We're counting down to Christmas with 12 beers that resonate with the feel of the holiday. Some beers were nice; some beers were naughty. This is The 12 Beers of Christmas. Enjoy!

Yesterday’s brew, the Seriously Bad Elf, was more of one you might get as a stocking stuffer or maybe to enjoy over a meal. Today, something more affordable and just as delicious: Sierra Nevada’s Celebration Ale. In my mind, I have this preconception that bigger breweries brew beer that is maybe not quite as tasty as what the small guys are putting out. Sierra Nevada has proved my wrong again! Their Celebration Ale is great and a perfect selection for a hoppy New Year.

This really is a beer to celebrate with. It’s a reddish amber with lots of carbonation, resulting in a frothy head with good retention, and it was not as dark as I had expected. I have constantly been surprised by how light these Christmas beers are. The nose was light and floral with a touch of fruit to it, a perfect prelude to the beer itself. At 6.8% ABV, the celebration was not too boozy in taste, but there is enough in there to warm you up. Maybe not at these sub-zero temperatures we’re seeing in Montana, but in Chico, I’m sure its fine. The ale was a full-bodied, well-rounded, smooth hop beer. Not overly sweet, but filling and with a bit of a fruity finish.

Sierra Nevada’s Celebration ale is definitely a beer worth celebrating (with). I can see myself picking up a few more of these to share with friends through the holiday season. Happy drinking, and don’t forget to tune in tomorrow for the third beer of Christmas!