It’s probably no surprise that for the Beer Advent Calendar I keep track of various seasonally appropriate holidays, observances, and anniversaries for the month of December and plan Advent beer picks around those days. What does December 6 hold? Not only is it St. Nicholas Day today (particularly in European countries), but it was also on this date in 1964 that the television holiday special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer aired in the United States.

That holiday program holds a special place in many people’s hearts, so for today’s Advent pick I chose a reindeer-themed beer as a nod to Rudolph, Hermey, Yukon Cornelius, the Misfit Toys, and more: Reindeer Games Bavarian IPA from Clown Shoes Beer.

Reindeer Games is found in Clown Shoes’ The 12 Beers of Christmas mixed pack, and is 7% alcohol by volume. You may wonder just what a “Bavarian IPA” is; the (somewhat terse) description says:

Yes we all know what the Super Bowl of the reindeer is…but did you know they also have an Olympics?

Beautiful, malt-forward and red-hued IPA that is crafted with both German and American hops and malts.

It’s essentially a German IPA; Munich malt gives the beers it’s reddish color, and the hops are Saaz, Mandarina, and Mosaic. The German influence ties in nicely with St. Nicholas Day so it’s a dual-purpose holiday beer!

Find Clown Shoes Reindeer Games Bavarian IPA on:

• Clown Shoes Beer Finder
• Untappd
• BeerAdvocate
• Facebook