Holiday beers: something to celebrate

Sometimes these winter beers can be hard to find, so I have included the name and phone number of their Baltimore-area distributors, who can refer you to a store that carries the beer.

WINTER BEER FAVORITES

Domestic

Clipper City Winter Storm

$9.29 a six-pack. Republic National Distributing Co., 410-724-3300.

Rich and complex, this ruddy ale is loaded with malt and hops, yet keeps the two in perfect balance.

Clay Pipe Pursuit of Happiness Winter Warmer

$9.99 a six-pack. Bond Distributing Co., 410-945-5600.

This had an intriguing mix of vanilla, pine and hops.

Allagash Grand Cru

$8.99 a four-pack. Dops Inc., 301-839-8650.

Smooth, almost creamy, this brew was laced with pleasing orange and vanilla flavors.

Southern Tier Old Man Winter Ale

$8.99 a six-pack. Legends Ltd., 410-325-6611, says its supply is sold out.

This is a muted and rounded old ale with a tight hop finish. Clean and balanced.

Victory Hop Wallop

$10.59 a six-pack. Dops Inc., 301-839-8650.

This robust ale is a hop-head's Christmas fantasy.

Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout

$9.29 a six-pack. Dops Inc., 301-839-8650.

An imperial stout, here's a beauty with chocolate and espresso notes.

Smuttynose Winter Ale

$8.49 a six-pack. Dops Inc., 301-839-8650.

This is a light-brown, mellow ale with Belgian leanings.

Redhook Winterhook Ale

$7.99 a six-pack. Winner Distributing Co., 410 282-1600.

The piney aromas of this beer remind me of a Christmas tree. The ale also sports floral hops and sweet roasted malt.

Belgium

Klein Duimpje Kerstbier

$14.99 for 750 milliliters. Dops Inc., 301-839-8650.

The name roughly translates, I am told, into Tom Thumb's Christmas beer. It is a rich brew artfully laced with the flavors of raisins and dark sugar.

De Proef Kerstmutske

$12.99 for 750 milliliters. Dops Inc., 301-839-8650.

This is a dark, rich brew with licorice flavor. It is a good brew to sip by the fire.

De Le Senne Zinnebir

$12.99 for 750 milliliters. Dops Inc., 301-839-8650.

Oranges in beer? Somehow, it works.

English

Ridgeway Lump of Coal

$6.49 for a 16.9-ounce bottle. Dops Inc., 301-839-8650.

This dark ale has just the right mix of chocolate malt and coffee notes.

Ridgeway Santa's Butt

$5.49 for a 16.9-ounce bottle. Dops Inc., 301-839-8650.

Dark, and toasted, this is a coffee lover's beer.

Samuel Smith Winter Warmer

$4.49 for 18.7 ounces. Reliable Churchill, 410-439-5000.

Tart and toasty, this has a good malt body.