Up in the small Washington town of Gig Harbor (the “gateway to the Olympic Peninsula”) lives 7 Seas Brewing, open a year and a half and selling their beer in cans around the Seattle and Puget Sound area. This year they released Santa’s Smokin’ Winter Warmer, a 7.5% holiday ale that just debuted this week.

Our take on a Smoked Porter, 7 Seas-style. For this special holiday brew we combine malts from Germany, Britain, Canada and the US to create a globally inspired beer based on the principles of love and good humanity towards our neighbors. Santa’s Smokin’ ale displays a rich depth of malt accented by a subtle smoky note. Hopped with Centennial, Glacier, and Willamettes, a delicate bitterness brings the bold malt and warming alcohol into balance. Pair Santa’s Smokin’ ale with a variety of rich holiday foods, cheers!

I’m a big fan of smoked beers and something about this one makes me think of sitting by the fireplace on Christmas Eve, with snow drifting down outside the window, listening for sleigh bells. Of course, that could well be suggested by the label’s charming artwork, which I like the more I look at it.

But remember to put out that fireplace before Santa arrives!