Every year in December, I run my Beer Advent Calendar feature with a new holiday- or winter-themed beer revealed each day. If possible, I like to run a Chanukah (Hanukkah) themed beer to observe the Jewish festival, but there are few Hanukkah beers available. Portland’s Lompoc Brewing brewed 8 Malty Nights, for instance, but is now closed. Fortunately, Leikam Brewing is filling that void with its Maccabeer, a certified kosher winter IPA for the holiday.

Leikam just hosted the release party for Maccabeer yesterday, and the beer is available now. Here are details from the press release:

One of the few examples of Chanukah beers available, Leikam Brewing will be releasing their 2019 Maccabeer, Wednesday, November 20th on draft at a festive release party from 6:30-8:00 at Leikam Brewing [pardon the timing –ed.]. The Maccabeer will be available at the taproom and throughout the Portland area at fine beer establishments. If you are interested in carrying the 2019 Maccabeer, please contact High Road Distribution at (971) 221-7824.

This Winter IPA will generate funds to support the House That Beer Built, a partnership between Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East and local craft breweries. Together, we’re celebrating the strength and creativity of Portland’s community-minded craft beer industry while funding affordable homeownership opportunities in Portland.

Often mislabeled as the Jewish Christmas, Chanukah is an eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication”. In the second century BCE, the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), tried to force the Jews to accept Greek culture and beliefs and destroyed the Holy Temple. Against all odds, a small band of faithful but poorly armed Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated the Greeks and reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This year Chanukah begins Sunday, December 22nd at sundown.

About Leikam Brewing:
Founded in 2014, Leikam Brewing is a certified kosher, community-centered, family owned and operated 5BBL brewery. Production still takes place in the backyard of Sonia Marie and Theo Leikam’s Southeast Portland home. In the future, production will move to the Burnside Taproom at 5812 East Burnside.

Leikam Brewing is committed to giving back and the principle of tikkun olam or repairing the world. A portion of the profits from our beers support nonprofit organizations we are committed to. Our beers currently benefit:

• Habitat for Humanity
• iAct– empowering those affected by mass atrocities
• Le Monde French Immersion Public School
• Oregon Justice Resource Center- criminal justice reform
• Oregon Wild– protecting our public land
• Pink Boots Society-empowering women beer professionals
• Raphael House of Portland– supporting survivors of violence

Learn more at www.leikambrewing.com.

About The House That Beer Built:
The House That Beer Built is a partnership between Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East and local craft breweries and beer-related business. Proceeds of this beer will provide an amazing family a home in Portland’s vibrant and diverse Cully neighborhood. Join us and help make the dream of homeownership a reality for local families in need of a decent place to live.

The charity fundraising angle is great and perfect for the holidays. Maccabeer Winter IPA is 6.3% abv and available in the Portland area now.