Today’s pick comes from western Massachusetts’ Berkshire Brewing Company: their rye barleywine, Holidale. This beer is released annually around Thanksgiving and lasts until it’s gone.

A rye barleywine, you wonder? Yes indeed; this is from the full label (not pictured):

This reddish copper colored Barely Wine Style Ale is brewed with Pale, Crystal, Dark Wheat and Rye malts. Medium bodied and smooth, caramel and spicy rye flavors emerge quickly. Citrus and peppery hop flavors arrive, followed by lingering hop bitterness from Northern Brewer and Fuggles hops. Whether getting you through the holiday hustle and bustle, or being sipped with family and friends, we welcome you to enjoy our special holiday offering all season long.

The rye contributes to the spiciness of this beer, and I would guess to the color: Holidale pours a deep reddish hue. Spicy and red, sounds like a great Christmas beer to me. And at 9.5% alcohol by volume, it’s sure to keep you comfortably warm while the snow is falling outside.

BeerAdvocate: B+. RateBeer: 3.41/5, 80th percentile.