uinta is becoming popular ~ fast!  
And the resulting jump in sales probably means that less is available as the brewery makes strides to meet production.
I love the taste, graphics, and story of this brewery, which also offers organic selections. If Hoodoo is not available, pick up a mix-pack case as all the flavors are excellent and holiday mix packs include a stout too.

Shiner Holiday Cheer
TEXAS

This lightly sweet holiday has hints of pecan and peach. It's one of my favorites, but it's hard for me to find because Shiner is not readily available in Pennsylvania. In fact, the only place I have found it is Route 15 Beverage Express and when I went by there this past weekend, a nice gentleman who appeared to be an owner or manager said he had just sold the last case - to himself. 
Again, it's a wonderful choice, if you can get it (I can't believe I am revealing this, as it will probably further cut down the inventory!).