Today’s pick comes from White Birch Brewing in New Hampshire, a relatively new brewery (the state’s “first nano-brewery” brewing on a seven barrel system): their Holiday Ale. This is a limited run that they are bottling, hand-dipping in wax, and doing something unique with the labels:

White Birch Brewing is pleased to announce that we will again be selling our Holiday Ale featuring a customizable To and From label. Each 22 ounce bottle will be hand dipped in wax. This is a once a year opportunity to be able to customize the label on our beer.

Q: How do I get a bottle?
A: If your interested in purchasing a bottle(s) of Holiday Ale 2010 please email us to reserve your bottle(s). Be sure to include your custom To and From message(s).

Q: When and where can I get my Holiday Ale 2010?
A: Bottles will be ready for pick up at the brewery only on Saturday, December 18, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Q: Will you ship orders?
A: No, we are not able to ship beer. All orders must be picked up at the brewery on Saturday, December 18, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The beer itself is an English-style Barleywine (one of my favorite styles!) which should make for a great Christmas surprise under the tree—particularly with the custom “To” label.

(I’ve listed the ratings for their Barrel Aged Barley Wine below, which should be similar, at 10.8% ABV.)

BeerAdvocate: A-. RateBeer: 3.67/5.