Today’s pick is only available on tap from one of my favorite Oregon breweries: Bad Santa from the Pelican Pub & Brewery in Pacific City. It’s an "India Black Ale" (or Black IPA), the relatively-newish style that blends the roasty, dark malts from something like a Schwarzbier with the Northwest sensibilities of an India Pale Ale—lots of hops and sturdy malt backbone.

Bad Santa is 6.7% alcohol by volume and is described thusly:

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout the Brewers at Pelican are telling you why, Bad Santa has arrived. This mysterious dark elixir is filled with complex malt flavors and aromas with toasted malt and roast character blending seamlessly to the alluring herbal hop aroma that comes from copious amounts of Fuggle hops. Bad Santa doesn’t care if you’ve been naughty or nice, he wants this beer on your list.

Getting your hands on some of this beer means a trip to the Oregon Coast. But trust me, it’s totally worth it.

BeerAdvocate grade: A- (1 review). RateBeer score: 3.9/5.