Christmas in July!

July 8, 6:25 PMCleveland Craft Beer ExaminerKaren Bujak

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We craft beer lovers are lucky. Christmas comes twice a year! We don't have to wait until Christmas in December for our spicy beers and winter warmers, because many area breweries and pubs feature holiday beers in July. They are just too good to have only once a year! One of my favorites and the winner of the best spice beer in the Midwest in the United States Beer Tasting Championship’s 15th annual Winter Competition, the Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs of Christmas is in your favorite good beer store right now and on sale at the brewery on “Thirsty Thursdays” throughout July. Bring your growlers! The Bier Markt in Ohio City had their “Christmas in Ju…. ne” already featuring the ever popular Great Lakes Christmas Ale and a few Belgian Christmas offerings, but never fear, July isn’t over yet and there’s more to come.

Christmas in July starts July 24 at the Buckeye Beer Engine and will feature (on draft) favorites such as Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, St. Bernardus Christmas Ale, Great Divide Hibernation Ale, Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale, Heavy Seas Winter Storm, Avery Old Jubilation, Affligem Noel, and Delirium Noel. They should have enough Christmas ales to last the weekend, but get there early for the best selection and to ensure you get some!

Great Lakes Brewing Company's annual Christmas In July party is scheduled for Monday, July 27 from 7 -9 PM in their tasting room. It’s $15 per person and tickets are required in advance. With your ticket you will get light appetizers, Christmas cookies, Christmas music and decorations, and entry into the white elephant raffle for GLBC merchandise. Check their website for details. What, no mention of Christmas Ale? They couldn’t have a Christmas party without Christmas ale, could they? But they ARE calling their new Independence Ale the Christmas Ale of summer. The Independence Ale is an American red ale with a rich influence of hops and malt flavors, a dark reddish hue, and an exquisite aftertaste.

Also joining in the Christmas in July phenomenon is the Roadhouse in Medina. They have their Wild Bill spiced ale on tap this month also. Fat Head's in North Olmsted has Fat Head's Christmas Ale on tap now. AND... all Winking Lizard locations will be tapping Great Lakes Christmas Ale kegs on Friday, July 24 for a night of Christmas revelry including the decorations and the Christmas cookies. You might even see Santa Claus!

 So... enjoy and Merry Christmas in July!