This is the first year I’ve highlighted McMenamins‘ seasonal offering, Kris Kringle, and even though you can find it all over the Pacific Northwest—if you’re near a McMenamins, that is—you can only find it here. This is a brewpub-only beer.

Each year’s version of this is a bit different—I don’t know if they tweak the recipe, or if it just varies naturally based on variables and locations—but this year’s offering is really good, I think the best version I’ve had yet. The description they provide:

This "winter warmer" highlights the rich, toasty, aromatic and roast malt flavors and is subtly spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. It is a medium-bodied, well-balanced ale with a garnet amber color.

The spices are blended really well without being overwhelming. The beer is 5.81% alcohol by volume, and it’s available on tap at all McMenamins establishments throughout December.

BeerAdvocate score: only 1 review; 3.6/5. RateBeer score: 3.25/5, 60th percentile.